MAGNET Community Awareness Guide

MAGNET S2 — Community

Community Awareness Guide

A guide for community members to help keep their area safe. If you notice something unusual, don’t panic — just follow these steps to report it to the right people.

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Download the PDF version

Print and share this guide with your neighbors, MAG members, or community watch group.

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Below are five situations to watch for in your neighborhood or community, with guidance on what to do and who to contact. You don’t need to be an expert — awareness and calm, accurate reporting are the most valuable things you can provide.
Situations to watch for
1
Strangers acting suspiciously around homes or public spaces
What to look for
Unknown people loitering, taking photos of houses, or asking odd questions about neighbors’ routines.
What to do
Stay calm and don’t confront them. Note their appearance or vehicle details if safe to do so.
Who to contact
📞 Local non-emergency line 🚨 911 if threatening
2
Unusual items or packages left in public areas
What to look for
Abandoned bags, boxes, or objects in places like parks, community gardens, or near buildings.
What to do
Don’t touch or move the item. Keep others away and note its exact location.
Who to contact
🚨 911 — report a suspicious package
3
Strange vehicles parked repeatedly in the neighborhood
What to look for
Unfamiliar cars or vans parked for long periods, especially if occupants appear to be watching homes or streets.
What to do
Write down the license plate, color, and model if possible — without approaching the vehicle.
Who to contact
📞 Local non-emergency line
4
Unusual activity at odd hours
What to look for
People moving equipment, digging, or acting secretive in your area late at night or early morning.
What to do
Observe from a safe distance. Note the number of people, what they’re doing, and the time.
Who to contact
🚨 911 if urgent 📞 Non-emergency line otherwise
5
Talk of harm or threats overheard
What to look for
Someone talking about causing harm, damaging property, or planning something dangerous — even if it seems like a joke.
What to do
Note what was said and who said it if possible, without engaging or confronting.
Who to contact
🚨 911 if threat is immediate 📞 Non-emergency for less urgent concerns
General tips
  • 🛡Stay safe — Never confront anyone or investigate on your own.
  • 📋Be specific — When reporting, share clear details: time, place, and descriptions.
  • 🧠Trust your instincts — If something feels off, it’s okay to report it.
Emergency contacts
🚨
Immediate emergency
911
Threats, ongoing incidents, suspicious packages
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Non-emergency
Local police
Check your local police website or phone book for the non-emergency number
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Also report to MAGNET

Once you’ve reported to the proper authorities, submit the same information to MAGNET using the SitRep form. You can model your report on the MAGNET SitRep form shown below.

View SitRep reporting guidelines →
MAGNET SitRep Form — Figure 1
Figure 1: MAGNET SitRep Form
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