The Washington Diplomat

Salt Lake City To Be ‘One of Safest Places on Globe’

As the Olympics draws closer, last-minute checks are being made on the countless security measures already in place at Salt Lake City. In the wake of the terrorist attacks, security will be virtually omnipresent at the games: Some 10,000 people from 60 federal, state and local agencies will be on hand to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Some of the many safeguards include metal detectors to screen all visitors, a 45-mile restricted airspace around Salt Lake City, biometric scanners to identify officials and athletes, and the ability to screen baggage for explosives at Salt Lake International Airport (the first airport with such a capability). In addition, no vehicles will be allowed within 300 feet of all venues and other buildings, and Salt Lake airport will shut down during the opening and closing ceremonies.

Since Sept. 11, the United States has spent $300 million to bolster security at the Winter Games, and even though no specific threat has been made against the games, officials are not taking any chances. During a recent visit of the Olympics sites, Tom Ridge, head of the nation’s Office of Homeland Security, said he believes that “one of the safest places on the globe from the beginning to the end of February will be Salt Lake City.” One of the safest perhaps, but in competition, it will also be one of the fiercest.

— Anna Gawel