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Attached is a fact sheet released by the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security on preparations for the 2008 Democratic and Republican
National Conventions. The U.S. Secret Service serves as the lead
agency for the design and implementation of the operational security
plan for both events. Questions regarding the Department's
preparations may be directed to the DHS Press Office at 202-282-8010.
Questions regarding the Secret Service role in convention planning may
be directed to the U.S. Secret Service Office of Government and Public
Affairs at 202-406-5708.
________________________________
Press Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Fact Sheet
August 22, 2008
Contact: DHS Press Office, 202-282-8010
HOMELAND SECURITY AGENCIES PROTECT POLITICAL CONVENTIONS
Conventions in Denver and Saint Paul Will Utilize Many Departmental
Assets
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designates certain
major events – including the national conventions and the presidential
inauguration – as National Special Security Events (NSSEs). The U.S.
Secret Service is designated as the lead agency with unified command
representation from participating federal, state, and local agencies
with NSSE responsibilities. Federal resources are deployed to an NSSE
to maintain the level of security needed for the event and area. A
number of factors are taken into consideration when designating an
event as an NSSE, including anticipated attendance by dignitaries and
the size and significance of the event.
The upcoming Democratic and Republican National Conventions, taking
place in Denver from August 25-28 and in Saint Paul, Minn., from Sept.
1-4, respectively, are examples of how the many agencies of DHS work
together with local authorities toward the common goal of homeland
security. Below is an overview of how DHS agencies are supporting
these NSSEs.
United States Secret Service
When an event is designated an NSSE, the Secret Service assumes its
mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of
the operational security plan. The Secret Service carries out its
responsibilities by relying on a core strategy of forming partnerships
with all participating law enforcement, security and public safety
officials.
o During the formation of the Secret Service’s overall security
plan, each participating agency is tasked based on its jurisdiction
and particular area of expertise. The Secret Service began developing
convention security plans in 2007.
o Although discussion of the specific means, methods, resources,
or assets used to carry out protective responsibilities is sensitive,
there is a tremendous amount of advance planning and coordination in
the areas of venue security, air space security, training,
communications, and credentialing.
o The Secret Service’s goal is to develop and implement, with
the numerous participating agencies, a seamless security plan that
will create a safe and secure environment for protectees, other
dignitaries, event participants, and the general public. Should the
need arise for a response to a tactical threat, the Secret Service is
prepared to respond by employing a number of specialized units with
unique expertise.
o A Joint Information Center (JIC) will be staffed in both
Denver and Saint Paul 24 hours a day during the conventions. JICs are
managed by a Secret Service agent and a member of the respective city’
s police department. Representatives from each federal, state, and
local law enforcement or public safety agency and military department
with a role in the conventions will be available to answer
security-related media inquiries throughout the conventions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is providing a
contingent of federal law enforcement personnel in support of security
and public safety efforts at the conventions.
o ICE Office of Investigations is deploying special agents,
including Special Response Teams, and many government-owned vehicles,
to assist its sister agencies and local emergency and law enforcement
agencies with the security and safety of the conventions.
o ICE Federal Protective Service (FPS) is deploying personnel to
Denver and Saint Paul to ensure public safety and continuity of
operations at federal facilities in the area. The FPS deployment
includes K-9 explosive detection teams, uniformed officers,
intelligence and undercover agents, and bicycle and motorcycle
officers. Both ICE Office of Investigations and Detention and Removal
Operations will also supply agents to support the overall mission at
both conventions.
o FPS will position Mobile Command Vehicles (MCVs) in Denver and
Saint Paul to serve as force multipliers for federal, state and local
law enforcement agencies. MCVs are highly advanced communication
centers, with the capacity to operate as primary or backup radio base
stations for all levels of law enforcement, monitor video cameras from
U.S. government facilities, retrieve other types of closed circuit
video signals, and receive real-time aircraft video feeds.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
As part of the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA works with the
Secret Service and FBI whenever an event is designated a NSSE. FEMA
Regions V and VIII are supporting the Secret Service during the
conventions.
o FEMA is the lead federal agency for consequence management in
the event of a large-scale response to a natural or man-made disaster.
This involves coordinating the federal response to and recovery from a
major incident, as well as coordinating federal response activities in
support of state and local governments, if an incident occurs during
the conventions.
o For the 2008 conventions, FEMA is activating its Regional
Response Coordination Centers, its National Response Coordination
Center and is prepared to mobilize multiple disaster response teams,
capabilities, and assets to support the event and to respond in case
of an incident. The agency is prepared to deploy: incident management
and emergency response teams; emergency command and control
capabilities; and logistical and communications support.
