DHS, NFL Prepare Security for Super Bowl XLVIII
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has partnered with the National Football League (NFL) to protect fans before, during and after Super Bowl XLVIII.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson met with local law enforcement officials at the MetLife Stadium on Jan. 29 to discuss security before the big game, according to a DHS blog post. In addition to DHS, 13 other federal agencies will assist with security, including the FBI, and the Department of Defense.
In addition to DHS support, 13 other federal offices are assisting. These interagency partnerships – including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Defense – are essential to the safety and security of this event.
Other security measures will include:
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams will secure transit to and from the stadium.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and non-intrusive inspection equipment will scan the cargo entering the stadium for contraband such as narcotics, weapons, and explosives.
- CBP Office of Air and Marine will enforce Air Space Security.
- The U.S. Coast Guard will support maritime and waterways security.
- CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will conduct operations specifically targeting counterfeit vendors and local merchants of game-related sportswear. This is part of a crackdown on intellectual property rights (IPR) violations and to ensure fans are getting official Super Bowl related memorabilia.
- TSA is sending additional screeners and doubling the checkpoint lanes at Newark Liberty International Airport for the influx of fans traveling for the game. TSA will also conduct baggage screening operation at Secaucus Junction station on the day of the game
Additionally, DHS and the NFL will continue to promote the “If You See Something, Say Something,” public awareness campaign, which was first launched at Super Bowl XLV. Through the campaign, fans are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior or activity to local law enforcement.
The “If You See Something, Say Something” message at will be present at airports, hotels, billboards and on buses in the New York and New Jersey area l throughout Super Bowl weekend. The message will also appear in the game day program, the official fan guide, and on the video board during the game.
“Securing an event like the Super Bowl is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play,” DHS Federal Coordinator Andrew McLees says. “As the Federal Coordinating Officer for Super Bowl XLVIII, I am proud of our work with our federal, state, local and law enforcement partners, the NFL, event staff and volunteers, as well as the public, to help ensure the safety and security of everyone who is in town for the big game.
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