WHAT IS THE INCIDENT REPORTING FORM (IRF)?

The IRF is a standardized online form that the Jewish Heart of NJ (Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties) 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 Jewish Federation in the Heart of 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, Federation and SCN receive reports of or identify 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 Heart of NJ 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 Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ's Director of Security Initiatives, 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 leaders of facilities in the heart of NJ 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 FEDERATION SECURITY PROFESSIONAL?

No. The Incident Reporting Form does not replace the ability for anyone to contact your Jewish Federation Director of Security Initiatives, Amy Keller, by phone at (732) 588-1817 or by email at amyk@jewishheartnj.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 Jewish Federation in the Heart of 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 Jewish Federation's Director of Security Initiatives, Amy Keller, by phone at (732) 588-1817 or by email at amyk@jewishheartnj.org. 

WHAT IF I AM UNCOMFORTABLE OR UNABLE TO USE IRF?

In the event you are unable to use the IRF or uncomfortable doing so, contact Jewish Federation's Director of Security Initiatives, Amy Keller, by phone at (732) 588-1817 or by email at amyk@jewishheartnj.org. 

REPORT A CYBER CRIME

If you or someone you know have been the victim of an Internet crime, file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Cyber Crime Complaint Center (IC3). REPORT HERE

REPORT A FEDERAL CYBER SECURITY ISSUE

Report incidents, phishing attempts, malware, and vulnerabilities to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). REPORT HERE

REPORT A STATE CYBERSECURITY ISSUE

NJ citizens should report cyber incidents and data breaches to the New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC). REPORT HERE

To report incidents and suspicious activities, call the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) at (866) 472-3365 or REPORT HERE.

We are all familiar with the adage: If you see something, say something -- in other words, report suspicious occurrences or observations to law enforcement and, in the case of the Jewish community, to Jewish Federation's Security Director.

With our nation’s and community's growing emphasis on prevention of crime and terrorism, individuals and organizations are needed to come forward and provide valuable information. We all play a role in keeping our communities safe. 

But WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS and what should be reported? The answer is: any type of activity or circumstance that seems unusual. 

Even if you think your observation or incident is not important, it may be a piece of a larger puzzle and could potentially stop the next terrorist attack or criminal incident. 

REMEMBER...Do not be shy. Your job is simply to relay information. What you see and report may save lives.

What Are Suspicious Activities?

Suspicious activity is an incident, event, or individual that seems unusual or out of place. Common examples include:

• A stranger loitering around your school, synagogue or building
• A vehicle slowly cruising the parking lot repeatedly
• Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more persons — especially if seen at an unusual hour
• Strangers removing license plates or loading valuables into vehicles
• Individuals taking pictures or video of persons, facility, buildings, parking lots
• Someone peering into cars or windows
• Attempting unauthorized access to facility areas
• Unattended packages in or around your facility
• Strange odors
• Open doors or windows when your school or synagogue is closed
• Someone tampering with electrical, gas or sewer systems without an identifiable company vehicle or uniform
• Sounds of breaking glass, gunshots, screaming or fighting
• Individuals exhibiting unusual mental or physical behaviors
• Eliciting information by phone, email, or in person by individuals with probing questions to your organization beyond a level of curiosity
• Suspicious communications (text messages, phone calls, voice mail messages, emails, letters, or packages, etc.)
• Distribution of propaganda — flyers on property or surrounding neighborhoods
• Deliberate interactions with, or challenges to, security personnel
• Testing security systems, intentionally setting off access alarms, fire alarms
• Testing IT systems to assess the strength or weakness

What Details to Report? 

REMEMBER the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. 

• Who did you see? Provide a detailed description of persons, vehicles. 

• What did you see happening?

• When did you see it? How long did it last?

• Where did it occur? Describe exact location, surroundings, pertinent landmarks.

• Why did it strike you as suspicious, out of place or unusual? Why did it make you feel uncomfortable?

What Steps to Take in Reporting

Community members and organizations' staff and volunteers should know how to report suspicious activities, crimes in progress, or possible terrorist activities:

• Dial 911 to call local police in the event of an emergency
• Follow the 5Ws to tell the call taker what happened (who, what, when, where, and why)
• Remain on the phone and stay calm
• Be prepared to answer follow-up questions
• Complete the Incident Report provided through Federation's website
• Alert Federation's Security Director, who will follow up with appropriate law enforcement authorities: email amyk@jewishheartnj.org or call 732-588-1817

Trust Your Instincts

If an incident, individual, vehicle, or circumstance seems "off," do not hesitate to call the police and report it. Let law enforcement make the decision on what response to take. Your responsibility as a concerned community member is to help the police help you and others.

FOR MORE INFORMATION regarding Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey Security Initiatives, PLEASE CONTACT: Director of Security Initiatives, Amy Keller, CPP. Email amyk@jewishheartnj.org or call 732-588-1817.