An unprecedented level of security will frame President Bush's second
inauguration, with officials planning to use thousands of police from
across the country, new screening technology for inaugural guests and a
military contingent that could include a combat brigade of up to 4,000
troops. Security is always tight on Inauguration Day, but it will be
magnified for the first inauguration since the Sept. 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks. Law enforcement officials have been preparing for
months to protect U.S. and world leaders and citizens who attend.
Organizers are planning a traditional inauguration capped by a parade
down Pennsylvania Avenue and the usual evening balls. Bush has yet to
name his inauguration committee, which will oversee planning of the
pageantry and festivities, but law enforcement agencies are in high
gear. As tens of thousands of people come to Washington to watch the
Jan. 20 swearing in, the city will be filled with military personnel,
FBI agents in full SWAT outfitting, snipers on rooftops and scores of
bomb-detecting dogs. The region's air defenses have been strengthened
to prevent intruder aircraft, and sensors will be deployed throughout
the area to detect biological, chemical or radiological material. [more]
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