Uh...Is That an Elephant on the Platform?
Monday, October 13, 2008 5:02 PM
Starting today, you'll see a giant elephant with sunglasses standing on the rail.
At least, you'll see this image in brochures on our buses and trains - and later this week, on posters at our Park & Ride lots and various shopping centers around town.
It's all part of our new anti-terrorism campaign that tells an important message without creating fear.
"We were looking for a way to get the terrorism message across but not be scary and intimidating to people," said Sydney Veeder, account executive and copywriter for the campaign. "We wanted something very eye-catching, above and beyond the normal visual. An elephant stands out a little bit on a rail platform."
The message is simple: If you see something, say something!
On the radio, you'll hear 60-second spots in both English and Spanish. The English spot features a Motown tune with lyrics penned by Veeder.
"I thought of Diana Ross and the Supremes and the sense of empowerment against outside forces that can't be controlled. That fit in perfectly with anti-terrorism," said Veeder, pictured on the right. 
In the Motown spot, you'll hear: "I have safety on my mind, And a watchful eye, Cause without a doubt...I'll be there."
The Spanish version uses an authoritative, deep male voice who tells a mini-mystery story of a woman with a strange package and his response.
Click here to listen to the spots and scroll to the bottom of the page.
The METRO Police Department has partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to alert you to possible threats to our mass transit system and what to do if an event occurs.
One counter-terrorism measure the MPD routinely does is unannounced sweeps of our Transit Centers, Park & Ride lots and bus stops/shelters. Monitoring systems at our Transit Centers and Park & Ride lots enhance surveillance, and the MPD canine force helps track drugs and bombs.
Our new brochure details things to watch out for, including:
- External appearances, such as a person wearing clothes unsuitable for the season
- Suspicious behavior, such as walking slowly while glancing right and left.
- Suspicious items, such as unattended backpacks or odd odors.
Another useful tip: Don't use your cell phone within 300 feet of materials that could be explosive.
Click here to read the entire brochure.
Of course, if you see something, you can say something simply by dialing 911 at a pay phone on a rail platform. Or dial #MPD (#673) on your cell phone. You can also call 713.224.COPS (2677).