See Something, Say Something 2018

Research conducted following the 2016-2017 See Something, Say Something campaigns concluded that total awareness has remained virtually the same. However, it also showed that reporting of suspicious sightings has dropped. In 2016, 59% of respondents who saw something reported it to authorities, and only 37% in 2017. The 2018 campaign is designed to not only drive awareness, but to increase reports made following suspicious sightings.

The campaign urges people to be alert and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious objects or activities to the proper authorities. It reinforces the idea that you shouldn’t assume others will say something, but rather, speak up yourself.

The participation of ordinary citizens is an integral part of the country's homeland security efforts. Citizens know their surroundings—neighborhoods, schools, businesses, parks and transportation systems—better than anyone and they'll notice when something seems strange or suspicious.

While public participation is vital, people often won't report suspicious situations because of the bystander effect. This is the idea that others will act in critical situations so there’s no need for us to do it ourselves. The campaign is designed to remove this fallacy by increasing awareness of the public's role, helping people determine what something suspicious might look like and providing a simple means of saying something.