SEPTA Chief Thomas Nestel III speaking to reporters Tuesday morning.
Credit: SEPTA
The chief of SEPTA’s police department is asking riders to keep alert.
During a Tuesday morning press conference following the deadly terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium, Chief Thomas Nestel III advised riders on SEPTA’s various transit vehicles to report anything suspicious to 9-1-1.
“See something, say something,” he urged riders. “If you see something suspicious and the hairs on the back your neck stand up, we want to know.”
Nestel said transit police have increased patrols in the wake of the attacks and will “expeditiously” respond to calls about suspicious activity or items.
“No bag is beyond suspicion,” he told reporters.
Officers from SEPTA already communicate with local, state and federal law enforcement about potential threats. In addition, SEPTA sends officers out weekly to meet with riders and focus on getting people to report anything suspicious.
As of Tuesday morning, there were no credible threats of terrorism reported against the Philadelphia region.
Nestel said that riders should not be afraid to “bother” police with reports of suspicious activity.
“We want to make sure that our riders feel safe.”
