Bombings In NY, NJ Put Law Enforcement On Alert In Philadelphia Region
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The events in New Jersey and New York have led to some security changes in the Philadelphia area. Law enforcement in Philadelphia and the surrounding area were already on edge following the gun battle and rampage that took place in Philadelphia on Friday night.
There will be increased patrols and additional canine units across SEPTA regional rail lines and stations. Officials made that announcement on Monday.
"You'll see more police throughout the region," said Chief Tom Nestel of the SEPTA Police. He underscored the agency has not received any threats and that they have been in close contact with agencies in New Jersey and New York.
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One thing that he says is clear, is that police rely on the public for critical information.
"We stress the importance of making that phone call," said Lt. John Stanford of the Philadelphia Police. The department already increased security in the wake of Friday's shooting rampage which injured Officer Sylvia Young and Penn Police Officer Edward Miller and was characterized as a hate-filled attack on police.
Even the smallest of events, can be tied to larger incidents.
"You don't know if those incidents are connected or not," Lt. Stanford said. "Instead of waiting until we get additional information and then finding out that they are connected in some way. We prefer that phone call."
Police emphasize that this is success in the war on terror. They say that they expect volume in 911 calls to stay pretty high through this week and they hope it continues.