Baldwin, Whitehall Residents Urged to 'See Something, Say Something, Send Something'

Allegheny County Chief of Emergency Services Alvin Henderson Jr. and Allegheny County police Superintendent Charles Moffatt urge residents to continue to remain vigilant in their communities, and if they see something, say something.

With efforts by the Pennsylvania State police, residents can now send something, too.

"With the recent explosions in Boston, we are reminded once again that we must remain vigilant and aware of what is going on around us in our communities," Henderson said. "Federal, state and local officials continue to work together with first responders and the private sector to protect our communities, but the residents are really our eyes and ears."

While many reports are for harmless items that were left behind or forgotten, Superintendent Moffatt said that that might not always be the case and that relaying the information is easier now than ever before.

"The PA State Police have launched a new smartphone application that allows a person to take a photograph or send a note about suspicious activity that they have seen, which then goes directly to the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center for evaluation and assignment to an investigator, as appropriate," he said.

Both officials reminded residents that factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious activity. The public should report suspicious behavior and situations rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, association or speech unrelated to criminal activity. 

There has been an increase in reports since the most recent Boston Marathon. For comparison, there were 186 incidents of suspicious activity reported in the week prior to the marathon (April 7-13) and 311 incidents reported during the week of/following (April 14-20).

Chief Henderson said that is neither unusual nor a negative as officials would rather be safe and check into any reports when they are received.  

Moffatt agrees.

"One report can make a difference," he said. "We investigate all criminal activity and provide assistance to our local police departments and criminal justice agencies. Without the cooperation of residents—and their awareness—our job becomes even more difficult. If you see something, you should say something."

The "See Something, Send Something" app was developed by My Mobile Witness and is available at no cost to iPhone and Android phone users. You can search for "see send" in the app store or follow one of the links below on your smartphone:

Android users: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mymobilewitness.seesend

iPhone users: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/see-send/id556069712?1s=1&mt=8

As always, in cases of an imminent threat or emergency, dial 911 immediately.

 ---

Sign up for the (free) daily Baldwin-Whitehall newsletter.

Follow the Baldwin-Whitehall Patch on Facebook and Twitter.