"DHS steps up mass transit, airport security"

Monday, July 2, 2007

DHS steps up mass transit, airport security
By Elizabeth Newell
govexec.com


The Homeland Security Department is bolstering airport and mass transit
security following an airport attack and two thwarted car bomb attempts in
the United Kingdom over the weekend, a spokesman said Monday.

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff said the department will be increasing
security for mass transit systems, airports and other transportation sites,
"in an abundance of caution during this holiday period." But Chertoff said
there is no credible threat against the United States at this time.

DHS spokesman Russ Knocke said there has been increased air marshal coverage
and tightened security for public transportation since last August's foiled
plot to bomb U.S.-bound planes.

"The focus is on transit security," Knocke said. "It's summer, and we've
seen attacks on transit systems in London and Madrid."

Knocke reiterated that there are no ongoing, credible threats to the United
States now.

Chertoff said DHS will not raise the national terror alert level unless the
department receives specific intelligence about a possible threat in the
United States. He noted, however, that the threat level for the airline
sector has been at orange -- the second highest level -- since last summer.

A Transportation Security Administration official confirmed that airports
and airlines have been on high alert for almost a year. Ongoing security
measures include the use of air marshals, canine handlers, random vehicle
searches and others not visible to the public.

"We're doing the same things we've been doing, just more of it," the
official said.

While TSA is responding to the U.K. incidents, staffing levels typically
increase around holidays anyway, the official said.

Security in general is tight in anticipation of the Fourth of July, but DHS
is allowing state and local authorities to take the lead on any extra
measures at local celebrations.

"There has been no adjustment to the federal security posture for holiday
activities this week, but we support fully any steps local officials deem
appropriate," Knocke said.

Chief Dwight Pettiford said the Park Police is working closely with DHS to
ensure that it is aware of any threats to the Washington Fourth of July
celebration. The Park Police is the lead law enforcement agency for the
event.

"We're in constant contact with the Department of Homeland Security --
constantly, daily," Pettiford said.

Knocke said DHS has been working extensively with U.K. officials to remain
apprised of any new information pertaining to the United States.

"We are in constant communication with U.K. counterparts, and it's been that
way for years, particularly going back to last August," Knocke said. "We're
very fortunate to have a strong, robust partnership with our U.K.
counterparts. When we get information it's shared with them almost
instantaneously and vice versa."

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