Homeland Security Officials Encourage Citizens to Utilize New Anti-Terrorism Mobile FORCE 1-2 App to Report Suspicious Activity

DOVER, Del.--()--Delawareans can now use their smartphones to help protect the First State from possible threats related to terrorist activity.

The Delaware Information and Analysis Center (DIAC) now offers a mobile app to report suspicious activities in real-time by attaching a photo, sending location information, or entering details about suspicious vehicles or persons. In addition, users can choose to make their report anonymously or can include contact information for follow-up by law enforcement.

“This is a quick and easy way for citizens to help us protect our communities and we encourage them to utilize this new app to report any suspicious activity. With this app, our citizens can serve as extra eyes and ears for our law enforcement community,” said Lewis D. Schiliro, Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security. “Some of the best leads law enforcement get are from people in the community who witness potential threats to our nation’s security and take the initiative to provide a tip.”

The new app is a mobile version of the DIAC’s successful Force 1-2 anti-terrorism telephone and website-based reporting system, part of the DIAC’s effort to help protect the State by facilitating communication between state, local, and federal agencies.

"The Delaware State Police, through the state fusion center (DIAC), are responsible to effectively integrate information sharing among federal, state and local law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services (EMS), private industry and citizens. Our success is dependent on the support of the communities we serve and effective communication,” said DSP Col. Robert Coupe. “The suspicious activity reporting app provides the citizens with a new method to communicate their concerns to law enforcement by leveraging the smart phone technology that most citizens now possess and improving the safety of our communities and State."

It is important that citizens understand the new app is not meant for emergency calls to the police. Citizens should use 911 for emergencies or events in progress.

The Force 1-2 app is for reporting concerns that may not be a problem, but are still suspicious and is available as a free download for both iPhone and Android phones at the Apple App Store, Google Play, and via Delaware.gov.

“As we reflect on the events of 9-11 and other terrorist attacks in our country, it is a reminder of the need to remain ever vigilant in the fight against terrorism and this new app is just one way for our citizens to help,” said Delaware Homeland Security Advisor Kurt Reuther.

Citizens can also submit a tip through the DIAC website or by calling the anti-terrorism tip line: 1-800-FORCE12 (1-800-367-2312).

Governor Markell’s eGovernment initiative, led by the Government Information Center (GIC), in the Department of State, includes state and local agencies and Delaware Interactive (DI) as the private sector partner collaborating on a range of efforts aimed at improving the connection between citizens and their government using online tools ranging from web sites to mobile apps.

About Delaware Interactive

Delaware Interactive is part of the eGovernment firm NIC’s (NASDAQ: EGOV) family of companies. Its focus is accelerating the number of online services available to Delaware citizens and businesses through the state’s official portal, Delaware.gov.

About NIC

NIC is the nation's leading provider of official government portals, online services, and secure payment processing solutions. The company's innovative eGovernment services help reduce costs and increase efficiencies for government agencies, citizens, and businesses across the country. The NIC family of companies provides eGovernment solutions for more than 3,000 federal, state, and local agencies across the United States. Additional information is available at http://www.egov.com.

Contacts

Delaware Interactive
Christiane Reinhold
302-526-2197
General Manager
creinhold@egov.com

Release Summary

A new suspicious activity mobile application has been launched by the state of Delaware.

Contacts

Delaware Interactive
Christiane Reinhold
302-526-2197
General Manager
creinhold@egov.com