TSA Used Hot Dog Vendors for Super Bowl Security
In an age where large crowds could be potential targets for those looking to cause great harm, the government has looked to food vendors for additional surveillance to maintain security.
The Transportation Security Administration has recruited and trained food vendors so that they me be used to help monitor large crowds that they are servicing.
But it is not just vendors, all manner of people such as tuckers, school bus drivers as well as other motor carriers serve to help provide for the welfare of the general public.
This is all made possible due to the "First Observer" program. Under this program the transportation community will be trained with skills that will provide for safety and security of Americans while also being able to detect criminal and terrorist activity while goods and people are being moved across the United States.
The most recent example of this was the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Where an estimated 350,000 people gathered for the game and activities.
The security detail for the game included 8,000 volunteers, 3,000 private security officers, 250 FBI agents and 3,000 Indianapolis police officers, the Indianapolis Star reported.
Those who are among public serve as the best defense against an attack or criminal activity.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano explained that those individuals participating in the "First Observer" program are key to the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.
That program encourages Americans to be aware of their surroundings and to look out for anything unusual.
Those who complete the training for the program are taught to identify possible threats by looking for people performing certain activities such as wearing a hooded sweatshirt, using video cameras, driving a van and using cell phones as recording devices.
Napolitano made note that "if you see something, say something. We have seen time and time again that the public itself is our best protection," as reported by the Indianapolis Star reported.