How law enforcement prepares to keep communities safe during July Fourth

Americans volition observe the Fourth of July connected Friday, but down the scenes, instrumentality enforcement agencies successful large cities and tiny towns crossed the U.S. volition beryllium connected precocious alert to support the vacation secure.

This year, the Department of Homeland Security has activated its nationalist coercion advisory strategy pursuing U.S. strikes against Iran.

In Fairfax County, Virginia, the Real Time Crime Center is the hub of constabulary operations. For the Fourth of July, it's each hands connected deck, Chief of Police Kevin Davis told CBS News.

"I deliberation I wouldn't beryllium doing my occupation if I wasn't ever worried, but we cognize our quality to respond is amended than it ever has been," Davis said.

Police determination person the quality to pat into much than 20,000 unrecorded cameras crossed the county, including those worn by officers.

"It puts america successful a large presumption to get further assistance to the constabulary officers successful the street," Davis said.

Nearly 300 officers successful the region volition beryllium activated connected Friday alongside the civilian disturbance unit. 

A chopper and drones volition besides beryllium connected standby.

Assistant Chief of Police Bob Blakely expects ample gatherings crossed the county's much than 400 parks.

"We effort to ever beryllium highly visible. We believe, you know, preparedness, a small spot of prevention goes a agelong way," Blakely said.

Officers volition beryllium disposable connected the crushed and on the waterways. 

"July 4th is astir apt the busiest time of the year," said Master Police Officer Tim Judd, who captains Marine Patrol One. "We each enactment unneurotic to guarantee a harmless outcome."

For families who are tense to bring their children to their section vacation fireworks, Davis advised, "have a plan, observe the Fourth of July and conscionable cognize that your section constabulary section is present to support you safe."

• 4th of July
• July 4th
• Virginia