Washington ? Millions of Americans from utility workers to ship captains would be asked to watch for suspicious activity and report it under a program being organized by the Justice Department.

Operation TIPS Terrorism Information and Prevention System drew prompt criticism, forcing officials to deny it would result in Americans spying on each other.

“The last thing we want is Americans spying on Americans,” Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge said. “That’s just not what the president is all about, and not what the TIPS program is all about.”