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March 20, 2003
Local police step up security measures
By EILEEN ZAFFIRO | News-Journal Staff Writer
DAYTONA BEACH — Agencies throughout the county are operating under a heightened state of alert, but not only because of the fighting in Iraq that began Wednesday night.
The federal security threat level increase to orange, the second-highest state of alert, has prompted dozens of agencies to boost security measures, officials said. A red alert – indicating a specific threat – would bring even more dramatic security precautions, they said.
The Holly Hill Police Department activated its operational contingency plan at 11 p.m. Wednesday, said spokesman Comdr. Mark Barker. The plan prompted all sworn personnel to wear their uniform at all times, and increased patrols and extra checks of vehicles and equipment, Barker said.
Sheriff's deputies have been ordered to carry their uniforms with them when not wearing them, and deputies have stepped up patrols at key public facilities, County Manager Cindy Coto said.
City police departments have increased patrols at water and electric facilities, as well.
The Volusia County Council will hold an emergency meeting at 1 p.m. today to receive a security update from the emergency management director and chief sheriff's deputy.
In some departments, such as Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, officers are carrying gas masks in their cars. Daytona Beach officers are also carrying special uniforms, helmets and nerve gas antidote kits, spokesman Sgt. Al Tolley said.
Public schools remain open, but all district activities have been cancelled for the next two weeks and additional security steps have been taken, school Superintendent Bill Hall said.
Security also was increased at the Daytona Beach International Airport earlier this week in compliance with the orange threat level. Vehicles are being inspected randomly before they reach the terminal area, and the short-term parking lot has been closed, said Delta Air Lines spokesman Rich Mather.
The Volusia County Beach Patrol already has extra people working for Spring Break, said Deputy Chief Joe Wooden, but special security measures for the beaches would be implemented under a red threat level.
U.S. Coast Guard cutters, aircraft and boats are increasing patrols. Boaters should be ready to show photo identification cards, be aware of existing security zones and restricted navigation areas, and stay at least 100 yards clear of any Navy vessel.
Police ask citizens to report anything suspicious.