Odds are, most of us have seen or heard something at one time or another that we should have told. The question open here, is did you? Did you tell it? Did you rely on the confidences of a friend, or call some one else?
Many of of see and hear things in everyday life, and most times, it's just tidbits of stuff, that probably does not matter at all... or does it? Only you can answer that question.
The thing that i am referring to primarily here, are those things that really do matter. For instance you see a child that looks or seems out of place with parents. Did you observe them long enough? Or did you simply walk away, and let someone else do it? Now let me ask you a question..what if that was your child? Perhaps you lost a child, or had one kidnapped, or one has left home at an early age. What is that child doing, and where are they? If it was your child that may be on a milk carton or at the local post office or police station in the missing section, then you would not be so quick to pass on something that you may be observing.
The same fact goes for other things. Perhaps you hear a conversation in passing. A conversation that is neither moral nor legal. Who would you call, or what would you do? Ignore it as though you had never heard it, or make a move to tell someone about it?
The truth is, there are many people that will hear, see, and ignor things 9 out of 10 times in the next month, that could have saved someones life, child, family, etc.
When you see, hear, or are told something, there are resources. The Police Dept would be my first suggestion, however most times they asked for more information than you may be able to provide. Therefore if you overhear something cocerning drugs, then the Narcotics Division of the Police Department would be the office to contact.
If you suspect child abuse, the Social Services in your town or state would be of assistance, as well as the police department. Simply call as an annoymous caller if you must, but do give the information.
If you have heard someones life being threatened, whether the person knows it or not, contact the police department, and tell them what you do know. At least a record will be made and the police will be made aware of the fact.
For all matter where the police say they cannot do anything about it, contact the FBI. The FBI has authority where the police cannot go, so don't ignore it, make the call.