SAFETY REMINDER: Va. State Police advise residents to be alert to suspicious activity

In the wake of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium, Virginians are being reminded of their continuing role in helping protect our Commonwealth and nation.

Virginia State Police echoes the U.S. State Department’s statements that at present, there is no specific, credible intelligence of any plot to conduct similar attacks here in Virginia or the United States.

“Vigilance is essential in detecting and deterring suspicious activity of all kinds within our communities,” said Col. W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent.

“The Virginia State Police is always committed to working closely with our local, state and federal public safety partners in protecting those living, working and visiting our Commonwealth. But, we can’t do it alone. Therefore, we are simply reminding our citizens to maintain a level of awareness and report any suspicious activity you might find alarming or of concern.”

In 2013, the Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and National Capital Region (NCR) law enforcement launched the “See Something. Send Something.” mobile reporting app for suspicious activity.

The Smartphone application enables concerned citizens to notify law enforcement of criminal activity by simply snapping and sending a photo or texting a message. The mobile App is available for download to the public free of charge. To see how it works, a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) is available on the Virginia State Police YouTube page.

In addition, Virginians traveling across the Commonwealth can expect to see overhead message boards advising motorists to, “Report any suspicious activity. Dial #77.” Dialing #77 on a cellular phone connects a caller with the nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Communications Center. In partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the travel advisory will run statewide through Thursday, March 24.

NOTE: To report an emergency, please still dial 911 or #77.