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Protecting the Olympic Torch

NCJ Number
118860
Journal
Terrorism, Violence and Insurgency Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1985) Pages: 26-30
Author(s)
D E Wurth
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Many terrorists understand the value of symbols when considering target opportunities such as the 1984 run with the Olympic Torch from New York to Los Angeles.
Abstract
Advance preparations included an advance agent for each State that the torch would pass through. These agents were asked to secure uniformed traffic escort officers when the torch passed through their jurisdiction. A motorcade configuration of six vehicles was developed to escort the flame and the runners who also had to be protected from inattentive drivers. Traffic safety was a major concern as was crowd control especially the problem of keeping the crowd from surging between the motorcade vehicles. Massive resources were required to keep the Olympic Torch route terror free. 1 Note.