Media

Sheriff's Office To Test Terrorism Readiness Plan

Release Date: February 12, 2003

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell announced today the Sheriff's Office will be involved in a two-day drill that will test the department's ability to respond to a possible terrorist attack.

With the Federal Government's community safety level being elevated to “Code Orange” this week, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office will be using personnel and resources to test the department's community emergency response plan. The purpose is to ensure personnel can detect and prevent possible acts of terrorism.

“There is no indication of any specific threat issued for Memphis or Shelby County. However, it's important the citizens know the Sheriff's Office has a plan and will be ready should there ever be an incident,” said Sheriff Mark Luttrell.

In the event of a terrorist attack whether by explosives, chemicals, or other means, the Sheriff's Office would respond to various commercial, government and residential areas. The department would then coordinate resources with the Emergency Management Agency and fire and police services throughout the county.

The public can expect to see a greater presence of marked squad cars patrolling various areas in Shelby County and some locations inside the Memphis and the other municipalities in Shelby County.

Following the two-day exercise, department heads from the Sheriff's Office will discuss the drill and what improvements need to be made to the Emergency Plan. “We want the public to know we will be prepared as possible to meet any terrorist attempt. We can only know how prepared we are unless we see first hand how our personnel respond,” said Sheriff Luttrell.

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