Crime & Safety
Police, City Officials Ask Public to Report Suspicious Activity in Wake of Bin Laden Killing
Officials urge citizens to remain vigilant in light of the recent capture and killing of Osama Bin Laden.
Los Angeles city and county officials stated Monday that there is no immediate threat following of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, but urged citizens to report any suspicious activity.
"If you see something, say something," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca during a press conference at the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center, adding: "The idea of preventing any kind of a violent act requires public participation."
People can provide tips by calling the iWatch hotline at 1-877-A-THREAT or 877-284-7328 or by contacting their local police department, Baca said.
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"Don't worry about what the information is, don't worry about how it fits into your scheme of what things are supposed to be, we'll figure that out for you," said Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck.
Los Angeles City Council President and Acting Mayor Eric Garcetti said being on alert means looking for something out of the ordinary, not profiling people.
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"Look for behavior, it is suspicious behavior, not suspicious looking people, it's not because of someone's race, ethnicity or religion," he said.
Los Angeles Airport Police Chief George Ceceno also spoke at the midday conference and said that the security level at Los Angeles International Airport has not been raised following Sunday's announcement of bin Laden's death.
"We are simply continuing our vigilance in protecting the airport, as you well know our transportation system is always a threat to terrorist organizations," he said. "If the need arises, we will change our posture, but thus far, our posture remains the same."
Watch the accompanying video for footage of the press conference.
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