SOUTH SALT LAKE (ABC 4 News) – At movie premieres like "The Dark Knight Rises" security officers are present. But often times, there aren't enough. So this weekend, after the shooting in Colorado, several movie theatres in Utah are beefing up security.
When you look at footage from the shooting early Friday morning in Colorado, it's natural to ask - What more could've been done? 12 people shot dead, and others ran for their lives.
"I just ran out, I didn't turn around, I didn't look behind, I just got out," said a shooting witness.
To avoid a similar tragedy in Utah - Cinemark movie theatres in Ogden and the Century 16 in South Salt Lake are asking police to help them boost security during the Dark Knight's opening weekend.
"We will have an increased presence in and around the theatre," said Gary Keller, South Salt Lake Police Dept.
Police in South Jordan already help secure The District movie theatre on weekends like this, but because of what happened they're adding more hours to patrols.
For theatres like the Megaplex at the Gateway, Salt Lake police tell ABC 4 they're standing by.
"We can get officers out there upon request," said Det. Dennis McGowan, Salt Lake Police Dept.
Blake Anderson who runs the Megaplex Theatres said it's common practice to beef up security for any big premiere.
"We have both undercover officers and full uniform officers, so we're just letting our guests know they're here, they've always been here and safety and security is the utmost importance to us," said Blake Anderson, Senior Vice President, Megaplex Theatres.
Rules like no weapons will be strictly enforced. But to avoid a shooting like the one in Colorado, police warn - people who go to the movies need to keep their eyes open.
"If you see something that seems suspicious give us a call go with your gut feeling," said Keller.
