The following Q&A was submitted to local police departments by the BAA and MEMA:
Is the security plan for this year’s Marathon substantially different from last year’s? No. While some changes have been made to this year’s plan, it will look and feel quite similar to last year’s plan to the public. We are not able to share all aspects of this year’s security plan with the public. Like last year, however, the public will notice a significant presence of uniformed public safety personnel, including approximately 3,500 local, state, and federal law enforcement officers and 300 National Guard Military Police Officers. Spectators approaching viewing areas along the course may pass through security checkpoints and public safety officials may ask to inspect bags and other items being carried. In addition, the State Police Air Wing will conduct aerial surveillance of the race and spectators. Elements of the security plan that may not be visible include the deployment of substantial numbers of plain clothed officers, law enforcement tactical resources, and video surveillance cameras and capabilities. Like last year, each host municipality will operate a public safety emergency operations centers, some will stage additional command posts, and MEMA will host the Multi‐ Agency Coordination Center at its headquarters in Framingham.