Orlando authorities vigilant after Berlin incident

The Christmas displays at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando draw a lot of visitors this time of year. Police are doing their part to make sure everyone is safe and have an important message for visitors: if you see something, say something.

On Monday, Germany’s capital, Berlin, joined the sad brotherhood of western cities touched by terror. The list already includes New York, Washington, Brussels, Paris, London, and Orlando.

The Orlando Police Department says, "We are aware that people may be on-edge after an attack of this kind. OPD always has personnel on hand for special events, around the holidays and at all times of the year… we want to assure everyone that there are measures that are visible, and those that are not visible by the public."

Security consultant James Copenhaver says a lot of work goes on behind the scenes.

“They're utilizing off-duty manpower, if you will, but also the on-duty resources, like an attack unit or an undercover unit that may be blending into these functions to get an inside baseball of what's happening and the chatter,” says Copenhaver. 

He says it's all a matter of common sense.

“We need to move about our normal holiday functions, and not let this stop us. But take a little extra precaution if you're at an event. If you see something out of place, certainly call the authorities.”

People around Lake Eola say they feel safe.

“I've been coming down here for maybe 25 years,” says Shari Voit, “I've never had any problems, though they have cleaned up the area quite a bit!”

Visitors, though, are also keeping their eyes peeled for trouble.

“You really try to pay attention to what's going on around you and be aware, especially when you're with friends and family,” says Roman Cornell.

And they say bad guys won't get in the way of their happy holidays.

“I don't think anyone would want to attack around this time - that would be super heartless!” says Jenny Felinor.

OPD says if you see anything suspicious the best course of action is to call 911 and report it. That way police can decide for themselves if there is a threat to the public.