Officials Outline Boston Marathon Security Plans
City officials say security protocols for the 119th Boston Marathon will be largely the same as they were for the 118th running, which they believe struck the right balance between ensuring public safety while keeping Patriots’ Day festive.
That means there will be police checkpoints along the race course, from Audubon Circle all the way past the finish line, down to Arlington Street. Spectators carrying large bags, coolers, and other large items will be subject to a search.
Boston Police Commissioner William Evans says spectators are encouraged to leave those types of items at home so as to make it more efficient for people to get through those checkpoints. In Hopkinton, where the race starts, spectators in some viewing areas will be prohibited from carrying large handbags, backpacks, shoulder bags, suitcases, and coolers, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
Capacity on Boylston Street will be monitored, and if it gets to a point that police consider unsafe, spectators will be directed to other portions of the race course, Evans said at a Friday press conference. Depending on the size of the crowd in Kenmore Square following Monday’s Red Sox game, fans exiting the game may be directed down Landsdowne Street, away from the high-capacity area, he said.
Boston Police will line the marathon route with both uniformed and plainclothes police officers, as will 14 ambulances and 140 Boston EMS workers. More than 100 cameras will be monitoring the route. Evans said the police presence is intended to be “low-key’’ and “fan friendly.’’
The biggest change in plans this year is the ban of drones along the race course. Evans said the city will be implementing anti-drone technology to keep the skies clear.
Road closures will begin at 5 a.m. Monday, starting near the Boston Common. By 8:30 a.m., roads in Back Bay, Kenmore, and Brighton will have closed. A full list of affected roads, including those with parking restrictions, is available here.
Read more coverage of the 2015 Boston Marathon.
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