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The federal government took the lead in many instances, as immediate security changes were implemented. One of those changes included the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, which sparked an array of anti-terrorism initiatives in Fairfax County.
The transformation of federal security procedures dictated an environment for reform at the local level.
In some instances, Fairfax County has been able to keep pace with the federal initiatives. But, in many instances, businesses and local government simply do not have the resources to devote to security.
The color-coded alert system has forced local response plans for each awareness level.
Fairfax County Police, along with rescue personnel, have undergone specialized training for combating certain situations. While law enforcement has always received training, the new security awareness has caused plans to be revised.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has developed plans to correlate with the national Threat Advisory System. A closer relationship between the schools and county police has formed and was evident during last year’s sniper attacks.
While the schools have always had a response system in place, the stronger emphasis on security forced officials to reevaluate the plan by making it more specific. Individual school crisis plans are in place, and school employees now undergo training in crisis management and communication.
“As a result of what happened (on Sept. 11, 2001], we kind of fine-tuned the plan to take into account what sort of things could happen,” Mary Shaw, FCPS spokeswoman, said.
Besides establishing an emergency preparedness plan, FCPS has taken steps to better secure each school. Four new elementary schools that opened this year are equipped with cameras to allow for controlled access. Visitors are now buzzed in, instead of simply entering the school on their own.
The system was also piloted in 20 of the 241 schools in the county. A proposal will be presented this year to the school board to equip all elementary schools with controlled access. Of course, “money is always an issue,” Shaw said. “We try to do the best with what we have.”
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