Atlantic City Airport Always in a State of Vigilance

Residents from Galloway Township and the surrounding area can feel safe flying out of Atlantic City International Airport today, but that's nothing new, according to the South Jersey Transportation Authority.

Atlantic City International Airport is always ready for an attack, so the announcement of Osama bin Laden's death by President Barack Obama Sunday night has little impact on the airport's preparations for a possible attack, even as other airports in other cities ramp up security in anticipation of a possible retaliatory attack from al-Qaida.

The Department of Homeland Security hasn't issued any new terror warnings, according to a report from USA Today.

"We're always vigilant," Sharon Gordon, deputy executive director of communications for the South Jersey Transit Authority and Atlantic City International Airport, said Monday morning. "We are always at a heightened state of awareness. The change in the codes that was announced last week really didn't affect us."

She went on to say security is always at a heightened state and there is constantly a State Police presence.

"Atlantic City is constantly at a heightened state, regardless of the code," Gordon said. "We always have a high vigilance here."

New Jersey Transit released the following statement Monday afternoon.

"In light of the recent news concerning the death of Osama Bin Laden, NJ TRANSIT Police, in cooperation with our law enforcement partners, will continue to maintain a heightened state of vigilance across the system.  In addition, customers may notice an increased state, local and NJ TRANSIT police presence in and around key locations; however, there is no specific or credible threat against the NJ TRANSIT system at this time.

"It is important to note that the NJ TRANSIT Police Department maintains close communication with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the FBI, and agencies at the municipal, county, state and federal levels.

"We urge customers who see suspicious activity or unattended packages at stations, aboard trains or buses, or near transit facilities to call the NJ TRANSIT security hotline at 1-888-TIPS-NJT or notify a NJ TRANSIT police officer.  All calls are investigated, and all information is confidential. 

"While we do not release details about police deployment or specific countermeasures, our police remain vigilant in monitoring our system, including random baggage screening, K-9 deployment, plainclothes and uniformed patrols and community outreach."