If you attend Saturday’s AJC Peachtree Road Race you’re unlikely to be more than a shout away from a police officer.
You may not always see them — many will be undercover, blending into the big crowd that descends on Midtown for the July 4th tradition. But law enforcement will be out in unprecedented numbers over the holiday weekend, with officials monitoring 130 events statewide, said Micah Hamrick, homeland security director with Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency.
The heightened alert comes on the heels of terror-related attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait. Last Friday the FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned of the potential for ISIS-inspired strikes during Independence Day festivities.
“We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement. “We continue to encourage all Americans to attend public events and celebrate this country during this summer season, but always remain vigilant.”
It’s a familiar drill for Peachtree Road Race officials, who worked with police to enhance security measures following the April 2013 bombings at the Boston Marathon.
“We’re well-aware of the concerns and we’re confident we’re prepared to deal with them,”said Rich Kenah, executive director of the Atlanta Track Club, which organizes the race billed as “the world’s largest 10K running event.” “Our planning process started in earnest last July.”
Hamrick said large gatherings such as the race are of particular concern.
“The general public won’t see a major difference,” Hamrick said, though behind the scenes the presence will be significant.
Specialty teams will be stationed nearby all the major events “in case things happen,” Hamrick said.
The attacks overseas have led to some last-minute tweaks to security plans, he said.
“They’ve reminded us that we need to be extra vigilant,” Hamrick said.
Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said a comprehensive security plan is in place for the road race and other major events, including fireworks shows at Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead and Centennial Olympic Park. A big crowd is also expected at Turner Field where the Braves will play host to the Phillies.
“We have been planning for this weekend for months and we are prepared to keep the citizens and visitors safe as they attend these City of Atlanta annual events,” Turner said.
Assistance will be provided by Georgia State Patrol, FBI, GBI, MARTA Police, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Army National Guard.
Besides the significant law enforcement presence, a 24-hour Joint Operation Center will work from Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters. As many as 5,000 state of the art cameras will be deployed along the race route, which begins near Lenox and ends at Piedmont Park, and at other holiday events — nearly twice as many utilized just two years ago.
K-9 units will conduct sweeps up until the race begins, and officers will be on hand the night before as a precaution.
Backpacks and other bags will be searched before they can be brought into the park, which will have controlled access following the end of the race.
“If you don’t need it, don’t bring it,” Kenah said. “And if you see something, say something.”
Atlanta police are also encouraging attendees to report any suspicious activity.
Mounted patrols and undercover officers will assist with crowd control, police said. Off days for Friday and Saturday have been cancelled, and officers will work 12-hour shifts each day.
Hamrick said he is confident state and local officials are adequately prepared for anything that might happen.
Still, “as prepared as you think you are, every time that phone beeps you have a sinking feeling,” he said.
About the Author
