State Police Launch New App to Help Fight Terrorism

(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

A new smartphone application has been developed to help the Pennsylvania State Police receive reports regarding suspicious activity that may be linked to terrorism.

The new See Something, Send Something app allows suspicious activity to be captured as a photo or written note and sent to the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center (PaCIC).

“This App provides concerned citizens with an effective communications and reporting tool,” State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said. “The See Something, Send Something mobile app, developed by My Mobile Witness, sends terrorism-related tips directly to PaCIC where tips are evaluated by analysts and assigned for investigation as warranted,” Noonan said.

The application, which is available at no cost for iPhone and Android phone users, also includes information on what to look for and when to report suspicious activity, along with how to receive important alerts.

“No one knows what goes on in your neighborhood better than you,” Noonan said. “You may see or hear things that seem out of the ordinary and raise your suspicions -- if you see something suspicious taking place, report it.”

“One tip from an alert citizen can prove valuable and protect Pennsylvania from a potential terrorist act,” Noonan said.

My Mobile Witness uses patent-pending privacy protection software for safeguarding the integrity of tips and citizens’ personal information. The system allows the PaCIC to engage citizens without tracking location or storing of personal information. Submitted tips are immediately removed from the mobile device and purged from the My Mobile Witness system once delivered to the intelligence center for analysis.

Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious activity. For that reason, the public should report only suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., an unattended backpack or briefcase in a public place) rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, associations, or speech unrelated to terrorism or other criminal activity. Only reports that document behavior reasonably indicative of criminal activity related to terrorism will be shared with local, state and federal partners.

“Prevention is everyone's responsibility,” Noonan said. “We are one neighborhood, one state, one nation; and it is the responsibility of all to remain vigilant and to report suspicious behavior -- one report can make a difference.”

In addition to the new mobile app, people can call the toll-free State Police Terrorism Tip Line at 1-888-292-1919 or email tips@pa.gov to report suspicious individuals or activity.

The Pennsylvania State Police have been receiving terrorism-related tips from the public since 2003.

In the case of an immediate threat or emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Getting Involved 

You can make a difference in the fight against crime and terrorism.  The Pennsylvania State Police encourages you to provide tips that will help law enforcement authorities do their job. 

• Terrorism/Fugitive  Tip Line - 1-888-292-1919 
  The Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, established a toll-free telephone number allowing members of the public to contact the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center (PaCIC) with information relative to Pennsylvania's Homeland Security and Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious individuals or activity that may be directly or indirectly associated with terrorists or terroristic activity and to report information on individuals listed on the Pennsylvania State Police Top Ten Most Wanted poster.  Individuals reporting information will not necessarily be contacted. 

• Pennsylvania State Police Ten Most Wanted 

  The Pennsylvania State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit seeks assistance with locating individuals listed on the 

  Pennsylvania State Police Ten Most Wanted Poster online. You can also view/print the Adobe PDF Version here. 
• Drug Trafficking Tip Line - 1-877-PA-NODRUGS 
  
  Report drug traffickers in your neighborhood 24 hours a day via this toll-free hotline. 

• Megan's Law Tip Line - 1-866-771-3170 
  
  If you believe any of the information found within Pennsylvania Megan's Law registry is inaccurate, please contact the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Records and Identification, Megan's Law Section, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110. 

• Underage Drinking Tip Line - 1-888-UNDER21 

  The information obtained from this line is directed to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.  Callers, who can remain anonymous , are encouraged to provide tips about planned events involving underage drinkers or about parties already underway.  The Pennsylvania State Police refers calls that require immediate attention directly to the proper agency for whatever action that agency deems appropriate. 

• Liquor Enforcement Complaint Hotline - 1-800-932-0602 

  The Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement operates a toll-free hotline to receive complaints on Liquor Code Violations. When leaving a voice mail message, speak slowly, clearly, and provide all available information. Include name and address of licensee or speakeasy operator, days of the week or time of day the violations are occurring, or any other information that could assist the investigation. All information is kept confidential. Contact information is not required to report a violation however is requested in the event additional information is necessary.

   
  Online Complaint Form 

  The Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement also accepts complaints through an online form that can be filled out, personal information is optional. You can find the form here. 

  
  
  
• PA Crime Stoppers - 1-800-4PA-TIPS 
  After the media provides the details of a PA Crime Stoppers release, they also provide a toll-free telephone number for anyone with information to call. When an individual has information about the PA Crime Stoppers release, they can pick up the telephone and call the Crime Stoppers Hotline. The caller is assigned a special code number and not required to give a name. Instructions are given to call the hotline again at a later date to find out if the information qualifies for a cash reward. 

• Pennsylvania Amber Alert Plan 
  The Pennsylvania Amber Alert Plan (PAAP) web site is used as an additional source for a Pennsylvania Amber Alert activation. The web site is used to post updates and/or cancellations concerning an Amber Alert Activation. The information posted remains for a period of 24 hours.  The public is encouraged to register on the Amber Alert Web Site. Once registered, they will receive e-alerts, which are email messages containing the text of Amber Alert activations. Users may also register to receive Amber Alert notifications via their cellular phone.