Sprucing up the Autopista General Cañas, as well as a raft of security preparations is well underway, prior to the arrival of President of the United States, Barack Obama.
Obama will visit Costa Rica arriving on May 3rd and the centennial celebration of the Day of the Working Class in the country.
Large flags and an increased police presence and crews engaged in grooming the roads are just the most obvious visible preparations.
For protective visits such as this, teams of Secret Service personnel travel in advance and conduct site surveys, assessing needs for manpower, equipment, hospitals and evacuation routes for emergencies. Fire, rescue and other public service personnel in the community are alerted and coordinated where applicable.
Before President Obama arrives at any site, lead advance agents coordinates all law enforcement representatives participating in the visit. Intelligence information is discussed and emergency options and solutions are outlined. Prior to the arrival of the President, checkpoints are established and access to the secured area is monitored and limited.
The assistance of the local law enforcement, and the public safety organizations is a vital part of the entire security operation. During protective visits, Secret Service and local law enforcement personnel form a network of support for members of the detail working in close proximity to the President. A Secret Service command post is set up and acts as the communication center for protective activities, monitors emergencies and keeps all participants in contact with one another. After the visit, agents analyze every step of the protective operation, record unusual incidents and suggest improvements for the future.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica
