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

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

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.

  • 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.”

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.