Following Super Bowl LII on Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) outlined two years of planning and coordination among local officials and 27 DHS entities that contributed to a successful event.
The DHS National Protection Programs Directorate (NPPD) conducted more than 200 security assessments of critical infrastructure in Minneapolis in the lead up to the Super Bowl. Additionally, NPPD has conducted 52 Hometown Security Initiative activities in the city since January 2016 to give local officials access to tools and resources to bolster public safety.
“From boarding an airplane to walking into the stadium, cheering fans can be sure that DHS and our federal partners are here to support our state and local officials in securing the site,” Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said.
In addition to tactical assets, consequence management assets and cargo screening capabilities, DHS revamped the “If you See Something, Say Something” public awareness campaign. It also ramped up the DHS Blue Campaign. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking with information posted in public places and online.
In a press conference with officials from state and federal agencies and NFL security, Nielsen said that the Super Bowl can be an attractive target “due to its size and scope.” However, the secretary pledged to monitor various channels with international partners throughout the event and to maintain constant contact with federal, state and NFL officials.