Local Police Fearful They're Not Ready For Another Terrorist Attack

NATICK, Mass. -- As officials demonstrated the latest technology that will be used in the future in the war on terror in Natick on Thursday, local law enforcement worry about their ability react to an attack now.

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Ron Gollobin Reports On Local Security

Newscenter 5's Ron Gollobin reported that a Massachusetts State Trooper modeled the latest technology at the Soldier Center of the Natick Army Lab. The futuristic gear has thermal imaging, infrared night vision and even cameras that can broadcast live battlefield pictures via a wireless network to remote command centers.

That technology is in the future, and the present state of local homeland security has some law enforcement officials concerned.

"We don't have the resources to protect infrastructure in our respective towns," said Arlington police Chief Frederick Ryan.

As the second anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks approaches, the burden and the expense of homeland security are being borne by local departments that have seen deep personnel and equipment cuts.

"In a word, honestly and candidly, are you ready for a big emergency? In a word, no," said Revere police Chief Terence Reardon.

The Sheriff of Suffolk County said her department applied for funds to replace radio equipment in use since 1968 and was denied.

"We can't talk to Boston police, the State Police, and the jail can't even talk to the House of Corrections," said Sheriff Andrea Cabral.

"We heard today from police, fire and medical personnel that they do not believe we are ready yet," said Rep. Edward Markey.

Some of the would-be first responders in the event of another emergency spoke in much more dire terms, calling the unpreparedness and lack of funds an accident waiting to happen. One even described it as a ticking time bomb.