Agencies cultivating tips

 Federal and local law enforcement agencies have established programs over the past decade that encourage the public to report suspicious activity. Some examples:

• “Operation Tripwire” is an FBI effort that asks certain businesses and industries – such as airlines and cruise ships – to look for and report suspicious behavior.

• The Department of Homeland Security has a national “If You See Something, Say Something” public awareness campaign that works with businesses and groups, such as the National Basketball Association, to promote public vigilance.

• New York Police Department detectives have asked thousands of companies to be on the lookout as part of “Operation Nexus.”

• The Los Angeles Police Department created “iWatch,” which uses brochures, public service announcements and meetings with community groups to provide advice on how to detect and report suspicious behavior.