Security Strategies for a Safe 118th Boston Marathon

Security Strategies for a Safe 118th Boston Marathon

Security Strategies for a Safe 118th Boston MarathonAs the 118th Boston Marathon’s 26.2 mile path boldly winds its way through seven towns before reaching its namesake city, approximately 36,000 runners will take center stage while about a million spectators cheer them on from the sidelines. Each runner has a specific reason why he or she wants to participate in this herculean feat; however, I’m sure a majority of them are running with pride for the city of Boston with heartfelt sentiment for those who were affected by last year’s bombing incident.

With such a vast group of people congregating in this sprawling space, officials have taken on a huge responsibility to keep everyone safe at this year’s marathon.

“This is not like securing a football stadium for a Super Bowl, where you just put a big fence around it,” said Kurt Schwartz, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

So, what security strategies are being deployed to ensure a safe and security marathon?

Security Strategy #1: Bigger numbers. From last year, the sheer number of law enforcement personnel has doubled to approximately 3,500 who will be using bomb-sniffing dogs, metal detectors and security cameras as tools to prevent criminal mischief.

Security Strategy #2: Banning items. Runners will not be permitted to wear backpacks or rucksacks as they run along the marathon’s pathway. Spectators are encouraged to not bring backpacks as they will be searched at various screening points along the course. Containers with more than 1iter of liquid, costumes covering the face and bulky clothes are also banned.

Security Strategy #3: No bandits. The organizer of the marathon, Boston Athletic Association, is asking that unregistered runners, “bandits,” who are known to swoop into the race midcourse, sit out this year.

Security Strategy #4: Communication. Because the race is spread over eight municipalities, communication systems have been installed between these areas. Resources are at the ready in the event of a disaster so that local officials can communicate with each other.

Security Strategy #5: Situational awareness. For everyone involved with the Boston Marathon, make a conscious effort to know what is going on around you at all times. Look for people exhibiting suspicious behaviors and odd objects in places they’re not usually found. Consider snapping a picture with your smartphone and immediately notifying officials.

Officials realize that it is impossible to build a foolproof security plan to eliminated risk; however, as of 4:45pm Texas time, no media outlets have reported a marathon catastrophe.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Cloud Adoption Gives Way to Hybrid Deployments

    Cloud adoption is growing at an astonishing rate, with Gartner forecasting that worldwide public cloud end-user spending will approach $600 billion by the end of this year—an increase of more than 21% over 2022. McKinsey believes that number could eclipse $1 trillion by the end of the decade, further underscoring the industry’s exponential growth. Read Now

  • AI on the Edge

    Discussions about the merits (or misgivings) around AI (artificial intelligence) are everywhere. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find an article or product literature without mention of it in our industry. If you’re not using AI by now in some capacity, congratulations may be in order since most people are using it in some form daily even without realizing it. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    In an increasingly turbulent world, chief security officers (CSOs) are facing a multitude of challenges that threaten the stability of businesses worldwide. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Security Entrances Move to Center Stage

    Most organizations want to show a friendly face to the public. In today’s world, however, the need to keep people safe and secure has become a prime directive when designing and building facilities of all kinds. Fortunately, there is no need to construct a fortress-like entry that provides that high level of security. Today’s secured entry solutions make it possible to create a welcoming, attractive look and feel at the entry without compromising security. It is for this reason that security entrances have moved to the mainstream. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.” 3