What is Suspicious Activity

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate a violent act, terrorism, or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Threats of lethal violence.

• A detailed plan (time, place, and method) to harm or kill others, particularly if someone has a history of aggression or has attempted to carry out threats in the past.

• Possession and/or use of firearms and other weapons.

• Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location; a package/luggage is unattended; a window/door is open that is usually closed; or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.

• Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
• Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.

Some of these activities could be innocent—it’s important to consider the context of the situation and allow law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation. 

We can all help keep our communities safe by paying attention to our surroundings and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement or a person of authority.

WeTip Anonymous Reporting Hotline