Terrorism is not off the minds of those who protect, serve, and transport us to and from work.
Virginia State Police today urge residents to stay vigilant, and as they have during the past nine months, continue to remind people that if they see something suspicious they should tell authorities.
“At this time, there is no known direct threat against Virginia or its infrastructure as a result of these recent events,” said Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel W. Steven Flaherty. “We simply want to remind our citizens to stay attune to their surroundings and environment, and to always report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
There is also increased vigilance today on Virginia Railway Express.
The system has 130 undercover plain-clothes officers who ride the trains who, along with uniformed officers, are keeping a close watch on the transit system.
“Additionally, we have communicated with our local (local jurisdictional law enforcement) and federal partners (TSA) to increase their awareness at our stations. The local law enforcement agencies have promised to have a greater presentence at stations in their jurisdictions, while TSA will increase their presence at destination stations,” stated VRE spokesman Mark Roeber in an email.
The increased vigilance comes after President Obama on Sunday night confirmed U.S. special forces had shot and killed the world’s most wanted terrorist –– Osama Bin Laden.
Since the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 –– masterminded by Bin Laden –– the nation has undergone sweeping security changes that have affected nearly all aspects of life in the U.S.
Virginia State Police have partnered with the Department of Homeland Security on the “See something, say something,” which urges residents to call 911, local police or sheriff’s office in the event someone spots something out of the ordinary.
Callers may also dial #77 on a cell phone to reach state police, or call Virginia’s Terrorist Tip Hotline at 1-877-4VA-TIPS.
