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DHS Secretary Napolitano Calls For Vigilance

September 20, 2011

by: Laurie Johnson

With the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 still fresh in our minds — Houston has a new initiative to report suspicious activity. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano came to Houston to announce the new "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.
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Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano

Flanked by Houston Mayor Annise Parker on one side and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the other, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano called on citizens to take an active role in the nation's security.

"Our own citizenry, our own people oftentimes are the best source of information. And if there's a way for them to get information to the proper authorities, it increases our level of safety."

The "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign includes a website and tip line where people can report suspicious activity. Napolitano says it enables citizens to be vigilant but not live in fear.

"And time and time again, we have seen real examples of this kind of vigilance. The Times Square bomber was mentioned. That was a street vendor who recognized a vehicle that was out of place, prevented a bombing that could have injured or killed many."

Mayor Parker says Houston Police officers will be in charge of filtering the tips that come in.

"And our analysts within the police department with filter through the information, they'll share it with the other agencies, and then make the call from there."

Houston is the first large metropolitan region to adopt the campaign.

To report suspicious activity, visit the Houston Make the Call Website or call 1-855-iWatch4.

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