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July 4th Security
With Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear
U.S. Park Police
Tuesday, July 2, 2002; 11 a.m. EDT
Local and federal police are planning a "massive security presence" in the nation's capital during the July 4 fireworks and celebration. Visiting patrons and tourists going downtown for the July 4 fireworks show and concerts will see a fence around the Mall and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, and encounter metal detectors and screening checkpoints for bag searches. Officers from D.C. police, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Capitol Police and other agencies will be present to reduce the likelihood of a possible terrorist attack. Read the full story, Intensive Security Set for July 4 Events, (Post, June 20)
Join U.S. Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear to discuss security around the Mall during the 4th of July events.
The transcript follows.
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over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Washington, D.C.:
Did you ever consider the fact that some people will not be coming to the Mall for this week's festivities? Not because they are afraid, but because they find the police-state-like presence in the supposedly worldwide center of freedom to be just a bit ridiculous.
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: Actually, we believe that most people will see the security measures as a positive addition to this year's Independence Day celebrations. We are providing a safe and secure environment while providing an open atmosphere for people to celebrate America's freedom.
Northern Virginia:
Sir and Madam -
Thanks for coming on today to take our questions.
Would you help me understand why such draconian (in my opinion, anyway) security measures are necessary for the Mall? A double fence, no ability to roam this symbol of freedom on the one day of the year that symbolizes American ideals of democracy and freedom? I am so upset by these ugly measures you're putting in place that I'm not going in to DC at all on July 4. My beloved adopted country (I am a naturalized citizen, originally from Pakistan) has turned into a police state of the sort that I escaped from. Please help me understand why these horrible "security" measures are needed. Thank you.
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: The security fence allows us to direct our guests through entry points where bags will be checked to ensure that no dangerous items, including alcoholic beverages, are allowed on Park property. Once a person has passed through the checkpoints, he or she is free to roam throughout the area and enjoy the family atmosphere that continues to be our tradition in Washington on Independence Day.
Fairfax, Va.:
I read about the 200 ft no boating zone on the washington side of the river. Will boaters be allowed to anchor and view the fireworks outside of this area (and away from the bridges)?
Alexandria, Va.:
Will there be any boating restrictions on the Potomac between the 14th St Bridge and the Memorial Bridge?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: Yes, boaters will be allowed to enjoy the view of the fireworks from the river as they have in the past. They will be required to honor a buffer zone, as you have indicated, and to avoid anchoring under our bridges. Enjoy the show!
Springfield, Va.:
We've heard a lot about security on the mall -- but what about security in other prime viewing spots like the banks of the Potomac in VA and the Iwo Jima memorial?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: The addition of approximately 2,000 uniformed officers from area jurisdictions allows us to patrol other Park properties and to provide additional resources as necessary. Please assist us by being our eyes and ears. If you see anything out of the ordinary or hear something that should be brought to our attention, let one of our officers know or dial 911. Thanks, and enjoy the festivities!
Washington, D.C.:
I'm really frustrated by the security being set up for the 4th.
I've lived in D.C. for 19 years now, and I have gone to the mall every year (even in the rain!) to see the fireworks.
I won't be going this year.
It seems wrong to me that we are locking down our city, a city that should be a beacon of freedom, out of fear. It is even more wrong that what is being done will not prevent problems. Sure, no one will have a gun (or booze, or fireworks, or...) inside the perimeter, but can a snow fence stop a distance weapon? Or a determined person in a truck? Or an airplane? Or any one of a number of possibilities? No. All it can do is pen in the law abiding, and frustrate those who believe that our openess is one of our greatest assets. And if something does happen, how will all the people get OUT of the security zone?
Every year, more and more of our openess disappears, in the name of security and of "protecting our freedoms." It's wrong. We need to recognize that being open carries risks, but locking down the world carries a far greater risk - the risk of becoming a closed and paranoid society.
I've been wondering, ever since I heard about the security for the 4th, who made this decision. I would like to write tham a letter, asking for clarification of the thought process behind this lockdown, and expressing my view as a citizen of the US and the District of Columbia that this is wrong.
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: The Mall is wide open for the Fourth of July. To help ensure everyone's safety, 24 entry points have been established to make certain that no dangerous items are taken onto the Park property. Please be assured that the City is not "locked down," and we welcome you and others to join the festivities and celebrate America's freedom in a safe and secure environment that maintains an open atmosphere.
Silver Spring, Md.:
Will there be pets allowed on the mall on the Fourth of July?
As far as the alcohol policy is Zima considered an alcoholic beverage?
