Law enforcement agencies around the Washington area are deploying extra officers and equipment as well as urging residents to report suspicious people, cars and packages, all as part of increased security for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Federal authorities on Thursday night reported a “credible and specific” terrorist threat to D.C. and New York City, prompting some agencies to step up surveillance, though most just carried out weekend plans that were already established.
D.C. police chief oCathy Lanier put all 3,800 of her officers on the streets for the weekend, working in 12-hour shifts.
Arlington added extra officers to its weekend shifts.
“We adjusted our staffing levels earlier this week in anticipation of the 9/11 anniversary, so you may see additional officers around Arlington County,” Police Chief M. Douglas Scott said in a statement. “Our police officers are aware of the recent information regarding a ‘credible’ threat, and the department is in close contact with federal law enforcement for updates.”
At the Pentagon, the Secret Service and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency will be teaming up to guard Sunday’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony, with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell attending. President Obama is expected to be at the Pentagon as well.
Prince George’s County stepped up staffing numbers for the weekend and debuted some new security equipment, including a $1.2 million mobile command center, a 45-foot bus with satellite links to security cameras throughout the county, including links to footage from police helicopters.
“We have a technological advantage in the county that we’ve never had before,” Martin said. “We’re able to get vital information to the people who are making the decisions and our people in the field.”
Montgomery County deployed its special transportation detail, focusing on rail stations, which it typically does on the 9/11 anniversary, police spokesman Capt. Paul Starks said, adding that they could add more officers if needed.
“A good plan is flexible and fluid. We’re continuing to coordinate and communicate with other law enforcement and government agencies,” he said.
Alexandria deployed extra officers to guard its King Street Arts Festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
Officials stepped up security at Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports, but couldn’t disclose specifics, a spokesman said.
Police urged vigilance, telling people to report loitering individuals and cars parked on highway shoulders.
“Don’t wait to come up with your own reason or alibi for something your gut is telling you is out of place or suspicious,” Starks said. “Let the police decide ‘Oh, it’s nothing.’ We’d would much rather come out and determine it’s nothing than for something to happen, and that goes for anything from terrorism to residential burglary.”
D.C. Mayor Vince Gray echoed the call for vigilance.
“Err on the side of giving us a call,” he said Friday on CNN.
Lanier said that since the “credible, specific” threat had been made public, reports of suspicious activity, including idling vehicles and abandoned packages, were up 20 to 30 percent on Friday.
Despite the terrorist threat, some law enforcement officials weren’t worried.
“I’m sure it will be a quiet weekend,” Pentagon police spokesman Chris Layman said.
Examiner Staff Writer Ben Giles contributed to this report, which also includes information from the Associated Press.
