Announcing a New “If You See Something, Say Something” Partnership with the Hospitality Industry

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

Today, I am proud to join the American Hotel & Lodging Association and LodgeNet Interactive to unveil a new partnership that will significantly expand the “If You See Something, Say Something ™” campaign.

As part of this partnership, a 15 second public service announcement will begin airing on the “Welcome Channel” in nearly 1.2 million hotels rooms in more than 5,400 hotels in all 50 states. Its message is simple and clear: if you see something that doesn’t look right—an unattended bag or package, a person behaving in a suspicious manner, a vehicle that seems out of place—report it to the authorities. This private sector partnership is another example of how DHS and our nation’s hospitality industry are working together to protect our country, recognizing that security and economic prosperity often go hand-in-hand.

As I’ve said in the past, hometown security is the key to homeland security. Time and again, we have seen the value of public vigilance in thwarting terrorism and crime, including foiled plots against Times Square in May 2010, a Martin Luther King day parade route in Washington state last year, and more recently, at the Ft. Hood Army Base in Texas. Each of these plots could have ended differently—and tragically—had someone not reported suspicious activity to authorities.

Through efforts like “If You See Something, Say Something™”, we can engage all sectors of our community, including the millions of guests that stay at hotels each year, in our homeland security efforts. America’s hospitality industry is a vital engine for job growth and sustainment—and with partnerships like this it is also becoming an increasingly important partner in our nation’s security. Security is a shared responsibility and each of us has a role to play in helping to keep America safe.

You can learn more about the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign on our website.