"Minneapolis airport resuming random vehicle searches"

Tuesday, March 18, 2003

Minneapolis airport resuming random vehicle searches
By Terry Collins
The Minneapolis (MN) Star Tribune


Random vehicle searches at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport were
to resume early today after President Bush's warning Monday night that war
with Iraq could prompt terror attacks at home.

The airport received a directive from local Transportation Security
Administration officials late Monday to begin the searches, a procedure
briefly used in February when the country was last under a "high" -- or
orange -- terror alert.

Travelers also will see more police at the airport, said Patrick Hogan, a
spokesman for the Metropolitan Airports Commission.

Immediately after Bush's televised speech, the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security again raised the alert to high and put in place "Operation Liberty
Shield," which calls for greater security at airports, nuclear power plants,
seaports and other public places.

Bush suggested that at some point Iraq would transfer biological, chemical
or nuclear weapons to terror groups that could attack the United States.

Even before Bush's speech, Minnesota law enforcement officials had made
plans for increased security at airports and other public installations.

"We've been working for several days putting together some possible plans,
depending on the nation's level of threat," said Hogan, who said those plans
do not include calling out the National Guard. "It's a fluid situation that
we're prepared to respond to if the situation requires change."

Minnesota officials met Monday afternoon to review heightened security that
could exceed what followed the terror attacks in 2001. The plan includes
extra enforcement along Minnesota's border with Canada, which will remain
open.

Authorities said they don't foresee a direct terrorism threat to Minnesota.
As soon as war begins, however, the state would open its Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) at the Division of Emergency Management in St. Paul.

"We've operated under the assumption that this [war] would occur at some
point, so we're being proactive to whatever the situation entails," said
Kevin Smith, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.

Once the EOC is activated, Minnesotans can call a 24-hour hot line with
their concerns. (See When war breaks out) A similar line averaged between
300 to 500 calls in the first few hours after the Sept. 11 attacks, Smith
said.

"This helps take the burden off 911 operators in case people have questions
about preparedness," said Smith, recalling the frenzy and furor on Sept. 11.
"Our strategy is to stay ahead."

And that will be determined by what happens here and abroad, said Jeff
Luther, the state's homeland security coordinator.

He said border security will be overseen by the Bureau of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, a new division under the Homeland Security Department.

In addition, county law enforcement, the U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast
Guard, the State Patrol and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will take
part, Luther said.

"We will have an increased level of scrutiny," Luther said. "There will be
more questioning of people and an even greater knowledge of the cargo going
across the borders."

The FBI will open up a command post in Minneapolis, and the Hennepin County
Sheriff's Office also will open its own emergency operations center.

Minneapolis is considering closing the tunnels that connect City Hall with
the Federal Courthouse and Hennepin County Government Center for at least
the first 72 hours after the war begins.

Luther said his office has met with representatives from utilities,
corporations, major Twin Cities shopping malls and city police departments.

"I think to a certain extent a lot of it is based on people power and how
many resources you have to draw from," he said. "There will a very visible
presence at our symbolic and most populous sites."

After Sept. 11, state officials said the Mall of America in Bloomington
would be one of several possible terrorist targets. Federal authorities and
mall officials have said there is no credible evidence of a planned attack
on the mall.

Both Luther and Mark Rosendow, the airport's police chief, said people can
best help themselves by being aware of their surroundings.

"We have a lot of eyes and ears out here, but we need everybody working
together," Rosendow said.

Luther said the biggest hurdle to overcome is the psychological effect of
possible terrorism. "That means keeping the public informed and working
together to make sure this is a safe place for everybody."


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