iWATCH Community Terrorism Reporting Program Launches at Port of Los Angeles NR11181rf

Los Angeles:  At a news conference this morning, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and others gathered at the Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s largest port, where they announced increased new training and security measures and the official launch of the combined national and local community terrorism reporting program If You See Something, Say Something™ go to iWATCHLA.org.

A new training facility at the port, the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (MLETC), is designed to equip local, state and federal law enforcement personnel with the knowledge and skills they need to maintain security at the port.  

Launched in 2010 by Secretary Napolitano, the DHS "If You See Something, Say Something™" program is a national public awareness campaign that uses education materials, advertisements, and other outreach tools to engage travelers, businesses, community organizations, and public and private sector employees to remain alert and play an active role in keeping our country safe.

In October 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department unveiled iWATCH, the community reporting component of If You See Something, Say Something™, calling it a 21st century version of Neighborhood Watch.  “As LA’s Chief of Police it is my primary duty to keep everyone safe,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.  “The iWATCH program is the embodiment of community based policing and the police partnering with the community.  We have now reached our ultimate goal of partnering with DHS.  If You See Something, Say Something™, go to iWATCHLA.org is a clear message that encourages people in our communities to report suspicious behaviors and activities that may have a nexus to terrorism.”

“We are pleased to support If You See Something, Say Something™ through our participation in the iWATCH program,” Port Police Chief Ronald Boyd said. “It makes this day where we recognize the partnering of the Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center with our DHS friends even greater.”

If You See Something, Say Something™ go to iWATCHLA.org, has already been in use at other locations around Los Angeles including Los Angeles International Airport, Union Station and throughout the rail system, the 2011 NBA All-Star Game and in partnership with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG).

As part of today’s partnership announcement with DHS, the LAPD also released four new iWATCH videos. Three are public service announcements and one is a community training video.  All are accessible for viewing at www.lapdtv.org and www.iWATCHLA.org.  

To report a possible threat or suspicious activity:  

• Report online at www.iWATCHLA.org

• Call 1-877-A-THREAT (1-877-284-7328)