Public Safety, Security a Priority for Boston Marathon

Public Safety, Security a Priority for Boston Marathon

Officials said there are no credible threats against this year’s Boston Marathon, but they are prepared for anything and everything.

The 123rd Boston Marathon begins today, with 7,000 law enforcement officials working in tandem to keep runners and attendees safe. About 1 million people are expected to attend this year’s marathon.

Officials have said there are no credible threats against the marathon this year, but they are prepared for anything and everything. The bombings that took place at the marathon in 2013 are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, as this year’s marathon will take place on the sixth anniversary of the tragedy.

"A lot of people can remember where they were on certain dates. I certainly know where I was April 15, 2013 at 2:49 p.m. I was on Boylston Street and I’ll never forget that," Boston Police Department Deputy Superintendent William Ridge said. "I’ll never forget what happened. And the men and woman of the Boston Police Department, as I said before, they kind of take it personal, what happened that day."

Security checkpoints will be deloyed throughout the event area. Officials recommend attendees leave their bags, bikes, coolers, backpacks, cans, bottles and other large items at home.

The Associated Press reports that state police helicopters will be monitoring events, and surveillance cameras have been placed at strategic spots along the marathon course. The route will be patrolled by hundreds of uniformed police and National Guard members, along with an undisclosed among of plainclothes officers mingling with spectators.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Headquarters will act as the Unified Coordination Center during the race, MEMA said. The UCC will host 250 liasons representing 70 federal and state agencies, along with nonprofits and private companies that will help coordinate safety at the race.

"It's been six years since terrorists struck at the core of our city," FBI special agent in charge, Joseph Bonavolonta, said. "And the worst thing we can do is become complacent or too comfortable. If you see something, say something."

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.