National Special Security Event

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Image:US-DeptOfHomelandSecurity-Seal.png

A National Special Security Event (NSSE) is declared by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assume federal control of security measures normally employed by local law enforcement. It also releases federal funding for security plans. Though not declared by DHS (which did not yet exist), the first NSSE after the September 11, 2001 attacks was the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. More recent NSSEs include the state funeral of Ronald Reagan, the 2004 Democratic National Convention and the 2004 Republican National Convention. Major annual events, such as the NFL's Super Bowl and the State of the Union address, are automatically designated an NSSE.

In the event an NSSE is declared, the United States Secret Service is charged with employing and coordinating all federal and local agencies including the various bureaus of DHS, the FBI, and police departments to secure the venue from terrorist attacks. The declaration of an NSSE was established by President Bill Clinton in a portion of Presidential Decision Directive 62 in May 1998.

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Measures

Some of the security measures people can expect on the scene when they attend a major event that is declared an NSSE:

Heavy police and military presence - Police forces in the area may have days off and leaves cancelled
Canine teams & Bomb-sniffing dogs
Surveillance
Sharpshooters
Flight restrictions around the area
Coast Guard patrols
Increased railroad security
Extensive road closures
There will also be many security "enhancements" that most people attending the event will never see.

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