No government functions effectively without the support of its citizens and America’s war against terrorism provides no exception. Equally important to our excellently trained law enforcement professionals are New York’s knowledgeable and concerned citizens. The attacks on September 11, 2001, showed our ability to cooperate as a people and our willingness to do whatever necessary to pull through such trying time. Now, as the War on Terror continues, the cooperation of every individual is no less important. The two most important actions each individual can take is, first, to keep aware of the law enforcement and governmental efforts in this efforts and, secondly, to keep law enforcement aware of what is happening in our communities.

Each person should become familiar with the Terrorism Alert Levels for New York State, New York City and the Nation and understand the meanings of each level and that any changes require a shift in law enforcement responsibility and not a feeling of alarm from the public. An educated community is one of the most beneficial assets to law enforcement.

Additionally, law enforcement has been provided with vital information from citizens regarding activities in their communities that they questioned or made them feel uncomfortable. If you witness suspicious activity that may be related to terrorism, please call New York State’s terrorism tip line at (866) SAFE-NYS. Any information you give will be kept confidential. If it is an emergency, immediately dial 9-1-1, or your local police department.

Thank you -- to all who helped America pull through September 11th -- and to all those who will prevent it from ever happening again.