'See Something, Say Something' launches in L.A.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and Los Angeles World Airports announced the expansion of the nationwide "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign at historic Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, to raise public awareness and strengthen security in America in anticipation of the busy holiday travel season.

The "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign — originally implemented by New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and funded, in part, by $13 million from Department of Homeland Security's Transit Security Grant Program — engages the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.

To improve local reporting of suspicious behaviors and activities, and not individuals, the campaign uses the Los Angeles Police Department's iWATCH community reporting program. Information reported through iWATCH is kept confidential. It is carefully assessed and, if warranted, investigated by trained investigators.

All information gathered and all investigative activity is subject to strict policies designed to protect people's privacy and civil liberties.

In the coming months, the Department of Homeland Security will continue to expand the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign nationally with public education materials and outreach tools designed to engage America's businesses, communities and citizens to remain vigilant and play an active role in keeping the country safe.