U.S. Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is a multi-mission military service under the
Department of Homeland Security that remains prepared to confront
challenges in maritime safety, maritime mobility, maritime security,
national defense and protection of natural resources.
o Numerous Coast Guard units and personnel will provide support
in Saint Paul to the Secret Service and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) with planning, waterside security, K-9 explosive
detection, force protection, and hazmat response and consequence
management.
o Coast Guard air assets will assist in security zone
surveillance and enforcement as well as air interdiction efforts.
o Strike teams will also be at the ready. Strike teams are a
vital national asset comprised of a unique, highly trained cadre of
Coast Guard professionals who rapidly deploy with specialized
equipment and incident management skills for all hazards. In addition,
the National Strike Force will pre-stage a robust hazmat response
capability to support the EPA – the lead Federal On-Scene
Coordinator – with environmental air monitoring and possible chemical,
biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incident abatement and
sampling.
o The Coast Guard Intelligence Coordination Center, Maritime
Intelligence Fusion Center Atlantic, Atlantic Area Intelligence and
Coast Guard Investigative Service will support the conventions as
needed.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP, in coordination with the Secret Service, will provide its
advanced Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System, a high-tech gamma
imaging system that allows non-intrusive inspection of contents of
vehicles and packages.
o Imaging systems will be deployed along with CBP officers to
scan all incoming commercial vehicles and deliveries to the two
venues, 24 hours a day before and during the events. Similar screening
tactics were used during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and
other national events. CBP law enforcement officers also will provide
support at airports and other venues as needed.
o CBP Air and Marine’s security operation, also in coordination
with the Secret Service, will provide air space security around the
Denver venue. CBP operates the largest law enforcement air force in
the world and CBP Air and Marine has provided similar air space
security at the Olympics, Super Bowls and many other national events.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA has been supporting the Secret Service by providing officers and
equipment for the past several months, as part of the collaborative
approach among DHS agencies as the upcoming presidential election
approaches.
o Since January, more than 2,300 TSA officers have supported
Secret Service activities at more than 180 campaign events from coast
to coast. In Denver, TSA is providing approximately 100 Transportation
Security Officers to assist the Secret Service with screening at
convention venues. In Saint Paul, TSA will provide approximately 50
officers to fill the same need.
o At both locations, TSA is conducting Visible Intermodal
Prevention and Response (VIPR) operations before and during the
conventions in several modes of transportation. Convention attendees
can expect to see TSA officers in any transportation mode at any time.
o TSA is deploying additional behavior detection officers and
bomb appraisal officers, as well as increasing random and
unpredictable screening efforts at both convention city airports
during the convention. TSA employee-led K-9 teams from around the
country will also be on site in both cities to enhance explosive
detection ability.
Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A)
I&A is supporting the conventions by ensuring real-time connectivity
and information sharing among all DHS components and our state and
local partners.
o I&A has actively participated in the production of Joint
Special Event Threat Assessments (JSETA) for the conventions.
Coordination is also ongoing at the federal, state and municipal
levels.
o I&A is providing additional onsite analyst support to the
Intelligence Operations Center (IOC) and the Colorado Information
Analysis Center (CIAC) in Denver, as well as the IOC and Minnesota
Joint Analysis Center (MNJAC) in Minneapolis. I&A also has
intelligence officers permanently serving in both the CIAC and MNJAC.
o From headquarters in Washington, I&A will provide a reach-back
capability for the two fusion centers in Denver and Minneapolis and
ensure the timely sharing of any threat information, intelligence, and
operational information pertinent to the security of the conventions
with all involved elements.
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO)
DNDO is supporting the conventions by providing a Mobile Detection
Deployment Unit (MDDU) to the Department of Energy (DOE) Radiological
Assistance Program (RAP) teams to augment their preventive
radiological/nuclear detection capability.
o A MDDU consists of a vehicle equipped with enhanced radiation
detection instruments and command and control capabilities. It is
designed to support planned activities such as National Security
Special Events.
o Through a Memorandum of Understanding between DNDO and DOE,
the MDDU will be deployed by RAP region personnel. The deployment is
coordinated into an overall Concept of Operations that has been
integrated into the event planning process. DOE will provide DNDO
with updates on deployment of MDDU equipment through daily
interaction.
