LAPD Chief Beck talks terror attack preparedness

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The tragedy in Orlando prompted an immediate response from law enforcement in Los Angeles, especially with the L.A. Pride parade drawing big crowds over the weekend. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck Monday spoke about ways to prepare for active shooters and terrorist attacks.

After getting word of the deadly mass shooting that left 50 people dead, including the gunman, at a gay Florida nightclub early Sunday, authorities from the LAPD quickly decided to add more officers to the local pride parade and other events celebrating the LGBTQ community.

Although law enforcement officials take action on keeping the public safe, Beck stressed that one of the best mottos is "see something, say something."

"While this is my profession, this is everybody's job. I mean, it is our job to keep each other safe. And this new threat level - which is very much a lone wolf, no friends, no contact - nobody knows ahead of time, but you see strange behavior," Beck said.

To learn more about how you can report suspicious activity and other crime tips, download the iWatch app. For those in the Los Angeles area, search iWatch LA or iWatch LA espanol.

The goal of the mobile application is to provide a way for the public to assist Southern California law enforcement officials in investigating potential terror threats before they occur.

Beck gave credit to the public for the recent arrest of a 20-year-old Indiana man in Santa Monica over the weekend after receiving a call from a concerned citizen who said the suspect knocked on their door and window.

Authorities made contact with the suspect, identified as James Howell, who was sitting in a car and told them he was there for the L.A. Pride festival.

The suspect was then arrested after officers found three assault rifles, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, along with a 5-gallon bucket with chemicals capable of creating an explosive device in his vehicle.

"That's the kind of thing I'm talking about," Beck said. "So many times these things get thwarted because of routine police contacts generated by the public."