ALBANY — Making the “See Something, Say Something” mantra high-tech, Gov. Cuomo on Monday announced a new smartphone app that will allow New Yorkers to report suspicious activity.
Dubbed the “See Something, Send Something,” campaign, the app is available by download and will allow people to send a photo or written note to the state police Intelligence Center, where its credibility can be examined and referred to the proper law enforcement agency if necessary.
The free app, which can be downloaded on iPhones and Androids, should be used to report suspicious behavior or specific situations like an unattended backpack in a public place, not simply hunches.
Cuomo stressed the app should not replace emergency calls to law enforcement.
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Though announced days after the attacks in Paris, a Cuomo aide said preparations for the new app have been going on for months. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, Colorado and Virginia already offer a similar service, New York officials say.
The state will promote the new app through public service announcements played at motor vehicle offices and service areas along state highways.
“It is important to remember that all New Yorkers have a role in keeping our state safe,” said state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John Melville.
Asked about the app, Cuomo recognized that many tips collected could turn out to be bogus.
“When you ask for anonymous tips, you very well could get false information or information the person believes is true, but turns out not to be correct,” Cuomo said.
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State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said the app is like traditional telephone crime tip lines, except easier to use.
“If you see something that may be linked to terrorism, send something,” D’Amico said. “Your tip could provide valuable information that could prevent a tragedy.”
In the wake of the latest wave of global terrorism, Cuomo also announced Monday that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will hire 46 more specially trained police officers, at a cost of about $3 million, to increase counterterrorism efforts at Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station and throughout the metro area railroad systems.
