us Personal safety & immediate danger someone entering restricted area • trying to access restricted door • suspicious person near secure entrance • unauthorized access attempt • tailgating through secure door • forced entry at a secure site • suspicious activity at a facility • suspicious activity at work • trespass into employees only area • person without badge in secure zone • security breach concern • possible threat escalation • might be planning harm • critical infrastructure security concern • public venue restricted access • unsure whether to call 911 • see something say something moment • you feel unsafe reporting

What to do if…
you see someone trying to access a restricted area and you are worried it could lead to harm

Short answer

Get to a safer position and report it immediately to on-site security or staff—then call 911 if there’s any immediate threat, forced entry, or danger to people.

Do not do these things

Don’t confront, physically stop, or chase the person.
Don’t follow them into the restricted area or try to “investigate” alone.
Don’t pull out your phone and record from close range if it puts you at risk.
Don’t broadcast images or details on social media while it’s unfolding.
Don’t wait for certainty if your concern is that harm could happen.

What to do now

Create distance and improve your safety first.
Step back, keep exits available, and place solid cover (a wall/column/closed door) between you and the person if possible.
Alert the nearest responsible authority on-site (fastest local action).
Contact security, a front desk, a supervisor, event staff, or facility management. If there’s a posted emergency number for the site (or a security operations center/control room), use it.
Call 911 if it’s urgent or escalating.
Call 911 if there’s forced entry, violence, threats, a weapon, or you believe someone could be harmed soon. If you’re not sure, describe what you’re seeing and let the dispatcher triage.
Give specific facts responders can use right away.
Provide: exact location (building/entrance/level), what the person is doing (e.g., “testing doors,” “tailgating,” “climbing fence”), direction of movement, and a simple description (clothing, approximate height/build, identifying features). Mention immediate hazards (crowded area, near kids, near machinery, etc.).
If you’re in a venue with its own police/security, notify them too.
Examples: airport, stadium, hospital, transit hub, or campus—call venue security/campus police or use on-site emergency phones where available. They can often respond faster on-site while 911 support is en route.
After reporting, stop engaging and stay reachable.
Move somewhere safer. If a responder calls back, answer and repeat the key facts calmly.
If it’s not time-sensitive, report to local law enforcement (not federal).
Use the local police non-emergency number (often listed on the agency’s official website), or 311 where your city provides it. If you can’t find the right number quickly and you’re worried it could escalate, call 911 and explain what you’re seeing.

What can wait

You don’t need to decide whether it was “definitely dangerous” before reporting.
You don’t need to collect evidence, get names, or confront witnesses right now.
You don’t need to file a detailed written report immediately—focus on the key facts that enable a response.

Important reassurance

Feeling torn between “maybe it’s nothing” and “what if it’s serious” is normal. Reporting a possible restricted-access breach is a reasonable precaution, and you’re allowed to prioritize safety over certainty.

Scope note

These are first steps for the earliest safe pause. Facilities often have specific security protocols; once you’ve reported and you’re safe, follow the venue/workplace instructions.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or professional security advice. If you think anyone is in immediate danger, prioritize safety and call emergency services.

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What to do if…you see someone trying to access a restricted area and you are worried it could lead to harm