STATE OF CONNECTICUT Department of Public Safety 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, Connecticut 06457 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 2, 2011 |
LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT INTRODUCE
"OPERATION IRON EAGLE"
Since the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States has continued to maintain a high level of awareness and readiness concerning any possible terrorist activity in the continental United States. The proximity of Connecticut in relation to other major cities such as New York City, Boston, the greater tri-state region, as well as our state’s infrastructure, causes us to remain vigilant in Connecticut.
A number of individual terrorists, as well as groups linked to terror organizations, have resided, planned, trained and/or implemented criminal acts from within Connecticut. In an effort to enhance our efforts to thwart any possible terrorist activity and to enhance security to Connecticut’s infrastructure, the Connecticut State Police is increasing our capabilities to deter, detect and interdict terrorists by conducting and maintaining high profile tactical patrols of possible targets within Connecticut.
The Connecticut State Police, utilizing specialty Troopers, has been requested to add to the security already in place within the state of Connecticut during the month of September 2011.
“Operation Iron Eagle” coincides with the ten-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S. This operation is designed to increase our capability to deter, detect and interdict terrorists and related incidents throughout the state through high-profile visibility patrols with these specialty Troopers. There has been no specific threat to Connecticut but these patrols will be conducted by deploying specially- trained Troopers utilizing specialty equipment, EOD K-9 teams and federal and local Law Enforcement partners to numerous venues on a daily basis. These areas include: mass transit transportation sites (train stations, airports, ferry terminals, bus stations), stadiums and high-capacity crowd facilities, critical infrastructure locations, and other high-profile locations. This “Operation Iron Eagle” is in place to supplement and enhance the existing security located at all of these venues.
There is no specific threat to Connecticut’s Security but the addition of these law enforcement specialists, working together with local and federal assets, will assist in extending the blanket of public safety all across Connecticut. Connecticut residents are reminded that they can play an essential role in this security by reporting any suspicious activity or persons immediatly to the police. “If you see something say something” to help enhance our security and safety in Connecticut .
Report any suspicious activity by calling 911 or call 1-866-HLS-TIPS (1-866 457-8477).
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LT. J. Paul Vance