Security Stepped Up Throughout Washington

Officials say there is no valid threat on security, but they're being proactive

Expect increased uniformed security and police officers at Union Station, on VRE, MARC, Metro and at area airports as officials step up security efforts around the D.C. area in reaction to the death of Osama bin Laden.

Expect more bag checks and random gate screenings at airports.  Metro officials said they may even consider brining back their random bag checks.

D.C. Police are working with federal law enforcement and reinforcing transportation security around the city.  Police are also keeping a watchful eye on area mosques, synagogues and water treatment and electric power facilities.

“Because we operate in undoubtedly the most important city in the world, the Metropolitan Police Department maintains a heightened state of alert," D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said in a statement.  "Clearly, it would not be prudent to talk about deployments and increased security tactics used by the Metropolitan Police Department. However, many of those tactics are very visible to the public and designed to be so.

"The single most important thing to stress is that the public is our first line of defense and it is critical that they remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to the police by dialing 911.”

TSA is coordinating with mass transit agencies around the country to duplicate similar security efforts where necessary.  It's not clear how long the beefed up efforts will last.

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