Local security tightened: Due to heightened terrorist alert
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The raising of the threat level was made this week after the Department of Homeland Security announced intelligence sources revealed there is a significant threat of terrorist activity in the United States. The upgrade in threat level prompted immediate stepped-up security at airports and other potential targets.
While saying there is no specific threat to Warren County itself, local lawmen say they are heightening their alert.
“We’re paying a little extra attention to things like the water plant and dam, just in case,” said McMinnville Police Capt. Bryan Denton. “We’re making sure to keep our guard up.”
Sheriff Jackie Matheny said his men are also paying closer attention, noting it is not out of the question that a terrorist strike could come in the rural areas of the country to shake the safety of Americans.
“About all we can do is be vigilant,” Matheny said. “Our officers are mindful of the threat level and are paying attention to anything unusual.”
On the state level, the Department of Safety is stepping up its efforts, both on surveillance of traffic and structures such as bridges and overpasses.
“Homeland security has remained a priority of the department since the threat of a terrorist attack became a reality,” said TDOS Commissioner Fred Phillips. “In response to the increased threat level, we are implementing a plan of action with a focus toward safety on Tennessee’s roadways.”
The department will place all available Tennessee Highway Patrol and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division personnel on the roads to monitor activity statewide. Troopers and CVE officers will pay close attention to activity at bridges, tunnels and overpasses as well as inspect any vehicles abandoned on the roads. Additional enhanced security measures include various checkpoints, roadblocks and inspections. The department will keep all weigh stations open 24 hours to ensure compliance among all commercial vehicles.
“We remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the citizens of Tennessee,” said THP Colonel Lynn Pitts. “Along with increased patrols of the roadways, we will perform security checkpoints to closely monitor all commercial vehicles traveling through the state.”
The department will maintain its heightened activities until the federal government makes a change in the threat level. The department will continue to work with federal, state and local authorities to implement its plans and provide assistance as needed.
“We are committed to protecting the citizens of Tennessee. The public might not notice many of the increased security measures, but that doesn’t mean we’re not there,” said Commissioner Phillips.