MADISON -- The recent mass shooting in Orlando reminds Americans across the country to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
The mantra "if you see something, say something," has been familiar to those in the D.C. area for a number years, but now the phrase is spreading west. The phrase is even lining billboards and signs along Wisconsin interstates.
At any given moment, law enforcement officers and both state and federal agents are investigating potential threats in Wisconsin to determine what's credible. This includes those agents working for the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Force who have agents throughout the state, including Milwaukee and Madison.
Authorities are also asking for the public's help and say "you need to be aware of what people are doing around you all of the time."
If your gut tells you something isn't right, it probably isn't, says Jenniffer Price, Director of Special Operations for the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.
If what you observe is "just different," or if someone's activity "stands out enough for you to notice it and feel uneasy," report it to authorities, says Price.
"If you see something suspicious, you need to say something," she added.
Law enforcement officials typically say it's better to err on the side of caution and check something out.
The state's Department of Justice recently created a website to make it easy for you to report suspicious activity. Click here.
The state's fusion center collaboratively pools resources with the goal of "maximizing their ability to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity," Wisconsin DOJs website says.
"State and regional fusion centers enable local, state, and tribal governments to gather, process, analyze and share information and intelligence relating to all crimes and all hazards," the site says.
