As more and more details leak out concerning an ambitious terrorist plot to blow up U.S.-bound planes leaving London, District Police Chief Charles Ramsey isn’t taking any chances. Yesterday Ramsey announced a series of measures police would enact in response to the threat, among them the following:

Activated its Joint Operations Command Center, including the network of 19 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the downtown area.

Notified MPDC personnel of the situation and encouraged them to be vigilant, especially around transportation facilities, local government buildings and other critical infrastructure.

Placed certain specialized units – Special Operations Division and Office of Homeland Security and Counter-Terrorism – on heightened alert and 12-hour tours of duty; all other units remain on normal schedules at this time.

Implemented and is maintaining contact with various other local and federal agencies.

Implemented 100 percent identification checks at all MPDC facilities.

Other police forces in the area have stepped up patrolling, notably the U.S. Capitol Police, which has again started searching cars along Independence Avenue by the U.S. Capitol. By searching we mean staring into the car to make sure that its backseat isn’t piled high with explosives and that the driver isn’t wearing a t-shirt that read, “I’m part of a terrorist plot and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.” Ahhh, the illusion of security.