Case Studies

Boston latest

by Mark Rowe

For the latest on the situation at MIT, visit the emergency information page of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology website – http://emergency.mit.net

**

Eric Alexander is Managing Director for G4S Events. In an article for the free London weekday newspaper City AM he discussed how the organisers of Sunday’s London Marathon will be reviewing security arrangements in the light of the Boston bombings.

“London is used to dealing with mass participation events with huge numbers of spectators. These involve months of effort and planning between organisers and the emergency services, taking into account a range of scenarios and potential risks.

“After Boston, the London organisers will be working closely with police intelligence; reviewing high-density spectator areas, such as the start and finish lines – which were targeted in Boston – as well as key historical sites along the route. They will be meeting with all the agencies involved and reviewing contingency plans and level of risk. This might lead to a decision on whether additional resources, such as extra staff and CCTV coverage are required.

“If a suspicious package were found on the route, a safety cordon would have to be implemented. Not only would this effectively stop the event, but organisers would need to take into account how this might affect transport links if an area was sealed off. Planned road closures would need to be re-examined, to ensure emergency services could respond quickly.

“Organisers will clearly be reviewing the number of security staff in place. They will be revisiting all the key areas on the route, perhaps limiting the number of spectators that can congregate in any area; and if the worst should happen and the event has to close, they will need to assess how best to ensure this done safely and minimising the risk the public. Ultimately they will be working under police guidance and direction. Good intelligence and planning is always key.”

**

The UK Foreign Office says that it is in touch with US authorities after the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The Boston city mayor’s office has set up an emergency hotline for friends and relatives on +1 617 635 4500.

The UK Ambassador to the United States, Peter Westmacott said: “Awful news of explosions in Boston. Thoughts are with those injured or killed, and their families. Our team in touch with the Massachusetts authorities.”

Meanwhile the annual London Marathon is due to go ahead, on Sunday, April 21. Nick Bitel, London Marathon Chief Executive, said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news from Boston. Our immediate thoughts are with the people there and their families. It is a very sad day for athletics and for our friends and colleagues in marathon running.

“Our security plan is developed jointly with the Metropolitan Police and we were in contact with them as soon as we heard the news.”

At the Met Police, Chief Supt Julia Pendry said: “A security plan is in place for the London Marathon. We will be reviewing our security arrangements in partnership with London Marathon.”

A crime scene perimeter was established in the Back Bay, and likely to remain for several days. For more about the Boston bombs, see the cordon set up on the City of Boston website –

http://www.cityofboston.gov/news/uploads/48206_1_15_13.png

Two explosions occurred within moments of each other at about 2:50pm on Monday, near the Boston Marathon Finish Line and at Boylston and Fairfield streets. Mayor Thomas M Menino said: “Patriots Day and Marathon Monday are usually celebrated all across Boston, but today our cheers were turned to prayers. But Boston is strong and resilient, and we come together in times of need. We will get through this, and we will find those responsible.”

A multi-agency response including state and federal law enforcement agencies has been activated and is investigating the cause of the explosions along the Boston Marathon route and elsewhere. On the night of the explosion, April 15, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) said that its Boston Division was standing with the Boston Police Department (BPD) and remained on-scene. The FBI was offering its assistance in whatever capacity BPD requires. The situation remained fluid, and it remains too early to establish the cause and motivation.

The FBI has set-up 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), prompt #3, for anyone who has information, visual images, and/or details regarding the explosions along the Boston Marathon route and elsewhere. No piece of information or detail is too small.

At the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Secretary Janet Napolitano said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this incident in Boston, especially the families and loved ones of the victims. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies continue to respond and at the President’s direction, the Department of Homeland Security is providing any support necessary in this ongoing investigation. We encourage the public to be vigilant, and to listen to direction from state and local officials.”

The DHS recently saw its tenth anniversary having originated after the attacks of 9-11.

Related News

Newsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of security news and events.

© 2024 Professional Security Magazine. All rights reserved.

Website by MSEC Marketing