If you see something suspicious, say something

The threat level for Rail Transit remains at an elevated level. The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail needs your help. If you see a suspicious package or observe strange activity on, or near, a train, train station or along the tracks, report it to a Train Crew Member, Security Officer, SFRTA/Tri-Rail employee or any railroad official, as quickly as possible.

Be our eyes and ears

No public service agency can effectively protect life and property without the support of the public.

Become a transit watcher

People just like you act as the eyes and ears of our system and always check their immediate surroundings for activity which may require security or police intervention.

Be alert and aware of everyday activities on your transit system. Get your family, friends and neighbors involved, and get to know law-enforcement and security officers.

If you observe suspicious activity

Try not to let personal feelings get in the way when you see suspicious activity. Look at the entire situation before making a judgment. Watch for non-verbal signs and do not become personally involved.

Keep these points in mind:

• Do not take direct action;
• Do not confront the individual;
• Do not reveal your suspicions;
• Do record as many details as possible; and
• Do notify the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

Describing suspicious behavior

When describing suspicious activity, remember to be accurate and specific.

Ask yourself:

• Who did you observe?
• What did you see?
• Where did you see it?
• When did you see it?
• Why is it suspicious?

Describing a suspicious person

Report the following when giving a description of a suspicious person:

• Sex/Race/Age - approximately;
• Height - in two-inch blocks, such as 5 feet 4 inches, 6 feet 2 inches;
• Weight - in 10-pound blocks, such as 170 lbs., 180 lbs;
• Build - medium, heavy set, thin;
• Hair - color, length, facial hair (if any);
• Complexion - light, dark, ruddy, olive;
• Peculiarities - scars, tattoos, missing limbs;
• Clothing - from head to toe, style, defects;
• Weapons - type, size; and
• Method of escape - direction of travel, type of vehicle.

If a vehicle is involved

An accurate description of a vehicle can determine how soon a suspicious individual is found and apprehended.

The following information would be helpful:

• License plate number - most important;
• Make - model, color, year;
• Body type - two-door, four-door, van, sport utility vehicle;
• Passengers - number of people in vehicle; and
• Damage - anything unusual, logos.

You can help fight terrorism

Immediately call Transit Watch, 1-800-874-7245, to report any suspicious activity. All reports are kept confidential.

Log onto www.tri-rail.com to learn what additional measures the SFRTA/Tri-Rail has implemented to protect our passengers, crews and commuter rail system.