Motorists in New Jersey have recently encountered highway signs displaying the message, "Suspect Terrorism? See Something, Say Something," accompanied by a tip line number for reporting potential threats.
These signs are components of a public safety initiative launched last month by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), in collaboration with the state Department of Transportation and New Jersey Turnpike Authority. However, the sudden emergence of these signs on major highways, without prior notice or publicity, has sparked concern among state residents.
Nanalapan resident Laura Brunetti expressed her apprehension in an interview with News12, stating, "This makes me think that theres an underlying thing going on thats not public yet." Other residents speculated that the signs were linked to the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, according to the news outlet.
A news release dated August 30 announced the placement of Variable Message Signs across the state. The purpose of these signs is "to remind drivers along the states major interstates to remain vigilant and report potential threats and suspicious activity related to terrorism or other criminal activity," the release stated.
NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran explained the campaign's objective, saying, "The goal of the campaign over the next few months is to remind residents and visitors, who may be traversing New Jerseys highways for vacation, holiday shopping and other festivities, of the importance of being aware of their surroundings and of reporting suspicious activity."
She added, "The public is one of our first and best lines of defense in the fight against terrorism. Our See Something, Say Something initiative bolsters the States security efforts and plays a key role in helping to identify threats and to prevent attacks."
The campaign, which will run from September through mid-February, will feature nearly 200 signs promoting NJOHSP's suspicious activity reporting number across the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate Highways, according to the news release. The signs will be displayed during the morning and afternoon rush hours, seven days a week.
"Safety and security are everyones responsibility," said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ Turnpike Authority Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. "Using Variable Message Signs on the New Jersey Turnpike and our Interstate Highways will help remind millions of motorists if they See Something, Say Something when driving through our State."
The campaign aligns with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's national "If You See Something, Say Something" Awareness Day, observed on Sept. 25. NJTA Executive Director James Carone expressed support for the campaign, stating, "We are happy to support this important public information campaign by displaying the See Something, Say Something message on the digital Variable Message Signs over the New Jersey Turnpike."
He emphasized the crucial role of the nearly 700,000 daily Turnpike drivers in maintaining public safety, encouraging them to report any suspicious activity they observe.
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