The University of Iowa is partnering with the state and federal government to bring the “If You See Something, Say Something”public awareness campaign to campus.

The nationwide safety campaign aims to keep the public safe by encouraging people to “say something” when they witness a suspicious activity or behavior.

Lt. Peter Berkson, a threat assessment specialist, says the UI’s Threat Assessment Team and Department of Public Safety decided to bring the campaign to campus after realizing the threat assessment program often depends on people reporting concerning incidents and behavior to law enforcement.

“The campaign happened to sum up our beliefs that we all have some personal responsibility to keep not only ourselves, but also our community as safe as possible,” Berkson says.

Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. Only reports that document behavior reasonably indicative of criminal activity related to terrorism will be shared with federal partners.

“It is important for people to be aware of their surroundings and feel empowered to report suspicious incident and behaviors,” Berkson says. “By doing so we not only increase the likelihood to prevent a violent act, but we also follow up on lower level incidents which can assist people in need.”

If you see a suspicious behavior or activity taking place, call 319-335-5022 or, in case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.