Security will be unprecedented for Obama's Inauguration Day | Richmond ...

NEIL H. SIMON MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICEPublished: January 10, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Police in riot gear. Military troops patrolling the nation's capital. Bridges from Virginia into Washington closed to public traffic.
The Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama will feature unprecedented security measures to manage a crowd that could swell to 2 million people.
Washington's Metropolitan Police Department, aided by 96 departments nationwide, will double its force to about 8,000 officers. And authorities will block off about 3.5 square miles downtown, a larger area than for past inaugurations.
More than 100 Virginia State Police troopers will be in the capital, and others will step up patrols in Northern Virginia.
"We always plan for the worst and hope for the best," said Corinne Geller, a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police. "A good day in Northern Virginia and you have gridlock."
Because of the large number of dignitaries expected, the Department of Homeland Security designated the inauguration a "National Special Security Event."
There have been no credible terrorist threats against this inauguration, officials said.
Bicycles will be prohibited on the Metro, though riders can use bike valet lots at the Jefferson Memorial or on 16th Street between K and I streets Northwest.
Thirteen entry points to the secure area around the National Mall will have airport-style screening gates. Expect up to a three-hour wait to get through before Obama's noontime oath and address. Arrangements have been made to assist the disabled, officials said.
"People who go to large sporting events, large political events, certainly this will not be anything new," said David Heyman, director of the Homeland Security program at the Center for Strategic International Studies.
"Except for the volume of people, which will be unprecedented, it's perhaps not unlike going to the airport and going through security."
About 13,000 National Guardsmen are expected to be on the National Mall. But watchful civilians can play a role, security analysts said.
"If they see something suspicious, there will be police every 10 feet on the street. They should just let somebody know," Heyman said.
Some questions and answers about attending:
Q. Can I bring a camera or cell phone?
A. Yes. Cell-phone lines are expected to be jammed. Security officials recommend communicating by text messages, which use less bandwidth and are more likely to go through than phone calls. Camera bags and tripods are prohibited.
Q. Should I do anything to prepare for my personal security?
A. Prepare a security plan for your family. Designate a meeting place, such as your hotel. If separated, children should look for a police officer and know a family member's phone number. Also, designate a contact back home for your group to call in case of emergency.
Q. If I have something taken away, can I get it back?
A. No. Seized items will not be returned.
Q. I have a disability and can't wait in line. Where can I go?
A. Those with disabilities and inauguration tickets should go to the intersection of North Capitol and E streets or to the intersection of South Capitol and E streets. U.S. Capitol Police will shuttle passengers on golf carts from those locations to one of the security checkpoints.
Contact Neil H. Simon at (202) 662-7669. Gosh, doesn't this sound like lots of fun!!?!