Lt. Gov. Murray and DHS Secretary Napolitano Launch Transit Security Awareness Campaign

BOSTON -- Monday, March 14, 2011- Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today launched the updated, “If You See Something, Say Something” MBTA security awareness campaign during a visit to Boston’s South Station. The campaign urges the public to take an active role keeping the city and the transit system safe and secure.

“We are pleased that Secretary Napolitano has joined us to kick off this campaign," said Lieutenant Governor Murray. "By partnering with federal, state, and local agencies as well as the public, we will raise awareness and encourage all riders to take an active role in reporting suspicious behavior, as we work to keep our transit system safe for every one.”

“Our partners in Boston have long demonstrated their understanding that we each have a role to play in security,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I encourage Bostonians on the ‘T’ or anywhere else in town–if you see potentially suspicious behavior, say something to local law enforcement.”

The “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign is funded by a $1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Transit Security grant program. It promotes a collaborative effort of state and local agencies working together educating the public to be more aware of their surroundings, and report any behavior that may appear suspicious to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities. The MBTA originally adopted the campaign in 2003, based upon a campaign implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority.

“Public safety for all citizens that utilize our transit system each and every day is certainly most important above all else. This campaign allows passengers that board the subway stations and platforms to be instrumental in preventing a potential crime,” said Rep. Bill Straus, Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation. “Repeated announcements asking riders to report suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities will certainly enhance awareness for transit commuters to be continuously aware of their surroundings.”

“Safety for our customers and our employees is a top priority of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and MBTA,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. “The MBTA Transit Police and MBTA employees are on the front lines in keeping the system safe, and we depend upon the public’s assistance in this daily effort.”

“We have re-energized our message to customers reminding them to be aware of their surroundings while on the system and in our stations,” said General Manager Richard Davey. “If you see something out of the ordinary it is worth reporting.”

“Police departments have always relied on the public to give them information so they can better do their jobs. This initiative is just another way to remind the public of the importance of speaking up when they see something that just doesn’t seem right,” said MBTA Transit Chief Paul MacMillan.

The 2011 revitalized campaign uses posters and vehicle car cards along with unique elements customers may encounter during their commute to distribute the “See Something Say Something” message. MassDOT and the MBTA will also use social media including the MassDOT blog, YouTube and Twitter to ask for the public’s help.

Tips on keeping a watchful eye when in transit include the following:

Watch for backpacks, packages, or bags placed in out-of-the way locations
Watch for packages that contain attached batteries, wires, cell phones, or notes
Watch for packages that emit a suspicious cloud, mist, gas, or odor.
Watch for suspicious behavior such as individuals who abandon a package, and then hastily depart.
Watch for a group of people acting in a rehearsed manner.
Watch for people carrying spray bottles or aerosol canisters.

Please …."If You See Something, Say Something"

Call the Transit Police at 617-222-1212 or notify an MBTA employee. To report a non-emergency concern call: 1-617-222-8477 (TIPS) or 1-866-773-8368.

For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.