Crime & Safety

After Boston: Police Reach Out to Event Organizers; Crystal City 5Ks to Continue

Arlington police will modify security plans for future events as necessary, according to spokesman.

Arlington police are reaching out to certain event organizers and will modify their security plans in the future as necessary in the wake of the explosions at the Boston Marathon this week that killed at least three and injured up to 125 more.

Local events, like the Crystal City 5K Fridays, rely on the Arlington County Police Department for security.

"Whatever plan they choose to recommend, we will follow," Angela Fox, chief executive of the Crystal City Business Improvement District, told Patch late Monday.

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The Crystal City runs will continue through April as planned, she said.

"Obviously, at this point I think the races will take on a more intense meaning — sort of getting the courage to keep on, keeping on," she said. "I'm sure Arlington County will take every precaution necessary."

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Crystal City already gets a lot of attention to security, Fox said, given its proximity to the Pentagon and the Defense Department presence there.

The tragedy in Boston is likely to affect security for bigger races, like the Marine Corps Marathon, .

"We are aware of the recent events in Boston and are following the situation very closely. As always, we will make appropriate modifications to our security plans for special events as necessary. We routinely adjust our methods and staffing based on our threat assessment and risk management protocols," police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said in a prepared statement.

"Supervisors assigned to the Special Operations Section have been in contact with certain event organizers. We will continue to communicate with them regarding any possible security enhancements or changes that might impact an event.

"It is always our goal to provide for a safe environment for our community, our neighborhoods and our special event participants. In regards to the specifics of the preparation, planning, logistics and security of events, those details are confidential to the agencies involved and/or law enforcement community.

"The tragic event in Boston continues to be investigated and our thoughts are with those who were impacted by this cowardly act.  We ask that the public remain diligent and if they 'see something, say something' and alert authorities about observed suspicious activity."


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