Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Homeland Security & the 2014 Superbowl!

It is an obvious statement to discern the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is going to be all over this year’s Superbowl. In fact, an increased amount of air marshals and behavioral detection officers, radiological detection teams and random baggage checks at transit hubs are among the security measures the federal Homeland Security Department will deploy in the next few days to help local police in New Jersey and New York secure the Super Bowl.

With the current threats and security concerns revolving around Sochi, it isn’t hard to connect the dots and prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best, when it comes to major events, like the Superbowl, within and outside our country. So, what is so different about this year’s Superbowl versus any other? Why the need for more security?

Unlike audiences for other championship games, spectators of Super Bowl XLVIII will rely heavily on mass transit. Resulting from this factor alone, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told CNN that it will deploy its Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response, or VIPR, teams. Composed air marshals, transportation security inspectors, behavioral detection officers, the teams will work at train hubs, particularly New York's Penn Station and Secaucus Junction in New Jersey, too. Yes, mass transit going to and from the Superbowl is the number one reason for the bump in security this year.

Publishing specific news feeds to help travelers understand the increase in security, the TSA has advised security measures to be prepared for (in and around NY and NJ) are:

-- The FBI plans add more analysts, weapons of mass destruction specialists and other agents to assist local authorities.

--The New York Police Department and FBI are increasing operations that target sex trafficking, which investigators say often increases for major sporting and other events.

-- Customs and Border Protection officers will scan cargo entering the stadium, looking for drugs and weapons. They also will help secure air space over the game.

-- The U.S. Coast Guard will help local authorities secure canals and rivers that pass next to the stadium complex.

-- Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will target counterfeit vendors selling fake Super Bowl memorabilia

I know the last point seems mute, but there is a serious concern over counterfeit vendors and license infringement for a variety of reasons.

I’m not a huge football fan, but like everyone- I will be watching the game. I have great faith in the TSA’s efforts, along with the FBI and CIA, to keep the public safe. I hope this quick synopsis as to what increased efforts are being made to keep our citizens safe during the Superbowl has been informative.

If you want to learn more about Homeland Security, my book on the subject is available as an immediate download directly from my business website. Here’s the link: http://www.hireime.com

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

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