Security on preparations for the 2008 Democratic and Republican
National Conventions. The U.S. Secret Service serves as the lead
agency for the design and implementation of the operational security
plan for both events. Questions regarding the Department's
preparations may be directed to the DHS Press Office at 202-282-8010.
Questions regarding the Secret Service role in convention planning may
be directed to the U.S. Secret Service Office of Government and Public
Affairs at 202-406-5708.
________________________________
Press Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Fact Sheet
August 22, 2008
Contact: DHS Press Office, 202-282-8010
HOMELAND SECURITY AGENCIES PROTECT POLITICAL CONVENTIONS
Conventions in Denver and Saint Paul Will Utilize Many Departmental
Assets
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designates certain
major events – including the national conventions and the presidential
inauguration – as National Special Security Events (NSSEs). The U.S.
Secret Service is designated as the lead agency with unified command
representation from participating federal, state, and local agencies
with NSSE responsibilities. Federal resources are deployed to an NSSE
to maintain the level of security needed for the event and area. A
number of factors are taken into consideration when designating an
event as an NSSE, including anticipated attendance by dignitaries and
the size and significance of the event.
The upcoming Democratic and Republican National Conventions, taking
place in Denver from August 25-28 and in Saint Paul, Minn., from Sept.
1-4, respectively, are examples of how the many agencies of DHS work
together with local authorities toward the common goal of homeland
security. Below is an overview of how DHS agencies are supporting
these NSSEs.
United States Secret Service
When an event is designated an NSSE, the Secret Service assumes its
mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of
the operational security plan. The Secret Service carries out its
responsibilities by relying on a core strategy of forming partnerships
with all participating law enforcement, security and public safety
officials.
o During the formation of the Secret Service’s overall security
plan, each participating agency is tasked based on its jurisdiction
and particular area of expertise. The Secret Service began developing
convention security plans in 2007.
o Although discussion of the specific means, methods, resources,
or assets used to carry out protective responsibilities is sensitive,
there is a tremendous amount of advance planning and coordination in
the areas of venue security, air space security, training,
communications, and credentialing.
o The Secret Service’s goal is to develop and implement, with
the numerous participating agencies, a seamless security plan that
will create a safe and secure environment for protectees, other
dignitaries, event participants, and the general public. Should the
need arise for a response to a tactical threat, the Secret Service is
prepared to respond by employing a number of specialized units with
unique expertise.
o A Joint Information Center (JIC) will be staffed in both
Denver and Saint Paul 24 hours a day during the conventions. JICs are
managed by a Secret Service agent and a member of the respective city’
s police department. Representatives from each federal, state, and
local law enforcement or public safety agency and military department
with a role in the conventions will be available to answer
security-related media inquiries throughout the conventions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is providing a
contingent of federal law enforcement personnel in support of security
and public safety efforts at the conventions.
o ICE Office of Investigations is deploying special agents,
including Special Response Teams, and many government-owned vehicles,
to assist its sister agencies and local emergency and law enforcement
agencies with the security and safety of the conventions.
o ICE Federal Protective Service (FPS) is deploying personnel to
Denver and Saint Paul to ensure public safety and continuity of
operations at federal facilities in the area. The FPS deployment
includes K-9 explosive detection teams, uniformed officers,
intelligence and undercover agents, and bicycle and motorcycle
officers. Both ICE Office of Investigations and Detention and Removal
Operations will also supply agents to support the overall mission at
both conventions.
o FPS will position Mobile Command Vehicles (MCVs) in Denver and
Saint Paul to serve as force multipliers for federal, state and local
law enforcement agencies. MCVs are highly advanced communication
centers, with the capacity to operate as primary or backup radio base
stations for all levels of law enforcement, monitor video cameras from
U.S. government facilities, retrieve other types of closed circuit
video signals, and receive real-time aircraft video feeds.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
As part of the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA works with the
Secret Service and FBI whenever an event is designated a NSSE. FEMA
Regions V and VIII are supporting the Secret Service during the
conventions.
o FEMA is the lead federal agency for consequence management in
the event of a large-scale response to a natural or man-made disaster.
This involves coordinating the federal response to and recovery from a
major incident, as well as coordinating federal response activities in
support of state and local governments, if an incident occurs during
the conventions.
o For the 2008 conventions, FEMA is activating its Regional
Response Coordination Centers, its National Response Coordination
Center and is prepared to mobilize multiple disaster response teams,
capabilities, and assets to support the event and to respond in case
of an incident. The agency is prepared to deploy: incident management
and emergency response teams; emergency command and control
capabilities; and logistical and communications support.
