The holidays are busy. People are distracted. And that’s exactly when criminals count on you NOT paying attention. But here’s the thing: you’re actually one of the best security tools Texas has.
If you spot something off, something weird, something that doesn’t add up—you can report it in less than five minutes using the iWatchTexas app. And you don’t even have to put your name on it if you don’t want to.
Why This Matters Right Now
The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texans to download the iWatchTexas mobile app to protect the public from potential homeland security threats. The holiday season brings crowds, distractions, and unfortunately, the kind of chaos that makes it easier for bad things to happen. But if we’re all paying attention? If we’re all reporting what we see? Law enforcement can stop things before they start.
What You’re Actually Looking For
This isn’t about being paranoid. This is about trusting your gut. Report comments made regarding killing or harming someone. Report strangers asking questions about building security features and procedures. Report social media posts about possible attacks or desires to commit acts of violence. Report people requesting sensitive information, such as blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules, without a need to know. Report purchases of supplies that could be used to make bombs or weapons or uniforms without proper credentials. Report people taking photographs or videos of security features, such as cameras or checkpoints.
Also watch for packages or briefcases left unattended. Cars parked in weird places. Chemical smells that don’t belong. People sketching or measuring important buildings. Unauthorized people in secure areas.
How to Actually Report It
Three ways. Pick whatever works for you.
Download the free iWatchTexas mobile app (available for iPhone and Android). Go online to www.iwatchtx.org. Or call 1-844-643-2251.
A report usually takes less than five minutes, and once submitted, each report is reviewed by law enforcement analysts.
You’re Not Snitching—You’re Helping
All reports are confidential. Providing contact information is optional, but if you do provide it, it allows law enforcement to follow up with questions. You don’t have to give your name. You don’t have to be involved in anything after you submit. You just report what you saw, and law enforcement handles the rest.
Your attention and awareness of suspicious behavior or activity, when promptly reported to police, can help prevent crime and save lives. The program is about behaviors and activities, NOT individuals. What they are doing matters; their ethnic or religious background does not.
Real People, Real Results
This isn’t theoretical. A teenager reported to authorities overhearing threats to carry out a mass shooting at the local high school by another student. Authorities found a collection of weapons and plans to target four people at the school. That report saved lives.
That could be you.
One Important Thing
The iWatchTexas program is not designed to report emergencies. If a situation requires an emergency response, call 911. If something is happening RIGHT NOW, call 911 immediately. iWatchTexas is for suspicious activity that needs investigation, not immediate intervention.
Download It Today
The app is free. It takes five minutes to use. And it could genuinely save your community.
Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and download iWatchTexas. Or visit iwatchtx.org. Or save the number: 1-844-643-2251.
This holiday season, keep your eyes open. Trust your instincts. And report what you see. That’s how we all stay safe.
