CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: May 26, 2016

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Statewide Public Safety Awareness Campaign Reminds Residents to Stay Vigilant

Campaign kicks off Monday, May 30, 2016

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding residents, especially users of public transportation, to be alert and prepared to report suspicious activity. On Monday, May 30, 2016, the transit security campaign will be relaunched to remind residents of this important safety message.

The “See Something, Say Something” public transportation campaign, initially launched in Connecticut in 2007, educates and empowers residents to monitor their own environment for suspicious objects or behavior on trains and buses or transportation infrastructure. By being observant in these types of settings, residents can minimize the chance of an event and help keep Connecticut safer. Because of the increase in terrorism worldwide, there is an increased emphasis on staying alert.

“It is important as you go about your daily routines to be aware of your surroundings and acknowledge when something looks out of place or suspicious,” said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “Homeland security begins with each and every one of us, and we rely on residents to assist us when they see something suspicious or see someone acting suspiciously.”

While there are no specific or credible threats to Connecticut or the transportation network, it is important to remain vigilant and be on the lookout for suspicious behavior or circumstances. Residents are reminded that if they see something or someone suspicious, and there is not an authority to notify nearby, residents are encouraged to call 1-866-HLS-TIPS (1-866-457-8477). The emergency hotline is operational twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In the case of an immediate threat or emergency, residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

“It is also important to reassure residents not to have any fear about reporting suspicious objects or activity. Some people have concerns about any repercussions if their report turns out to be nothing. We are all much safer whenever authorities are alerted to any possible activity, and authorities are grateful to receive any information that could potentially save lives,” stated Redeker.

The campaign is being conducted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and is funded through the federal Transit Security Grant Program.

For more information, visit: www.keepctsafe.com.