What to Report
Please note: True emergencies should be reported to police via 911 immediately.
It is a goal of the Community Security Initiatives (CSI) to identify and assess any potential threats to our community. It is extremely important to report incidents as soon as you witness them. If you are not the witness, third party reporting is acceptable and encouraged. Keep in mind we are collecting all information that affects our community, including antisemitic behavior and acts. Please use this form to report all suspicious activity and antisemitic acts. This information will be reviewed and shared with the appropriate local, state, and federal law enforcement for action and resolution.
If you SEE something, SAY something!
- Suspicious activities, people, and vehicles
- Unusual events or incidents
- Dangerous situations
- Suspicious communications (text messages, phone calls, voicemail messages, emails, letters, packages, etc.)
Questions? Please contact Thomas “Chip” Michaels, Chief Security Officer, at tmichaels@jfedgmw.org.
About the Incident Reporting Form (IRF)
WHAT IS THE INCIDENT REPORTING FORM (IRF)?
The IRF is a standardized online form that the Greater MetroWest NJ (GMW) community can use to report threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members.
The IRF is a component of the partnership that exists between the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and the Secure Community Network (SCN). The use of the form ensures a coordinated, best-practice approach to incident reporting and follow-up.
WHY IS THE IRF NECESSARY?
The Jewish community is facing the most complex and dynamic threat environment in modern history. Each year, GMW and SCN receive reports of or identifies a record number of threats. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, nearly two-thirds of religiously motivated hate crimes in the U.S. target the Jewish community. Consistent and coordinated reporting of threats, incidents, and suspicious activity is a critical part of securing our GMW Jewish community and beyond.
WHAT INFORMATION CAN BE REPORTED THROUGH THE IRF?
The IRF can be used to report:
- In-person assaults or threats
- Suspicious persons or activity
- Property damage or vandalism
- Threatening or suspicious phone calls, text messages, or social media
- Suspicious packages or letters
- Spam and phishing emails
- Antisemitic or threatening flyers
- Other incidents of concern to the Jewish community
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INFORMATION REPORTED THROUGH THE IRF?
Information submitted through the form will go directly to the Chief Security Officer of GMW who will review it to determine actions required. A copy will also go to SCN’s National Jewish Security Operations Command Center. Credible threats will be referred to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and GMW Jewish facility leaders as needed.
CAN INFORMATION BE REPORTED ANONYMOUSLY?
Yes. Although information can be reported anonymously, contact information is very helpful to analysts or law enforcement officers to ask for additional information or clarification.
DOES THE FORM REPLACE BEING ABLE TO CALL OR EMAIL YOUR GMW SECURITY PROFESSIONAL?
No. The Incident Reporting Form does not replace the ability for anyone to contact your GMW Chief Security Officer by phone at (973)929-2921 or by email at TMichaels@jfedgmw.org.
WHAT OTHER TYPES OF ONLINE REPORTING DOES SCN PROVIDE?
The IRF is also available on SCN’s website at securecommunitynetwork.org for threats, incidents, or suspicious activity in areas not served by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ that use the IRF. SCN partners with Hillel International and ADL to provide ReportCampusHate.org for concerns related to colleges and universities, and partners with the Orthodox Union to provide OU.org/ReportHate for concerns related to the Orthodox Jewish community.
HOW ELSE CAN THREATS, INCIDENTS, OR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY BE REPORTED IF ONLINE REPORTING IS NOT AVAILABLE?
In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 first. If online reporting is not practical, follow established protocols to report suspicious activity – to include contacting local law enforcement and/or the relevant suspicious activity reporting authority – and contact GMW’s Chief Security Officer at (973)929-2921 or TMichaels@jfedgmw.org.