A new program aimed at getting people to report suspicions about others that backers say will make Florida safer drew criticism Thursday from at least one civil liberties group that called it a “blunt approach” that will inevitably lead to profiling.
Citing the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that prompted a new level of domestic security, Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday announced Florida’s participation in a growing network that lets callers use a statewide toll-free telephone number to report suspicious activity.
The program “If you See Something, Say Something,” was created by the New York City Transportation Authority in 2002 and has since spread to several states and also gained the support of businesses like Wal-Mart and organizations including the NBA, NFL and the NCAA.
Joined by Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey and U.S. Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Betsy Markey, Scott said tips received through the hotline – 1-855-FLA-SAFE (1-855-352-7233) – would be processed and evaluated by the Florida Fusion Center, a 24-hour watch desk at FDLE.
“Today we encourage Floridians and visitors to stay aware and alert, and to contact authorities when you witness something you know is out of place,” Scott said.
Bailey announced the program would be promoted by a series of television ads and on billboard space donated by the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association until mid September.
Thursday’s announcement drew criticism from Howard Simon, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, who said the program will inevitably result in profiling and spurious tips.
“These ‘turn in your neighbor’ programs produce unreliable information and are little more than a government sponsored invitation to view everyone as a potential criminal and act on racial and ethnic stereotypes,” Simon said in a statement.
Bailey rejected that.
“When it comes to suspicious activity, it’s not a particular type of person you’re going to be looking for, but behavior,” Bailey said.
Such behavior might include people dressing up like law enforcement officials, trying to obtain official credentials or gain access to secure sites, Bailey said. Several states including Minnesota, New Jersey and Colorado have already set up similar programs. Other participating groups include Amtrak, the Mall of America in Minnesota and the aviation industry.
“This campaign will be designed around and emphasize behavior, from the very beginning,” Bailey said.
Simon was unconvinced.
“By unveiling this new program in the lead up to the anniversary of 9-11, the governor and others don’t have to say what they really mean – that Floridians should keep an eye on people who look, act, speak or worship differently,” Simon said.
By Michael Peltier