U.S. Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is a multi-mission military service under the
Department of Homeland Security that remains prepared to confront
challenges in maritime safety, maritime mobility, maritime security,
national defense and protection of natural resources.
o Numerous Coast Guard units and personnel will provide support
in Saint Paul to the Secret Service and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) with planning, waterside security, K-9 explosive
detection, force protection, and hazmat response and consequence
management.
o Coast Guard air assets will assist in security zone
surveillance and enforcement as well as air interdiction efforts.
o Strike teams will also be at the ready. Strike teams are a
vital national asset comprised of a unique, highly trained cadre of
Coast Guard professionals who rapidly deploy with specialized
equipment and incident management skills for all hazards. In addition,
the National Strike Force will pre-stage a robust hazmat response
capability to support the EPA – the lead Federal On-Scene
Coordinator – with environmental air monitoring and possible chemical,
biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incident abatement and
sampling.
o The Coast Guard Intelligence Coordination Center, Maritime
Intelligence Fusion Center Atlantic, Atlantic Area Intelligence and
Coast Guard Investigative Service will support the conventions as
needed.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP, in coordination with the Secret Service, will provide its
advanced Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System, a high-tech gamma
imaging system that allows non-intrusive inspection of contents of
vehicles and packages.
o Imaging systems will be deployed along with CBP officers to
scan all incoming commercial vehicles and deliveries to the two
venues, 24 hours a day before and during the events. Similar screening
tactics were used during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and
other national events. CBP law enforcement officers also will provide
support at airports and other venues as needed.
o CBP Air and Marine’s security operation, also in coordination
with the Secret Service, will provide air space security around the
Denver venue. CBP operates the largest law enforcement air force in
the world and CBP Air and Marine has provided similar air space
security at the Olympics, Super Bowls and many other national events.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA has been supporting the Secret Service by providing officers and
equipment for the past several months, as part of the collaborative
approach among DHS agencies as the upcoming presidential election
approaches.
o Since January, more than 2,300 TSA officers have supported
Secret Service activities at more than 180 campaign events from coast
to coast. In Denver, TSA is providing approximately 100 Transportation
Security Officers to assist the Secret Service with screening at
convention venues. In Saint Paul, TSA will provide approximately 50
officers to fill the same need.
o At both locations, TSA is conducting Visible Intermodal
Prevention and Response (VIPR) operations before and during the
conventions in several modes of transportation. Convention attendees
can expect to see TSA officers in any transportation mode at any time.
o TSA is deploying additional behavior detection officers and
bomb appraisal officers, as well as increasing random and
unpredictable screening efforts at both convention city airports
during the convention. TSA employee-led K-9 teams from around the
country will also be on site in both cities to enhance explosive
detection ability.
Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A)
I&A is supporting the conventions by ensuring real-time connectivity
and information sharing among all DHS components and our state and
local partners.
o I&A has actively participated in the production of Joint
Special Event Threat Assessments (JSETA) for the conventions.
Coordination is also ongoing at the federal, state and municipal
levels.
o I&A is providing additional onsite analyst support to the
Intelligence Operations Center (IOC) and the Colorado Information
Analysis Center (CIAC) in Denver, as well as the IOC and Minnesota
Joint Analysis Center (MNJAC) in Minneapolis. I&A also has
intelligence officers permanently serving in both the CIAC and MNJAC.
o From headquarters in Washington, I&A will provide a reach-back
capability for the two fusion centers in Denver and Minneapolis and
ensure the timely sharing of any threat information, intelligence, and
operational information pertinent to the security of the conventions
with all involved elements.
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO)
DNDO is supporting the conventions by providing a Mobile Detection
Deployment Unit (MDDU) to the Department of Energy (DOE) Radiological
Assistance Program (RAP) teams to augment their preventive
radiological/nuclear detection capability.
o A MDDU consists of a vehicle equipped with enhanced radiation
detection instruments and command and control capabilities. It is
designed to support planned activities such as National Security
Special Events.
o Through a Memorandum of Understanding between DNDO and DOE,
the MDDU will be deployed by RAP region personnel. The deployment is
coordinated into an overall Concept of Operations that has been
integrated into the event planning process. DOE will provide DNDO
with updates on deployment of MDDU equipment through daily
interaction.
