Status Quo On Security For Popular Metro Theaters

Movie theaters throughout the metro are on alert after the massacre in Colorado, but the question is, will that translate into more security at Oklahoma City area theaters.

"I'm sure security has tightened or enhanced," Tinseltown customer Samantha Stewart said.

Popular movie theaters in the metro have issued statements about security, but the theaters have never actually said if security is being stepped up.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security procedures as necessary," Harkins spokesperson Melissa Rich said in a written statement.

7/20/2012 Related Story: AP Source: Suspect Bought Ticket To Movie Before Mass Shooting

Tinseltown is owned by the same company that owns the theater in Colorado where Friday's massacre occurred.

"We employ off-duty Oklahoma City police officers to manage security for our theater and the parking lot," Tinseltown spokesperson James Meredith said.

After receiving the statements, News 9 wanted to know if anything would be different now. So, we called various media relations lines, but many were overwhelmed by calls throughout the day.

News 9 visited four theaters in the Oklahoma City metro, including AMC and Quail Springs, Tinseltown, Harkens in Bricktown and the Warren in Moore. All of the theatres seemed normal with no visible signs of added security.

7/20/2012 Related Story: AMC Theatres Van Certain Costumes After Colorado Massacre 

"We saw only a police officer on the inside when we first went in," Tinseltown customer Trey Dixon said. "Other than that, I couldn't see any additional security."

Dixon was the protection for his family. The father and husband did not plan on joining his wife and children at the theater until he learned of the news from Colorado.

"I was a little more aware and a little more alert," Dixon said.

Overall, most Oklahomans did say they were happy with the amount of security they saw at area theaters.

Officials with AMC theaters say they are banning certain costumes including masks and fake weapons. The company also says it is reinforcing security procedures nationwide.

7/20/12 Related Story: OKC Police Discuss Security Changes In Wake Of Colorado Massacre