Security In Tow For Possibly Biggest Inauguration Day Ever

Nov 25, 2008 11:57 AM

Law enforcement officials bracing for the largest crowds in inaugural history are preparing far-reaching security -- thousands of video cameras, sharpshooters, air patrols -- to safeguard President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in.

People attending the ceremony and parade on Jan. 20 can expect to be searched by machines, security personnel or both. Precautions will range from the routine -- magnetometers like those used at airports -- to countersnipers, undercover officers, bomb sniffing dogs and air patrols.

The Secret Service also has assigned trained officials to identify and prevent cyber security risks reports Fox News. And, as it does at every inauguration, the service has mapped out escape routes for the 44th president.

In addition Washington's 5,265 surveillance cameras, spread around the city, are expected to be fed into a multi-agency command center.

"When you have an event like the inauguration, the more eyes we have in and around the city the better off we are," District of Columbia Police Chief Cathy Lanier said. Streets will be closed within seven to eight blocks on both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue, and two to three blocks around each inaugural ball site, she said.

The inauguration is designated a National Special Security Event, giving the Secret Service the lead among 58 law enforcement agencies involved in the security planning and execution. As the date gets closer, the service could decide to extend the special security designation to Jan. 19 when large crowds are expected to begin gathering in Washington.

At this point, the Secret Service does not have an estimate on how many people are expected for the inauguration. Reports Fox News read saying that as many as 4 million people would come could not be corroborated with law enforcement agencies.

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