Arlington National Cemetery to implement metal detectors

ARLINGTON, Va. — Arlington National Cemetery officials are asking visitors to allow extra time to make their way through new security measures being implemented.

By the end of this year, the cemetery expects to begin screening entrants with metal detectors at its visitor center, where nearly all of the 3 million to 4 million annual visitors arrive. Enhanced screening has already begun at secondary entrance points.

Arlington Cemetery officials say they will soon begin new security measures to that they are up-to-speed when peak tourist season arrives in the spring.

Army officials have been working on the enhanced screening since 2014.  Government officials say the changes are not prompted by any specific threat but are a general recognition that enhanced security would be prudent.

Officials say screeners will use a common-sense approach when dealing with mourners or large numbers of schoolchildren.

The cemetery is implementing procedures soon so they will be ready when peak tourist season arrives in the spring.