If You See Something, Say Something? By Dr. Marlo Archer Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the Transportation Authority in New York City initiated the “See Something,...
If You See Something, Say Something?
By Dr. Marlo Archer
Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the Transportation Authority in New York City initiated the “See Something, Say Something” slogan that encouraged public transit riders to report, to authorities, any observed “suspicious activity.”
Of course this now-national campaign was specifically to ward off potential acts of terrorism and colorful flyers now describe the types of things that might suggest a terrorist operation like challenging security systems, trying to enter restricted areas, and destroying property. Surely if we saw that sort of activity, we’d feel inclined to say something.
What Determines Suspicious Activity?
Many other behaviors fall within the realm of “suspicious activity” according to the experts; things like photographing structures and entrances, studying aviation, and collecting cell phones or chemicals. Heck, I’ve got at least 7-8 cellphones laying around my house right now and I’ve certainly photographed doorways. Should the authorities be notified about me? I sure hope not. So, how do we know when to call?
If you are like me, you know it’s time to call when too many signs appear, or show up in such a weird way that things just feel “off.” Two attractive women flirting with a security guard isn’t cause for alerting a SWAT team, but if the gals are in combat apparel and taking non-selfie photos, and asking the guard a lot of questions about how someone could get in, that might raise your hackles some. A couple of teens shoplifting clothing isn’t going to send you into panic, but if the stolen clothing was uniforms or badges for secured areas, then we might look more closely.
In any event, it is rare that any one behavior would be suspicious enough to warrant a report. Conversely, when an overwhelming number of odd behaviors and circumstances make such a peculiarity that it rattles you, that’s when you have to make the call.
When it comes to our own family and friends, we often struggle with the same dilemma: When have I seen enough suspicious activity that I feel like I have to say something? My highly successful friend is holding a glass of wine in her Facebook photos several times a week. What do I do with that?
Surely I’m not going to call the cops about selfies of professionals dining in posh restaurants. Sure, my teen nephew is using weed, but lots of kids use weed. Is it a big deal? My cousin’s college kids have fake IDs to get into bars and their parents might even know about it. Is that even my business? A high school coach is teaching my niece how to control her weight down to a fraction of a pound. What authorities do I even call about that? The coach is supposed to be the authority.
When you take it upon yourself to try talking to your adult friends about their behavior, you’ve got to tread ever so lightly or risk losing friendships. To tell someone how to raise their kid rarely makes you popular, either; and certainly trying to tell a credentialed sports coach how to do their job may even land you in a hospital. On top of that, if any actual substance or behavioral addictions are already in play, the addict themselves will likely rebuff your concerns, assure you that you’re over-reacting, and explain how the stuff that happens to addicts simply won’t happen to them. You can begin to second-guess yourself and wonder if maybe they’re correct. Chances are, you’ll probably drop it right there in hopes of preserving the relationships, despite that an addiction may eventually end them anyhow.
To revisit the original concept, to say something if you see something; authorities will tell you it is far better to err on the side of caution and merely annoy people with a time-wasting call about something strange-looking than to overlook something extremely unusual. Take the risk. You might feel foolish, be rebuked, rebuffed, even ignored or criticized. Wouldn’t you rather that than keeping your mouth shut to make your own life smoother, while your loved one slowly moves towards destruction? Or, is that just me. When I see something, I say something.
