If you find yourself at one of the world’s
busiest airports in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you
better have a good reason.
Because there's no
more loitering.
In a security crackdown, officials have announced that you cannot
just "hang out" at the airport anymore. There was no specific incident that
triggered the policy but Atlanta police and airport police have begun enforcing
the new rules. Airport officials say the around-the-clock monitoring of who can
and cannot be in the terminal will help ensure the airport's safety.
"This is a culmination response to a broad swath of
issues," said Atlanta City Council member Michael Bond.
Police say that larceny, burglary, assault, robbery,and
shoplifting have been a problem at the airport.
"There’ve been incidents where we’ve had some attacks by
persons who came into the terminal and atrium areas; we’ve had repeated amounts
of shoplifting and other small and petty crimes," Bond said.
Only passengers, airport workers and those with official
business are allowed to be at the facility. It is not known if those picking up
or dropping off passengers, or assisting the elderly or handicapped, will be
allowed entry into the airport.
"The airport was already restricted during some nighttime
hours…if you were coming into the facility you had to show a reason why you
were there…those hours basically have been extended 24 hours a day," Bond
said. "Atlanta police can question you if they believe you’re doing
something suspicious or engaged in some activity that is not related to what
would be considered a justified reason for being on the property."
It is also not known how such things as parking decks that are
attached to the structure will be handled going forward.
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