Use Metro? Here’s the Latest on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s “Heightened State of Awareness on Transit System”

FBI Los Angeles, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other local law enforcement, has released the following updated information in regards to the investigation into the possibility of a terrorist plot on Metro trains:

“Working with our law enforcement partners, the FBI has found no evidence that the threat made to the Los Angeles Metro Red Line is credible. Based on significant similarities, law enforcement partners also believe the anonymous caller may have, on a previous occasion, reported threats that did not materialize. The Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) will continue to investigate to determine the identity of the caller and will continue to evaluate information developed from investigative efforts.

Any individual who knowingly provides false threat information to law enforcement, which can often result in a tactical response and the costly deployment of government resources, is subject to prosecution.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Police Department remain on a heightened state of awareness with increased directed patrol deployments where deemed necessary. Both agencies report that they have not experienced any significant problems or disruptions on the Los Angeles transit systems.

We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and to report activity they consider to be suspicious to the FBI, or by dialing 911. In addition, the Los Angeles Police Department can be reached toll free at 1-800-A-THREAT (1-800-284-7328) or via the iWatch app at iWatchLA.org.

LA Crime Stoppers is another available option. Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department station or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call LA Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app for FREE or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Deirdre Fike, the FBI’s Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office said, “The FBI recognizes the value of our partnerships with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, both of whom responded swiftly and professionally in this matter, and for their continued efforts in keeping the city and county of Los Angeles safe. The FBI also recognizes our foreign partners for their diligence and support of the American people. Finally, we appreciate the continued vigilance by the public, and their patience, as we work through these complex situations.”

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ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE IS AS FOLLOWS:

All Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) personnel are maintaining a heightened state of situational awareness and remain vigilant after uncorroborated threats were made to the LA County mass transit system. The LASD is the contracted policing agency for LA Metro.

Today you will see an increased visible sheriff’s deputy presence. Metro passengers may have their bags checked. Our LASD K-9 detection teams are deployed, especially at transit stations.  However, what you DON’T see is just as important as what you do see.  We will have undercover operations underway as well.  Special Weapons, Bomb Squad and Hazardous Materials Teams are forward-deployed. We have a team embedded with the regional Joint Terrorism Taskforce.

The LASD’s Special Operations Division, Transit Policing Division, and concerned North Patrol Division stations are in direct contact with the LASD Criminal Intelligence Bureau in focusing on counter terrorism and enhanced public safety efforts.  The Emergency Operations Bureau and Department Operations Center are also monitoring for any potential new information or developments,

If You See Something, Say Something.  Information can be reported using the iWatchLA APP or by using the iWatchLA Website at the following link: http://www.lapdonline.org/iwatchla.

LA Crime Stoppers is another available option.  Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local sheriff’s station or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call LA Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app for FREE or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.