Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano traveled to New Orleans today to bring attention to the security preparations for Super Bowl XLVII.
"Security is a shared responsibility and our continued partnership with the NFL on the “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign during the Super Bowl is a critical part of our security efforts," said Napolitano.
Fans and New Orleans residents will be surrounded by a campaign that encourages suspicious activity reporting. According to DHS, "campaign graphics will appear on the videoboard, televisions and posters throughout the Superdome on game day.
"Safety messaging will also be printed in game programs and fan guides for staff, players, and volunteers. In addition, "If You See Something, Say Something™" advertisements will be seen throughout New Orleans at the airport, on billboards, and on public transportation, magazines and visitor guides."
According to DHS, Napolitano met with local law enforcement officials and watched security operations occuring in and around the Superdome. She also monitored DHS' "efforts to provide security assessments and training to state and local law enforcement, local hotel employees, and others to help them identify potential risks and take steps to mitigate them."
DHS said that security and transportation plans were developed between them and local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as public safety agencies. They said that they will support security operations with these agencies:
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) - The Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR or VIPER) teams will help secure "regional transportation systems." The teams are comprised of Federal Air Marshals, surface and aviation transportation security inspectors, behavioral detection officers, transportation security officers, and canine teams.
- US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Officers and "non-intrusive inspection equipment" will scan "cargo" entering the stadium for narcotics, weapons and explosives.
- US Coast Guard - Along with the help of the CBP Office of Air and Marine, they will secure the waters and skies around the city.
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Along with the CBP, they will target "counterfeit vendors and local merchants of game-related sportswear. This is part of a crackdown on intellectual property rights violations and to ensure fans are getting official Super Bowl-related memorabilia."
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