Johns Hopkins University Security responded to this week's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warning of possible terrorist attacks by reemphasizing current heightened alert procedures and instructing staff to pay particular attention to all trucks on campus premises. The FBI alert, issued on Monday, warns of a credible threat that suggests possible terrorist attacks on the United States, home or abroad, over the next week.
Director of Security Robert Mullen said reinforcing current security methods is consistent with the steps the Baltimore Police are taking in response to the warning.
"We're reemphasizing what we've told [staff] before," said Mullen. "We've been on heightened alert and will continue to be for quite some time."
As an extra precaution, Security has been instructed to pay particular attention to all trucks that are entering or parked on campus. Any suspicious trucks are to be given an immediate investigation, according to Mullen.
"Many of the trucks are obviously familiar, such as food trucks, etc.," said Mullen. "But if we see a suspicious truck, we will immediately check the license plate of the vehicle and the operator of the vehicle to make sure that the truck is supposed to be there."
Mullen has also asked for two additional contracted guards from Silver Star Security (SSS) - one each for the day and night shifts at the university. The addition of two SSS guards would bring the total number to 10 contracted guards operating daily, up from the current number of eight that are provided each day.
Mullen requested the additional guards to add force to an already supplemented staff.
"More guards give us more eyes, which increases our comfort," said Mullen.
Security currently employs 47 sworn officers and 13 SSS officers. SSS provides eight guards daily.
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