Recognizing warning signs and taking action to report suspicious behavior are the key messages of the Michigan State Police’s new public awareness campaign aimed at educating people on how to potentially “Stop a Plot.”
“While no single law or initiative can prevent all violence, we must act if we can save even one life,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP) in a press release.
“My top priority is the safety of all Michiganders. We know more than half of all mass shootings show warning signs beforehand. I encourage everyone to do the right thing. We encourage everyone to speak up when they see something suspicious – even a simple tip reported to authorities can prevent tragedy and save lives,” he said.
The “Stop a Plot” campaign includes a new webpage that details the warning signs and risk factors to look for, as well as ways to submit confidential tips and resources to help someone who might be at risk.
A video public service announcement can be found on the webpage and will be shared through a paid social media campaign that started this week and will run through Sept. 8.
“Oftentimes, family members, friends and co-workers are most likely to first notice concerning behavior,” said Insp. Brian Budde, acting commander of the MSP Intelligence Operations Division, which house’s Michigan’s fusion center, the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center. “If you believe someone may be on the pathway to violence, speak up. Knowing the behavioral clues outlined in this program could detect a threat and prevent a mass casualty incident.”
If you have information that could prevent an act of violence, Stop a Plot. Speak up.
Tips can be reported online or by calling 1-800-MICHTIP at any time. Reporting a tip is safe and confidential.
Criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees or schools can be reported using OK2SAY.
This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, opportunity number DHS-23-TTP-132-00-01.
