Ten years after 9/11, Bellevue residents keep a more watchful eye
City leaders say the biggest local change is public awareness. The water plant has added security measures under Homeland Security rules.
A decade after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Bellevue officials say the city still does business much as it did, but residents pay closer attention.
Mayor David E. Kile said Bellevue is in the same boat as everyone else when it comes to national attitudes about safety and travel. He and Safety-Service Director Jeffrey Crosby said the biggest local change is awareness. People are more willing to call police about something suspicious, and with cell phones it is easy to do. Crosby, who reviews police calls, said the city gets many reports of unfamiliar cars and similar concerns.
Homeland Security requirements brought other changes over the decade. The city added security measures around its water plant, and routine tasks such as license renewals now involve more identification checks.
Water system security guidance is published by the U.S. EPA. Related: Memorial Day 2011. More in Local News.