By Andrew Solomon
March 31, 2003

Immediately following the increase in the Federal threat advisory level to "orange" in preparation for war in Iraq, mayors across the nation moved quickly to tighten security in our cities.

Many cities increased police visibility and urged greater public vigilance to deter any security incidents. Some specific examples of additional security measures undertaken by the nation's mayors follow:

• New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched Operation Atlas, the most comprehensive terrorism prevention effort the city has ever conducted. At a cost of $5 million per week, the plan includes expanded police patrols on the streets, focusing on government buildings, tourist attractions, financial institutions, hotels and houses of worship, and in the subways, on the waterways and in the harbor. It will also strengthen checkpoints at bridges and tunnels and on the streets. The Mayor also worked with federal authorities to secure New York City's airspace and provide military air patrols.
• Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn opened the city's Emergency Operations Center, where all key city agencies come together to assess security needs and make quick decisions to ensure the safety and security of Los Angeles residents and businesses.
• Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has requested the federal government to designate the downtown area as a "no fly zone." The Chicago Police Department put every officer into uniform to bolster visibility and asked building managers to post their security staff in front of their buildings. The department will establish fixed posts at certain high-risk facilities. The Department of Aviation has increased security measures at O-Hare and Midway airports. Travelers will see an increased law enforcement presence, including more canine patrols.
• San Antonio Mayor Ed Garza reports that staffing at the emergency operations center, which has been activated 24-7 since Jan. 1, 2002, has been increased. Security has also been bolstered at key facilities, including City Hall.
• San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales stepped up security and inspections for Mineta San Jose International Airport, following TSA guidelines. He also stepped up security and police patrol for key public, private, and community buildings throughout the city, including City Hall, federal and state buildings.
• Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson increased visible police presence. Walking and horseback patrols were increased, and officers are directed to examine the interiors of business, restaurants and other public places. In addition, all administrative personnel who normally wear street clothes are now reporting to duty in uniform, to further increase the visible number of uniformed officers. Tight security continues in and around events at two of the most visible venues, the RCA Dome and Conseco Fieldhouse.
• Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson met with his Public Protection Cabinet and followed with a news briefing to give citizens a rundown of the city's readiness for any emergency situation. The Mayor asked residents to be vigilant and gave out phone numbers for residents to call should they see any out-of-the-ordinary or suspicious activity.
• Washington (DC) Mayor Anthony Williams directed District agencies to increase their level of readiness. The city's police are utilizing their closed circuit television system fully, especially important around key facilities and infrastructure assets. There is daily testing of communications systems, notifications, and connectivity to the surrounding jurisdictions. All District government facilities moved to 100 percent ID checks and employees were instructed to carry their identification at all times. Citizens and visitors should expect delays when entering government facilities, for identification checks and possible bag searches. Existing parking restrictions will be strictly enforced.
• Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels added patrols for bridges, reservoirs, and dams. The city's emergency operations center was put on "ready" status. City employees were ordered to wear ID badges.
• Denver Mayor Wellington E. Webb stepped up security at appropriate locations and restricted entrances and exits of city buildings. The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management opened the Emergency Operations Center on a limited basis.
• Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory is in touch with all high-rise building managers. The city has reviewed critical infrastructure and is preparing to open the Police Command Center.
• New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin ordered more screening for those entering such local buildings as City Hall and the Superdome. The Coast Guard will continue boarding and checking ships as they enter the port and they will step up watches for any suspicious activities near bridges, ferries and levees. Water treatment plants and power plants will get armed support outside of their gates.
• Long Beach Mayor Beverly O-Neill initiated 24-hour, seven- day per week police patrol coverage in the port (in addition to existing police and security coverage). She also activated the primary Mobile Field Force Platoon. All on-duty sworn personnel are dressing in the standard police uniform to increase visibility. Police Department Operation Center is set-up, and ready for full activation at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
• St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay ordered no parking around the City Hall perimeter, increased security at the water reservoir, and told the Health Department to monitor for disease patterns at local hospitals and health centers.
• Pittsburgh Mayor Thomas Murphy increased patrolling and restricted access to critical infrastructure. He also increased security at public and other appropriate buildings and put the city's Emergency Operations Center on a high-readiness alert status.
• Arlington (TX) Mayor Elzie Odom increased security at critical facilities. He is also encouraging City departments to remind all personnel to be alert and inquisitive about unusual or suspicious activities in their work areas.
• Hialeah (FL) Mayor Raul Martinez reports that patrol commanders are required to conduct roll call briefings regarding the heightened level of alert. Vigilance by means of directed patrols (watch orders) were placed on all city facilities, hospitals, malls, and special events where large numbers of people might be expected.