Over 40 Agencies Provide Security for Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta

Over 40 Agencies Provide Security for Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta

A Joint Operations Center has been created for more efficient communication and security as fans defend on Atlanta for the annual Super Bowl game.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jan 29, 2019

The Super Bowl is widely recognized as one of the most viewed sporting events in American culture with the host city expecting at least one million fans to watch the game play out live. This year, Super Bowl LIII is to be played in Atlanta, Ga. and like most other host cities in past years, security is top of mind. 

The men and women at the Atlanta Police Department are working around the clock to ensure the safety of the fans coming to the Peach State to see the New England Patriots take on the Los Angeles Rams. 

Around 75 to 100 officers and agents will be manning the city's Joint Operations Center, keeping an eye on all Super Bowl activities. The JOC was created to act as a base center for the over 40 agencies that are coming together to secure the event. In the event of an emergency, various personnel can use the the center to share information and create a coordinated response plan. 

"We have about 40 different agencies working with us, so you'll see every asset from a patrol car to a horse to a motorcycle to a foot patrol," Atlanta Police Department Chief Scott Kreher said. "You won't see a lot of our undercover resources."

The JOC is positioned inside the Atlanta Public Safety Center and will house what Chief Kreher says are "incident commanders."

"Those incident commanders are at 13 different locations throughout the city that specifically deal with a particular event that is related to the Super Bowl. Every morning we have a big briefing to talk about what they have the next 24 hours and what they saw in the last 24 hours." 

In addition to the officers and agents, the city has also installed a network of thousands of cameras. The cameras provide a live feed to the JOC so that officials can look out for suspicious behavior. More than 40 officers are monitoring the cameras at all times and staying in close contact with the officers on patrol.

Security preparations have been underway for nearly two years now and the security plan for the event is a culmination of procedures that officials saw work well at previous Super Bowl games in Houston and Minneapolis. 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Planning for Your Perimeter

    Planning for Your Perimeter

    The perimeter is an organization’s first line of defense and a critical element of any security and surveillance program. Even if a building’s interior or exterior security is strong, without a solid perimeter surveillance approach any company or business is vulnerable. Read Now

  • The Key Issue

    The Key Issue

    It is February 2014. A woman is getting ready in her room on a cruise ship when she hears a knock on the door; it is a crewmember delivering breakfast. She is not presentable so she tells him to leave it by the door. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Schlage RC reader controller

    Schlage RC Reader Controller

    This new innovative device combines the power of the Pure IP™ access control technology pioneered by ISONAS with Schlage’s intelligent hardware and credentials, delivering a comprehensive and cost-effective perimeter solution to customers. 3

  • D-Tools System Integrator (SI) Software

    D-Tools System Integrator (SI) Software

    D-Tools Inc. has announced the availability of System Integrator version 16, which adds powerful new project and service management capabilities to its award-winning, end-to-end business management solution. 3

  • ABLOY IP54-rated Integrated Dust Cover

    ABLOY IP54-rated Integrated Dust Cover

    One of the things that keep security managers on high alert is the real possibility the security locks used to safeguard their properties may unexpectedly fail due to environmental conditions. 3