See Something Say Something ™

What is a Suspicious Activity?

A suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or related crime. This includes, but is not limited to:

Unusual items or situations:A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
Eliciting information:A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
Observation/surveillance:Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.

Some of these activities could be innocent—it's up to Safety and Security Department to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation. The activities above are not all-inclusive, but have been compiled based on studies of pre-operational aspects of both successful and thwarted terrorist events over several years.

Public and school safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority.

Describe specifically what you observed, including:

Who or what you saw
When you saw it
Where it occurred
Why it's suspicious

If you see something suspicious at the Academies of Loudoun, please let know your teacher, an administrator, or the Safety and Security Office. Is better to be safe than sorry.

Suspicious Behavior

Race, gender or religious affiliations are not indicators of suspicious behavior. Look for signs of reconnaissance or equipment tampering.

Don’t be afraid to report any of the following:

Placing a package or luggage in a different compartment than the one being occupied.
People who stay at bus for long periods without getting on.
Anyone tampering with surveillance cameras, safety systems, machinery or other sensitive equipment.
People videotaping, sketching or taking notes on transit equipment and facilities or security equipment.
People entering unauthorized areas of bus stations.
People carrying aerosol containers or anything omitting a strange smell or gas.
Evasive answers to common questions regarding destinations; deliberate attempts to avoid contact with others or to draw attention.
Loose fitting clothing, large sweatshirt, vest or jacket in hot weather conditions. Clothing that is disproportionate to the body type of the person.
Attempts to abandon a vehicle in or near a transit parking facility, or cars in the parking lot without proper tags and license plates.
An individual who is fixated only on a particular object or location.
Suspicious activity or loitering around transportation facilities.
Consecutive round trips on the same transit route.

If You Observe Suspicious Behavior

Do Not take direct action
Do Not confront the individual
Do Not reveal your suspicions
Do record as many details as possible
Do notify a teacher, staff, or Security/SRO as soon as possible

Academies of Loudoun

Safety and Security

David Schinasi

Laura Palmer

Todd Younkin - Deputy First Class

See Something Say Something

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