Security super tight for Super Bowl
Sheriff: 'We've been planning for 18 months'
From Susan Candiotti and Rich Phillips
CNN
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JACKSONVILLE, Florida (CNN) -- As more than 80,000 fans pack Alltel Stadium for the Super Bowl on Sunday, dozens of state-of-the-art cameras will be focused on them -- and a team of highly trained officers will be alert for suspicious activity.
That's just one measure set up as part of a massive security apparatus designed to ensure that one of the biggest sporting events in the world is free from danger and terrorism.
More than 50 law enforcement agencies are involved. And they'll communicate through the "E-sponder system," a new Internet-based portal system that allows the agencies to share information, documents, and video instantaneously.
"We've been planning for 18 months," said Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford who is overseeing the efforts.
Cameras, trained on key locations, can zoom in, analyze, and catalog shots, making them easier to access later if necessary. The system can zero in on a single seat or an employee in virtually any section.
Officers, most uniformed, but some undercover, will be spread out throughout the stadium.
Patrons can expect to have their bags carefully searched on the way in.
New fences have been erected around the stadium, and traffic has been rerouted to keep cars far from the entrances.
The heavy precautions extend miles beyond the stadium.
There will be a 30-mile (48-km) no-fly zone in the skies above the stadium -- so there won't be any advertising blimps or planes toting banners.
Customs and Border Protection pilots will be among those monitoring for stray aircraft that may wander into the area. Any plane that enters the zone will be tracked, contacted by radio, ordered out, and possibly forced to land for questioning.
Surveillance planes will track all aircraft within a 250-mile radius from the stadium, and authorities will conduct fly-overs to watch for suspicious activity on the ground.
And since the stadium is located along the St. John's River, a 14-mile (22.5- km) safety zone in the water will be patrolled by several federal, state, and local agencies. Any ships or boats that approach the zone -- including small pleasure boats -- will be monitored.
"If they're going too fast or not adhering to the rules we have in place, then we're going to ask them questions," said Lt. Cmdr. Dan Deptula of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Authorities are using a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera which employs night-vision technology to watch what people are doing in boats, even in the dark.
No water traffic will be allowed within a 400-yard (400-meter) security zone, covering areas nearest the stadium.
Seven ships already in port being used as floating hotels were inspected, with underwater divers examining each hull for anything out of the ordinary.
Roadways in the area will be carefully monitored as well. And Rutherford said if a bus were hijacked even miles from the stadium, cameras could "zoom in and get real close and find out what's going on in there."
If suspected bombs or explosives are found anywhere, ready response teams from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives will rush to the area with explosives-sniffing dogs and, if necessary, robots. Federal agents wearing protective suits could also approach the area and get a closer look.
Among those watching the security efforts in Jacksonville are authorities in Detroit, the city that will host next year's Super Bowl.
"This is huge. I didn't realize how huge it was until I got down here," said Detroit Assistant Police Chief Walter Martin. "They components they have to take care of... it's a lot, it's a lot. But we're ready for the challenge."
The costs for Jacksonville security efforts remains unclear, but authorities say it is clearly in the millions of dollars.
Authorities say their goal is to ensure that all those who attend the game -- and the tens of thousands of others who have come for the Super Bowl-related festivities -- can feel safe while enjoying their time in Jacksonville.
One pilot with Customs and Border Protection said, "We approach this mission with a great amount of enthusiasm... This is the greatest sporting event we have in the United States. And we're protecting that event and we're protecting the American people."
