Agencies placed on high alert

Lolita Harper

NEWPORT-MESA -- As U.S. armed forces struck more than 8,000 miles away

in an effort to avenge last month’s terrorists attacks, Newport-Mesa law

enforcement agencies were on guard Monday for any possible threats to

safety.

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa police departments, as well as the Orange

County Sheriff’s Department and the harbor patrol, reported being on high

alert after a warning from Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft called for increased

awareness “while we win this war” on terrorism.

Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department,

said the agency is in a Stage 1 alert, its lowest.

The department has increased security at all county buildings,

courthouses and at John Wayne Airport, he said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Operations Center is

also open 24 hours a day, staffed with six employees who are ready to

take calls regarding possible terrorist actions or intelligence

information, Amormino said.

In the event of any sort of attack, the department is ready to

implement a Stage 2 alert and call in additional personnel, Amormino

said.

“There are no specific threats that we are aware of. Hopefully nothing

happens, but we are prepared if something does,” he said.

Amormino’s sentiments were echoed by other law enforcement officials.

None reported any specific indication of danger, but all said they are

working with city and county officials and counterparts in the respective

fire departments to coordinate plans to ensure public safety.

Costa Mesa Police Chief Dave Snowden described the state of alert as

business as usual with an increased awareness for things that are out of

the ordinary.

Snowden added the department is very aware of the potential for

terrorism but does not want to alarm residents.

“Be normal, and don’t be afraid. The whole goal of terrorism is to

create terror and get us out of our lifestyles, and we’re not going to

let them do that,” Snowden said.

In addition to being on alert for possible terrorist threats, Newport

Beach police said they will remain sensitive to ethnic and religious

issues that may have been sparked in the aftermath of Sept. 11, spokesman

Sgt. Steve Shulman said.

Shulman said the department will continue to work with state and

federal officials and will release information to the public regarding

any possible safety concerns.

Harbor patrol officials said one of their most important functions in

keeping the water safe is an increase in visibility.

“In these trying times, we try to spend more of an effort making sure

the public sees our patrol boats and knows we are watching traffic in and

out of the harbor,” said Harbor Patrol Sgt. Ron Peoples.

In the past, the Coast Guard has also been activated to patrol the

harbor. Lt. John Kidwell, commanding officer for the Coast Guard Cutter

Narwahl, said his ship is in San Pedro escorting cruise ships in and out

of the harbor.

Kidwell said he plans to be back in Newport Beach on Wednesday, but is

awaiting exact commands.

-- Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .