DHS encourages Americans to spy on each other during the NCAA tournament.
Fans attending this year’s March Madness games will be greeted by a video of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and NCAA President Mark Emmert encouraging them to “say something” if they see suspicious activities.
The video, which will also appear at most other winter championship events, is part of a national campaign sponsored by Homeland Security to raise citizen awareness in high-profile environments such as major events and public transit.
Security at the games has always been a priority for the NCAA, but the rapid growth of the Final Four in recent years has prompted the Association to assess security practices even more closely and to scale procedures to fit the constantly evolving environment.
Communication among the various groups involved will be key, NCAA security expert Khalil Johnson of Common Sense Consultants said. In addition to constant communication among the various stakeholders, there will be daily briefings for all staff working inside the building.
“The level of information about what’s going on in and around Reliant Park will be staggering,” Johnson said.
In the end, said Johnson, “most of the things that relate to the fan’s experience from a safety standpoint, they won’t really be aware of.”
It should read: The level of surveillance on the public will be staggering! Most of the spying and encouraging the public to report on each other they really won't be aware of.
When fans arrive at Reliant Park, they will be funneled through an expanded perimeter, increasing the distance between the entry point and the facility. Johnson would not comment on specific security screening practices.
Link:
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/latest+news/2011/march/ncaa,+homeland+security+partner+in+planning+a+safe+final+four