NY1.com

  44º

Updated 07/01/2010 07:21 PM

Slogan "See Something, Say Something" Goes National

By: John Mancini

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Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was in New York Thursday to launch a "See Something, Say Something'' campaign nationwide.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and New York City Police Department slogan was conceived in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Posters with the slogan reminding riders to report suspicious activity have appeared on city subways and buses since 2003.

The slogan will now be rolled out across the Amtrak network.

During an event at Penn Station, Napolitano rolled out several initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation among federal, state and local officials -- and the public.

"These efforts mature over time and the threats evolve over time," Napolitano said. "And we think today's announcement is a big step forward in making the public even more aware than they are."

"Any efforts that they make throughout the country I think are helpful to us here in New York City," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. "Cause, as we've seen, threats develop, bombs are built, in places away from New York City."

New Yorkers said they were pleased that the initiative is spreading.

"If I were a commuter, I'd be on edge sometime," said one New Yorker. "Especially after the subway incident, with the man they just arrested. I'm glad I don't commute."

"I think if you're a responsible citizen, you should at least say something, if you see something," said another. "I mean, it's in the interest of everybody."

The announcement of this new interagency cooperation comes on the same day that the NYPD graduated 128 cadets who will now become officers in the transit bureau. They were able to be hired because of federal stimulus money funneled to New York specifically for this purpose.