LEADING LOS ANGELES COUNTY IN HOMELAND SECURITY

As President Bush addresses the nation and our military prepares for the possibility of conflict in the middle east, it is paramount that all residents of Los Angeles County maintain a heightened state of preparedness and awareness. Although the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has not received any specific or credible information regarding acts of terrorism or threats to public safety, our Department and the community must stand ready, together, as if there were.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is a partner in the County's extensive network of emergency management and mutual aid agencies. We remain ready to respond to any emergency. As a precautionary measure, the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center and Department Operations Center, which includes the Los Angeles County Terrorism Early Warning Group, will be operating with increased staffing as determined by changing needs and circumstances throughout our nation and abroad.

The Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center serves as the coordinating point of all intelligence and is one place where county resources are managed during any large scale emergency. One of the vital tasks of this center is to gather and share information with federal, state, and local agencies and apply that information toward maintaining homeland security.

Sheriff Lee Baca asks that we all remain vigilant in our daily lives and be aware of our surroundings. Those things that are out of the ordinary may indicate criminal activity. Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. All Sheriff's personnel will continue to maintain a heightened state of awareness. Like our nation, we stand prepared. As President Bush said, "May God continue to bless America."

SHB-20A-03 X X X X X X X X X X X X March 17, 2003