Local police beef-up theater surveillance
Friday - 7/20/2012, 5:37pm ET
Dick Uliano, wtop.com
WASHINGTON - Some local movie theaters are drawing additional police surveillance following the shooting rampage at the Aurora, Colo. theater.
"We're focusing on theaters in general," said Lamar Greene, D.C. assistant police chief, at a news briefing at police headquarters on Friday.
"As a precautionary measure, the Metropolitan Police Department will be paying close attention to our movie theaters located throughout Washington D.C."
Police from Montgomery and Prince George's counties say they are increasing their presence at movie houses, as well.
Montgomery police say they could also coordinate their activities with off-duty officers who are providing theater security.
Some police are wary of the possibility that an individual could attempt to copy the high-profile attack.
"There's always a concern that a copycat crime may be committed," said Greene. "We just want to ensure that these movie theaters are safe."
But not all area police departments are promising to beef-up surveillance.
Police in Arlington and Fairfax counties say they'll carry on normal patrols. But Arlington police point out that, even before the deadly shooting rampage in Colorado, some of their officers have been working off-duty security details at movie theaters.
Greene says he would not discourage people from going to the movies this weekend, but he recommends people keep a heightened awareness.
"We would like to encourage all citizens to report suspicious activity," he said. "Be vigilant and pay attention."
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