Obama Inauguration to feature unprecedented security

WASHINGTON—Police in riot gear. Military troops patrolling the nation’s capital. Bridges from Virginia into Washington, D.C., closed to public traffic.

The swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama Jan. 20—the first administration change since Sept. 11, 2001 - will feature unprecedented security measures to manage a crowd that could include 2 million people.

Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, aided by 96 departments nationwide, will double its force from 4,000 to 8,000 officers for the inauguration - 1,000 more than were on hand in 2004. And the city has blocked off 3.5 square miles downtown for Inauguration Day, a larger area than in the past.

More than 100 Virginia State Police officers 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, spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police. “It’s always Plan A, Plan B, Plan C. ... A good day in Northern Virginia and you have gridlock.“

With the exception of buses, limos and emergency vehicles, traffic will not be permitted on two of the biggest arteries into Washington - Interstate 395 North and Interstate 66 East. The roads will be closed at Interstate 495, the Capital Beltway. Bridges across the Potomac River into Washington will also be blocked off, with some exceptions for pedestrians, mass transit, buses and emergency vehicles.

Because of the large crowd of dignitaries expected to watch the inauguration of the country’s first African-American president, the Department of Homeland Security has designated the inauguration a “National Special Security Event.“

There have been no credible terrorist threats against this inauguration, officials said.

The security measures will prevent easy movement in town. Police advise visitors to arrive by train - Amtrak, Virginia Railway Express or Metro, the Washington subway system. A 100-block area surrounding Pennsylvania Avenue will be closed to cars.

Bikes will be prohibited on Metro, though riders can use bike valet lots at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial or on 16th Street between K and I Street Northwest.

Those walking to the event should brace for a long day of standing. Those who cannot stand for six hours should consider skipping the event, security officials said.

Expect up to a three-hour wait to get through security checkpoints before Obama’s noontime oath and address, though 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.“

Thirteen entry points to the secure area around the National Mall will have airport-style security screening gates.

An estimated 13,000 National Guardsmen are expected to be on the National Mall for Inauguration Day. But even with all the added security measures, watchful civilians could play the most important role in preventing a terrorist act, 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.

What you need to know about inauguration security:

Prohibited Items:
Firearms and ammunition, real or fake
Explosives, including fireworks
Knives, blades, or sharp objects of any length
Mace and/or pepper spray
Sticks or poles
Hand tools, such as a “Leatherman”
Packages
Backpacks
Bicycles
Bags and purses larger than 8 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches
Duffel bags
Suitcases
Thermoses
Glass containers
Coolers
Strollers
Umbrellas
Laser pointers
Signs, posters
Tents or structures of any kind
Animals other than service animals
Alcoholic beverages

Can I bring a camera or cell phone?
Yes. Cell phone lines are expected to be jammed that day. 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.

Can I bring water or food?
Yes, but think small, like granola bars and a plastic bottle of water that can fit in clothing pockets or small purses. No thermoses, glass containers, or grocery bags of food will be allowed. No food or drinks will be sold inside the security checkpoints.

Should I do anything to prepare for my personal security?
Yes. Prepare a security plan for your family. Designate a meeting place, like 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 check in with in case of emergency.

Can I bring a sign?
No signs are allowed at the swearing in ceremony. Signs are allowed along the parade route, but must be made of cardboard, poster board or cloth and no larger than 3 feet by 20 feet and one-quarter inch thick. No wood, metal or other supports to prop up the sign are allowed.

If I have something taken away can I get it back?
No. Seized items will not be returned.

I have a disability and can’t wait in line. Where can I go?
Those with disabilities and tickets to the inauguration should go to the intersection of North Capitol Street and E Street or to the intersection of South Capitol and E Street. U.S. Capitol Police will shuttle passengers on golf carts from those locations to one of the security checkpoints.

For more information, including maps:
http://www.gettingthere.dc.gov

Contact Neil H. Simon at (202) 662-7669.