NCJ Number
220650
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 74 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 38-41
Date Published
September 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the planning and execution of security for Super Bowl XLI in Miami, FL.
Abstract
The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) was designated the lead law enforcement agency in managing security for the event. The MDPD formed 40 committees, and each committee reported monthly on its progress and activities. Committees were divided into six functional areas of responsibility: tactical, support, event, command post, crime suppression, and special operations. This article describes the basic duties of the committees in each of the six functional areas. Committee activities included an operational plan and an anticipated budget. Modifications to the plan and budget could be and were made up to the day of the game. Consolidation of the various plans with attendant after-action reports and budget summaries became the MDPD's overall plan for the event. More than 25 local agencies provided some type of law enforcement support for the variety of pregame events, which included banquets, galas, fashion shows, VIP tours, and concerts. A formal production meeting was held in December, just over a month before the game. It was attended by local law enforcement representatives; National Football League management; managers of Dolphin Stadium; and a multitude of Super Bowl contractors, vendors, and event planners. This meeting began with a discussion and review of issues and plans. The meeting concluded with a discussion of hour-by-hour game-day activities by all stakeholders. A tabletop exercise 1 week before the game considered various potential security scenarios that tested the knowledge, flexibility, and preparedness of key decisionmakers. The security effort proved to be effective without being unduly intrusive.