Dan
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: Pets are allowed on the Mall. Leash laws are, as always, in effect. Please remember that the weather is expected to be hot, and there is little shade available. Bring lots of water for your pets and yourself!
washingtonpost.com:
Are you taking any precautions specifically regarding the handling of the fireworks? What are you doing to prevent them from being tampered with?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: As in past years, the fireworks are in a secure area and are under 24-hour police protection.
Rockville, Md:
I am glad to see that additional security will be in place around the mall and festivities that normally occur on the 4th. As much as you are encouraging people to participate in activities downtown, are you fearful that because of the added hassle that people will actually stay away? Frankly, the thought of having to run the gauntlet several times has deterred me from coming downtown.
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: The public should plan on coming downtown a little earlier than in years past and should be comforted by the amount of planning and preparation that have gone into providing a safe environment. We believe that large crowds will gather to celebrate our patriotism during this, our first Independence Day since the tragedies of last September. We encourage you to refer to the Washington Post this week for more detailed information and maps.
Stafford, Va.:
Will there be alcohol allowed on the mall?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: As in past years, no alcoholic beverages will be permitted on the Mall.
Germantown, Md.:
What's the point of closing down the Smithsonian Metro Station? I understand that everyone is concerned about security. But it seems to me that the move creates a HUGE logistical problem, while not really accomplishing much. After all...couldn't a would-be terrorist simply get off at Union Station? That's closer to the Capitol. Or why not Capitol South? Or Federal Triangle? To be really secure, shouldn't the whole Metro system be shut down?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: Working in concert with Metro Transit authorities, a decision was made to close the Smithsonian station in an effort to facilitate our ability to effectively and efficiently screen large numbers of visitors. As you have mentioned, there are a number of alternate Metro subway sitations, all within walking distance of the Mall.
Rockville, Md.:
As an Arab American, I am concerned about how my family will be treated by securities officials if we come to the Mall on Thursday. Can you give us any assurances that Arabs won't be targeted or singled-out?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: We value the diversity of our visitors and citizens in Washington, D.C. We will be screening the contents of backpacks, coolers, and other packages of every visitor to our Independence Day festivities. Rest assured, officers of the United States Park Police do not single out or target persons based upon one's race, ethnicity, or nationality.
Washington, D.C.:
Where on the Mall would be the best place to watch the fireworks?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: The fireworks are set off between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Because of the height they achieve, the fireworks are visible from almost anywhere in the area.
Vienna, Va.:
Will the Silk Roads Folklife Festival on the Mall still be taking place on the 4th or will it be cleared for the 4th?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: The Silk Road Folklife Festival opens at 11 a.m. on the 4th of July.
Alexandria, Va.:
Thank you for your efforts to ensure as much safety for the public as possible. There's a lot of short-sighted people who don't seem to get that just because we can't be perfect with how we protect our citizens doesn't mean we shouldn't try to do the best we can.
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: Thank you for your support. We hope to see you on the 4th!
Arlington, Va.:
Will tents and/or beach umbrellas be allowed? Also, how much time should one allow to get through security?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: Tents, canopies, and umbrellas that provide shade are fine. Please do not bring tents or other structures that are enclosed.
Please leave earlier than usual to come to the festivities on the 4th. While we cannot predict an exect time for the wait, we will shift our visitors to other entry points if one becomes overcrowded.
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: Thank you for your interest in this year's Independence Day festivities in our Nation's capital. There is no better place to celebrate what it means to be an American and no better time to celebrate than the first Fourth of July following the tragedies of September 11. It is our privilege to serve in an organization that plays such a critical role in providing a safe and secure environment for you while maintaining an open atmosphere.
Enjoy your Nation's freedom, and come celebrate with us! We look forward to seeing you on the Fourth.
Teresa C. Chambers, Chief of Police, United States Park Police
Sergeant Scott Fear, Public Information Officer, United States Park Police
washingtonpost.com:
In case there is an emergency, is there a evacuation plan? If there is such a plan, how would it be implemented?
Chief Teresa Chambers and Sgt. Scott Fear: The city already has an evacuation plan that we are a part of. In case of an emergency, we would work with the city to make sure that the proper evacuation took place.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
Stay tuned to Live Online:
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at Noon EDT
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Firework Safety at 1 p.m. EDT
Lean Plate Club with Sally Squires at 1
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Political analyst Charles E. Cook on Rep.
J.C. Watts' Retirement at 1:30 p.m. EDT
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at 2 p.m. EDT
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