REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--iWATCH is a nationwide modern version of Neighborhood Watch developed by the Los Angeles Police Department to encourage and enable members of the community in identifying and reporting suspicious behavior that may be associated with terrorist activities.
The purpose of iWATCH is to promote antiterrorism awareness and leverage every member of the Army community to act as a sensor to help identify and prevent potential terrorist acts. There are two elements to the initiative: Passive and Active. The Passive element of iWATCH is individual situational awareness of your surroundings. The Active element requires individuals to take action and report suspicious behavior or activities to law enforcement for further investigation.
An essential component of iWATCH is reporting suspicious activity. iWATCH aspires to ensure everyone knows how to report suspicious activity. If you see something, say something; report suspicious activity to the Redstone Police at 876-2222, or in an emergency call 911.
Examples of suspicious activity include:
• People drawing or measuring important buildings (religious, government, etc.)
• Strangers asking questions about security procedures
• Briefcase, suitcase, backpack or package left unattended
• Vehicles left in no parking zones in front of important buildings
• Unfamiliar people in secure areas
• Persons wearing clothes that are noticeably too big or too hot for the weather (coats or jackets in summertime)
• Chemical smells or fumes that seem out of the ordinary for the specific location
• People asking questions about sensitive information such as building blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules that do not have a need to know
• People purchasing supplies or equipment that can be used to make bombs or weapons, or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials
Be alert at all times for suspicious activity. Maintain individual situational awareness of your surroundings. Everyone can all make a difference by recognizing what to report and reporting it to security forces or law enforcement. Law enforcement officials cannot be everywhere; and they need the eyes and ears of the entire installation community to assist in quelling terrorism.
Familiarize yourself with the iWATCH awareness tools. Take a minute to review the iWATCH Army posters on bulletin boards, banners and iWATCH Army public service announcements aired on Channel 42. Additionally, disseminate and promote iWATCH Army awareness products throughout the community. Antiterrorism iWATCH products are available through the OPMG-Army ATEP on AKO page at www.army.mil/suite/page/605757.
Remember: If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity to the Redstone Police at 876-2222, or call 911. Once you have made the call, inform your supervisor or organizational antiterrorism officer.
Editor’s note: Dan Huber is the antiterrorism awareness officer for the Installation Emergency Operations Center. August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month.
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