Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano joined National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner David Stern to announce a new partnership between the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) "If You See Something, Say Something public awareness campaign and the NBA—an effort that will help ensure the security of fans, players and employees by encouraging fans to identify and report suspicious activity.
"Every citizen plays a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "Our partnership with the NBA to bring the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign to professional basketball events throughout the nation is a vital part of our efforts to ensure the safety of players, employees and fans."
The campaign partnership with the NBA will "tip-off" during the NBA's "Jam Session" events and NBA All Star Game this coming weekend in Los Angeles, with the "If You See Something, Say Something™" message appearing on TV monitors and other print materials around the arenas. During today's announcement, Secretary Napolitano and Commissioner Stern also applauded the critical efforts of the City of Los Angeles—including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles Police Department and iWatch campaign in providing robust security at this weekend's events.
The campaign has recently been launched with the National Football League (NFL), as well as in Minnesota and New Jersey, more than 9,000 federal buildings nationwide, Walmart, Mall of America, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Amtrak, the Washington Metroplitan Area Transit Authority, the general aviation industry, and state and local fusion centers across the country.