In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings cities throughout the country are struggling to find ways to protect themselves during major events, and Philadelphia isn’t taking any chances with an upcoming running event this weekend.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, a Democrat, says the specter of Boston and security concerns are at the top of his mind as his city prepares for its annual Broad Street race this Sunday, the country’s largest ten-miler.
“There will be an enhanced police presence, there’s been even more coordination, and certainly learning from the tragedy in Boston,” Mayor Nutter said on Friday’s The Daily Rundown. “There are procedures that we will take, some seen, some unseen.”
In addition to increased security personnel, bags and backpacks have been banned at the finish line and the city has added evacuation centers along the race course.
Mayor Nutter said he also supports the use of surveillance cameras, and his administration has recently encouraged business owners to participate with the city’s “Safe Cam” program in addition to the city’s own network. The program allows business owners with cameras in public spaces to register them with the city.
“Allowing the police to tie into private sector camera networks expands your ability to see what is going on across the city and I absolutely support that,” said Nutter.
Former House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King, R-N.Y., has recently pushed for more surveillance cameras in public places in major cities as a way to combat terrorism.
Xuan Thai