“I encourage all New Yorkers to remain alert and report any suspicious activity, while at the same time not letting this disrupt their daily lives”. On Monday, Cuomo unveiled a new mobile app effort created to bolster New York’s “ability to fight terrorism”.
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The app is available for iPhone and Android, meaning the governor himself-a known Blackberry owner-will be unable to use it.
A spokesman for the NY State Police said via email that this new, post-ISIS flood of photo intelligence into New York’s fusion center will be handled according to existing federal guidelines [PDF].
Dubbed the “See Something, Send Something”, campaign, the app is available by download and will allow people to send a photo or written note to the state Intelligence Center, where its credibility can be reviewed and referred to the proper law enforcement agency.
Beyond reporting unattended bags or bulky jackets, it’s unclear what forms of suspicious activity should be reported using the app. Everyone’s different, as is everyone’s definition of suspicious activity.
“Your tip could provide valuable information that could prevent a tragedy”, D’Amico said. “Citizens have an obligation to report suspicious activity if they see something out of the ordinary or something that may have the potential to harm others”, said John Melville, commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
The slogan “If you see something, say something” was created by advertising firm Korey Kay & Partners in the wake of 9/11 for the MTA, which copyrighted and licensed it to 54 different agencies around the world.
Cuomo also announced yesterday that the MTA is hiring 46 cops to boost the counterterrorism capacity of public transportation, including at the Grand Central and Penn rail stations.
Be aware of what is going on around you, including suspicious or out of place individuals, vehicles, mail, packages; or luggage abandoned in a crowded place, such as an airport of shopping mall.
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Cuomo cited Paris as the main reason for New Yorkers to be more vigilant.
