Suspicious Activity Defined

The Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative defines suspicious activity as “observed behavior reasonably indicative of pre-operational planning related to terrorism or other criminal activity.”2

IACP’s primary research found that most individuals rely on a combination of factors when determining if an activity, behavior, or object is suspicious and merits reporting to the authorities.

These factors are:

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Concern about the potential for harm to the community.

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Belief that the information may be useful to law enforcement.

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Personal observation of activities.

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Personal

instinct.