“If You See Something, Say Something™” is a national campaign that raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.
Informed, alert communities play a critical role in keeping our nation safe. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to strengthening hometown security by creating partnerships with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments and the private sector, as well as the communities they serve.
Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to:
Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.
Some of these activities could be innocent—it’s up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation. The activities above are not all-inclusive, but have been compiled based on studies of pre-operational aspects of both successful and thwarted terrorist events over several years.
When Should I Call 9-1-1?
- To report a crime in progress
- To report a fire
- To save a life
- Anytime an emergency response is required from fire, law enforcement or emergency personnel.
- You should call 9-1-1 anytime you believe there is an actual emergency. If you are unsure, call 9-1-1 and the dispatcher will determine if an emergency has occurred.
Situations that are NOT 9-1-1 emergencies:
- Do NOT call 9-1-1 to report to traffic congestion
- To inquire about government services
- To report electricity or other utility disruptions
- To find an address or other general information.
What happens during a 9-1-1 call?
It is important that you remain calm even though you may be upset or scared. Stay on the telephone line and talk to the call taker, if you can do so safely, until emergency personnel arrive. You will be asked to provide information to the following types of questions.
1. The location of the emergency. Be as exact as possible, a house address or street intersection.
2. A description of the emergency or event.
3. Names and descriptions of persons involved.
4. Descriptions of vehicles involved.
5. Any injuries to yourself or other individuals along with the type of injury if known.
6. Were any weapons involved, and if so, how many and what type.
While the call taker is asking questions and you are providing the needed facts, the call taker is entering this information into a centralized computer system. The information is being sent to the dispatcher while you are on the phone. The dispatcher is communicating with field personnel and providing information to responding units while you are still on the phone.
Does it make a difference if I call 9-1-1 from a cell phone?
YES, it is very important that you provide as much information as possible to the call taker during your call. This includes:
1. The location of the emergency. Be as exact as possible, a house address or street intersection.
2. Your wireless phone number.
3. The name of the road and direction that you are traveling
4. On the interstate, be aware of the mile markers in your vicinity
New technology is now available that allows dispatchers to receive the phone number and approximate location from where the wireless 9-1-1 calls originated. Even though this new technology has been implemented in Lexington, it will be important to know your exact location in the event of an emergency. Please be aware that there may be some areas in Fayette County that cell calls are sent to a neighboring county or to the Kentucky State Police.
If your cell phone directs you to the another jurisdiction, you will need to tell them you have an emergency in Fayette County and you need to speak to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Police. Your call will be transferred accordingly.
How do you know my location?
All traditional residential, business and pay phones have the service address and phone numbers recorded in a master address file. This file instantly matches the incoming phone number with the appropriate address. The address is automatically provided to dispatchers and call-takers at the onset of a 9-1-1 call. The Enhanced 9-1-1 system provides the call back telephone number and physical street address for every 9-1-1 call. This allows for quick and accurate response even when the caller is unable to provide a location due to illness, shortness of breath or lack of knowledge of their location (i.e. children, babysitters, visitors or customers).
9-1-1 calls from cell or mobile phones are sent through special routers that accesses a number of computer database functions. Contact your individual service provider to obtain information on how they are providing location information for 9-1-1 calls. One function is to extract the latitude and longitude provided by the phone service provider and to display this information on a regional map of central Kentucky. These coordinates pinpoint a caller’s location, allowing the dispatcher to relay accurate location information to the responding personnel.
Can I call 9-1-1 if I use a T.D.D.?
YES, all call takers and dispatchers are equipped with TDD/TTY equipment. Communications professionals receive extensive training in handling emergency situations utilizing this equipment.
Can someone call 9-1-1 who does not speak English?
YES, the Urban County Government subscribes to the Language Line, which provides access to interpreters who speak more than 140 languages. The Language Line maintains a 24-hour communications center. Even when receiving a 9-1-1 call from a non-English speaking individual, help is only minutes away.
How do I contact the Division of Police to report Non-emergency incidents?
If you have a situation, which is not an emergency, and you require or request the police, you can contact the Division of Police any time of the day or night by simply dialing “258-3600”. The operator will first determine the nature of the situation or problem and then inquire for further details. It is important that you remain calm during this conversation. Although you might be upset or frightened, this information is needed to assist the officers responding to help you. The operator will forward your information to a dispatcher who will assign a police unit to your request for assistance. Remember, emergency and life-threatening calls take priority over non-emergency calls. There may be times when the patrol officers are extremely busy with priority calls. It is best to be patient, they will respond to your request.
How do I contact the Fire Department to report non-emergency incidents?
Call 859-231-5600.
Other State and Federal Public Safety Agencies
Kentucky Office of Homeland Security – 502-564-2081
Kentucky State Police – 502-782-1800
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – 502-263-6000
United States Secret Service – 859-502-5171
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – 859-219-4500
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