Jacksonville Business Journal
In the wake of the terrorist attack at a major airport in Brussels, Belgium, Jacksonville International Airport said it will be increasing the visibility of law enforcement to enhance safety.
While the airport couldn’t go into specifics of its tactical response, spokeswoman Debbie Jones said it would have more law enforcement officers walking through the terminals for an undisclosed period of time, that will be “very visible.”
TSA and Jacksonville International Airport are beefing up security following terrorist attacks at an airport in Belgium.
“We have multiple layers of security,” Jones said. “There are things you can see, like officers, and things you can’t. We’re constantly training for a wide variety of situations.”
Jones said as recently as October, the airport conducted an active shooter drill to prepare for a situation where there would be a direct attack. She added that the aviation authority also works to stay in touch with the FBI, joint terrorism task force and works with other law enforcement as well.
The Transportation Security Administration is also increasing additional security measures, including procedures to identify any suspicious travel, particularly from Belgium, given the attack.
“As a precautionary measure, TSA is deploying additional security to major city airports in the United States, and at various rail and transit stations around the country,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, in a statement. “TSA is also working closely with state and local law enforcement, airport and transit authorities, and the aviation industry in order to augment that security.”
Jones reminded that, as far as the public is concerned, the most important thing is to be vigilant.
“We encourage travelers to be aware of their surroundings,” she said. “If you see something, say something to an officer or an employee, especially if you see something suspicious.”
