When World Leaders Collide - a New Level of Security Surrounds the Pope's UN Visit

Photo by Nick Allen

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nickallen/3648586485

By Craig Moorhead

NEW YORK, Sept. 28 - New York City is no stranger to high levels of security.  Post-9/11, some say that no other city in the world is under closer scrutiny when it comes to safety and security. Come September every year, the city and the nation gear up for the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), bringing heightened levels of security both on the ground and in the shadows that make up the U.S.'s intelligence and homeland security command centers.

This year, as New York prepares to play host to over 170 heads of state for the 70th Session of UNGA, concern for the possibility of violence is heightened yet again by the fact that the city will also  host  the Pontiff, Pope Francis.
 

New Yorkers generally shrug off road closures and security screenings that accompany this yearly ritual. Along with the usual police cordons and metal detectors, there are restrictions on items like bicycles, backpacks, and “selfie” sticks.
 

The Pope’s visit ups the ante. This is the 4th time a Pope has ever addressed the General Assembly. . With.  Pope Francis' visit has been designated a national special security event (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). An NSSE is a significant national or international event determined by DHS to be a potential target for terrorism or criminal activity.  In order to adequately provide security for the incoming heads of state and his Holiness Pope Francis, the authorities are taking a whole of government approach.
 

On the ground, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has put in place more than 6,000 officers to protect the United Nations and the Pope. These officers are supported by considerable resources including almost 1,800 police cars, 800 tons of barricade forming concrete blocks, and nearly 40 miles of fencing and other barriers.  CBS New York quotes NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller, "It’s a lot of hardware and a lot of humans". Setting the backdrop for the unprecedented NYPD presence is a complex collaboration of local, state, and federal agencies working to ensure these upcoming events launch within a secure and safe environment.  A 1998 presidential directive established the procedure for NSSEs, placing the U.S. Secret Service at the top of the pyramid when it comes to planning for such events.  As such, the Secret Service has led the combined effort for these events’ security and the FBI has been assigned lead on conducting intelligence collection related to the Papal Visit and the UN General Assembly. The FBI also has a lead role on emergency management should a crisis occur. 
 

Although these agencies have been planning and coordinating for months, holding various exercises and drills for all personnel involved, these agencies are making a special request. Even with the massive investment being put into providing security for the UN and the Pope; these security services are also relying on the average citizen to do their part.
 

One of the most important aspects of security management is human intelligence, the collection of information coming in at the grass roots level.  An FBI press release urges citizens to come forward, "the agencies involved also rely heavily on the public to increase their capacity to ensure security at the papal-related events and other large gatherings".  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the authorities or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
 

This approach is consistent with the Department of Homeland Security campaign "If You See Something, Say Something". The campaign, launched in 2010, is a joint initiative between the Department of Justice's Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative and the DHS. What started with the objective of training law enforcement officials at the local and state level to recognize indicators and behaviours of terrorism and related offences, has now been extended to everyday citizens walking the streets of New York.

In response to the burden being placed on average New Yorkers to provide security from some of the globe's biggest political names, the authorities are acknowledging the stress these events are putting on the city.  Assistant Director of the FBI's New York Field Office Diego Rodriguez recognizes that security measures present many challenges for inhabitants of the city. He asks that New Yorkers remember "while an event this size has the potential to cause inconveniences, I ask you to enjoy this wonderful time…as we prepare for the many historic events that will take place". Though it may come as little comfort to the commuter trapped in gridlock, U.S. security officials are putting out the message that we are all in this together.