DPS asks citizens to report suspicious behavior
In the wake of the widely reported June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, the Texas Department of Public Safety called on Texans to pay close attention to what’s happening in their own communities.
DPS Director Steven McCraw on June 17 said, “Amid today’s ever-present threat of terrorism and crime, we are reminded that members of the public can be law enforcement’s greatest resource.”
And, he said, “When law enforcement and communities work together to combat crime, we are inherently more successful." He urged individuals to report illegal or suspicious behavior they see to iWATCH or to their local authorities. “By speaking up, you could save a life,” McCraw added.
The DPS-maintained iWATCH website, www.iwatchtx.org, provides citizens with a place to report tips related to criminal activity.
Examples of information the DPS considers reportable include:
- Strangers asking questions about building security features and procedures.
- Briefcase, suitcase, backpack or package is left behind.
- Cars or trucks are left in no-parking zones at important buildings.
- Chemical smells or fumes that are unusual for the location.
- People requesting sensitive information, such as blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules, without a need to know.
- Purchasing supplies that could be used to make bombs or weapons or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials; and
- Taking photographs or videos of security features, such as cameras or checkpoints.
