Grace Palo
WMAL.com
ARLINGTON — (WMAL) Arlington National Cemetery visitors will now be undergoing new security measures, which include enhanced screenings and searches.
Currently, officers perform random identification checks of individuals visiting the cemetery, but officials announced on Monday that all motorists entering the cemetery must present officers with a valid driver’s license and their vehicles will be subject to random inspections.
During those inspections, passengers may be required to show identification.
“Arlington is taking advanced security precautions to protect visitors, family members and staff. These security measures will be similar to the ones at museums in the National Capitol Region,” said Patrick K. Hallinan, Arlington National Cemetery executive director.
Beginning in November, Arlington National Cemetery will start the visitor screening process. There will be three set entrance points to Arlington National Cemetery where all pedestrian traffic will have to use: the cemetery’s main entrance on Memorial Avenue, Ord & Weitzel Gate, and the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Old Post Chapel Gate.
Before individuals may enter the cemetery, they will go through a screening process at the Welcome Center. There will be an express line for visitors without bags, and another line for people with disabilities.
“These processes may result in a delay entering Arlington but it is vitally important that we protect the safety of all the visitors, family members and staff that enter these hallowed grounds,” said Hallinan. “This is our nation’s premier national cemetery and we want to be sure that when people visit this site they can feel safe and secure.”
Visitors will also likely see armed security officers inside buildings and on the grounds of the cemetery, according to the release.
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(Photo: CNN)
