Homeland Security, Walmart join for safety

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Homeland Security Department said Monday its "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign has been expanded to Walmart stores across the country.

The campaign is a partnership between the federal agency and the mega-retailer to help the U.S. public play an active roll in ensuring the safety and security of the nation, Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said in a release.

"Homeland security starts with hometown security, and each of us plays a critical role in keeping our country and communities safe," Napolitano said. "I applaud Walmart for joining the 'If You See Something, Say Something' campaign. This partnership will help millions of shoppers across the nation identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to law enforcement authorities."

The campaign was originally implemented by New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and partially funded by $13 million from the Homeland Security Department's Transit Security Grant Program, the federal agency said. The program's premise: Engage the public and key employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.

Homeland Security worked with federal, state, local and private sector partners to expand the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign to communities throughout the country.