FBI and OAAA Extend Nationwide DOOH Partnership to Strengthen Public Safety Campaigns
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Out of Home Advertising Association of America have renewed their long-running partnership aimed at supporting public safety efforts through digital out of home (DOOH) advertising across the United States.
Announced on May 5, 2026, the renewed collaboration continues the FBI’s Digital Billboard Initiative, a program first introduced in 2007 as a pilot project in Philadelphia. Since then, the initiative has expanded into a nationwide communications network featuring more than 10,000 digital screens contributed by OAAA member companies.
The program enables law enforcement agencies to rapidly distribute urgent alerts, including information on fugitives, missing persons, and active investigations, directly to communities where the messages are most relevant.
Anna Bager said the partnership highlights the effectiveness of out of home media in delivering timely public safety messaging at scale. According to Bager, the industry’s ability to provide broad reach and immediate visibility helps investigators generate public leads and accelerate case resolutions.
Over the past two decades, the billboard initiative has reportedly helped resolve more than 58 investigations while generating over 28,000 public tips nationwide. In several cases, suspects surrendered after seeing their own images displayed on digital billboards, while other investigations advanced directly because of citizen tips prompted by the campaigns.
Among the notable successes cited by the FBI:
- In Fruita, Colorado, authorities captured Jason Lee Robinson — known as the “Traveling Bandit” — after a billboard campaign prompted a public tip that led investigators to him.
- In Tampa, Florida, Demeko Wells surrendered to authorities one day after his image appeared on digital billboards connected to an identity theft investigation.
- Following the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival tragedy in Las Vegas, digital billboard alerts generated more than 4,000 public tips for investigators.
Ben Williamson described the billboard initiative as one of the FBI’s most successful private-sector collaborations. He noted that the ability to rapidly place critical information in front of millions of people has played a key role in solving crimes and improving community awareness.
The partnership also demonstrates the growing role of digital out of home media in emergency communications. Unlike traditional media channels, DOOH campaigns can be updated instantly and geographically targeted, allowing investigators to focus messages in areas where suspects or witnesses may be located.
Industry research referenced by OAAA suggests that DOOH advertising generates strong audience engagement, with many viewers taking action after seeing campaigns displayed on screens in public spaces such as highways, transit systems, retail environments, and city centers.
As part of the renewed agreement, OAAA and participating media owners will continue expanding billboard support for FBI field offices and additional public safety initiatives nationwide.
