DHS expands 'See Something, Say Something' campaign to hotels

Nov. 3, 2011
Agency to run 15-second public service announcements on hotel televisions across the country

HOUSTON --

Starting Wednesday, 1.2 million hotel television sets across the country will show a public service announcement from the Department of Homeland Security advertising the organization's "See Something, Say Something" campaign.

Homeland Security has partnered with Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn and other hotels to run 15-second PSA's on guest television sets nationwide.

The spots will run as part of a hotel's welcome screen and encourages viewers to be on the lookout and call police if you see anything suspicious during their travels.

"If you're going to start it, this is a good time to start it," said Karen Kopitzke, who travels about four to five times and stays at hotels.

Kopitzke said she doesn't mind being reminded to look out for trouble.

"I do it at airports, why wouldn't I do it at hotels?" she said. "It's fine. I think it's good to be reminded."

For many, the new partnership between Homeland Security and hotels is a great thing, especially with the holiday season approaching.

On Christmas 2009, passengers onboard a Northwest flight preparing to land in Detroit helped authorities nab the "underwear bomber" after he tried to blow himself up. Last May, two New York City street vendors stopped a car bombing attempt in Times Square.

Homeland Security knows the new campaign may have its critics, but they said they would rather be safe than sorry.

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