Presidential Debate Security Tight With New Measures

Oct 7, 2008 11:51 AM

Hundreds of police officers were on duty Monday afternoon at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. They were preparing for the arrival of the two presidential candidates, who traveled to Belmont University for the second presidential debate.

Portable steel barricades were implemented to stop just about any vehicle not allowed on campus. "[This debate begins] our formal security plan," says Metro Police Lt. Donald Hawkins.

The on-duty officers are assigned to escort motorcades and secure hotels and other sites visited by the candidates.

"This is a big deal. One of those guys is going to be our next president. We certainly want to keep him safe and want to make Nashville a memorable experience for everyone," Hawkins says.

The Belmont campus has been fenced in, and with the help of local police, surrounding roads are closed but patrolled.

Dain Penzhorn, a resident on the closed roads, says he and other residents have to provide photo identification as well as proof that they live there to gain access.

The extra security has cost Metro alone more than $200,000. A quarter of the cost comes from overtime. Police told NewsChannel5, a local Nashville news affiliate, that the city's motel-hotel tax will pay for it.

The security plan will remain in place until the last candidate's plane leaves Nashville on Wednesday.

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