Iwatch – Los Angeles Police Ask Publics Help Fighting Terrorism

The Los Angeles Times reports a program called iWatch lets people report suspicious activity and submit video and photos. If LAPD analysts find a possible link to terrorism, the information is forwarded to a regional task force.

In the years after the 9/11 attacks, Los Angeles Police Department officials trained officers to keep better watch out for activity that could be related to terrorism.

Now, they are working to get the whole city involved.

For months the LAPD has been rolling out the community involvement phase of its counter-terrorism efforts. Named iWatch, it offers a crash course in the types of activity the department deems suspicious and allows people to report questionable incidents to police.

At a news conference Thursday, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Airport Police Chief George Centeno and community leaders announced the expansion of the campaign into the airport with fliers and posters alerting travelers to the program.

“Everyone has a part to play when it comes to keeping this city safe,” said Deputy Chief Michael Downing, head of the LAPD’s counter-terrorism efforts.

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