The security of the City depends greatly on citizen involvement.  No agency can effectively protect life and property without the support and cooperation of the citizens they serve.  The Tyler Police Department needs your help in countering terrorism.  Much like our Neighborhood Watch program, we ask you to be our eyes and ears.  Reporting of suspicious activity can help disrupt the terrorist planning cycle.

Terrorists are trained to "blend in" and assimilate to their surroundings.  Most terrorist's acts are well organized and well planned.  Terrorists will conduct training, surveillance and "dry runs" prior to commission of a terrorist act.  They like to strike at government and civilian targets in an effort to instill fear.  Although it is the intent of the terrorist to instill fear in you, it is your vigilance that the terrorist fears most.

Reports can be made any time by dialing 9-1-1.
When recording the essential details utilize the following guide:
    Who did I observe?
    What specifically did I see?
    Where did I observe the specific behavior?
    When did I observe the specific behavior?
    Why do I think the behavior is suspicious?

There are three elements in reporting a description to the police:
    Accuracy (most important)
    Speed
    Completeness

Tips on giving a description:
For a person:
    Sex
    Race
    Age (approximate)
    Height (approximate)
    Weight (approximate; use 10lb. blocks)
    Build (medium, heavyset, thin, etc.)
    Hair (color, length, include facial hair)
    Complexion (light, dark, ruddy, olive, etc.)
    Eyes (color, glasses)
    Peculiarities (scars, tattoos, missing limbs, etc.)
    Clothing (from head to toe, style, defects)
    Weapons (if any)
    Method of escape (direction, vehicle, etc.)
For a vehicle:
    Year, make and model
    Body type (2 door, 4 door, van, SUV, etc.)
    Passengers (number of people in vehicle)
    License plate (most important)
    Damage or anything unusual (logos, bumper stickers, etc.)
    Color

We need you to:
    Remain alert and be aware of everyday activities in your neighborhood.  Take notice of unusual behavior.  Report any unattended backpacks, suitcases or packages left in inappropriate locations.
    Encourage the involvement of family, friends, and neighbors.
    Take precautions when traveling.  Do not accept packages from strangers.  Do not leave luggage unattended.
    Learn where emergency exits and stairways are located.  Think about how to evacuate a building or congested public area in a hurry.
    Be aware of what is going on around you at home and while you are away.

Suspicious activity:
In the event you become aware of suspicious activity:
    Do not take direct action
    Do not confront the individual
    Do not reveal your suspicions
    Do record as many details as possible
    Do notify the appropriate authorities as soon as possible

Become involved in Neighborhood Watch.
Neighbors working together with police and other emergency personnel, observing and reporting incidents, conditions, and crime in their neighborhoods.

Ways to improve observations skills:
    Employ good listening skills
    Do not let personal feelings interfere with the incident
    Look at the entire situation before making a judgement
    Watch for nonverbal communications signs
    Use feedback to obtain and verify information and observations
    Observe and report
    Do not become personally involved

If you observe suspicious activity, please report it to your local police department.  Listed below are the contact numbers for the Tyler Police Department and the local F.B.I. field office located in Tyler.

Emergency: 911
Non Emergency:
903-531-1000 voice
903-531-1006 fax
For people needing to contact the Police department through TTY, the above listed numbers are TTY compliant.
Crimestoppers:
903-597-CUFF
903-597-2833
F.B.I.
903-592-4301 Local
1-972-559-5000 Dallas

Or you may report terrorism activity on line by clicking here.