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Days away from Republican National Convention, police send message 'see something, say something'

Posted at 6:59 PM, Jul 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-11 19:50:28-04

If you see something, say something. It is a phrase many people have heard before from police. But now with the Republican National Convention just days away police told us the phrase takes on even more importance. "When you get into large scale events like this with so many more people in the area, that's when we need your eyes," said Cleveland Police Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia. 

"The reporting is anonymous, we do want people to call in with suspicious behavior. We don't profile people, we profile behavior," added Ciaccia.

What is suspicious activity? According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are specific things that constitutes suspicious activity including unusual items or situations, eliciting information, observation and surveillance. 

"Maybe an unattended package, a back pack left someplace you think is strange. Someone taking photos of any area that maybe should be secure.  Something that sets off those red flags," said Ciaccia.

According to the website, it could be a person that questions others at a level beyond curiosity about a building's purpose or security.

Last week, local, state and federal law enforcement rolled out a phone number dedicated to the RNC for the public to call if they see suspicious activity. The number is 1-800-225-5324.

"Things that in your daily travels or routine that just looks out of place," said Ciaccia.

Some of these activities could be innocent, it is up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior needs to be investigated.