x
Breaking News
More () »

Protecting 'soft targets' during Super Bowl 52

Security consultant Michael Rozin calls the Manchester Arena an example of a "soft target" for a terrorist attack. The Super Bowl, to be held in Minneapolis this year, is a different story.

Security consultant Michael Rozin calls the Manchester Arena, site of an Ariana Grande concert filled with young girls, an example of a "soft target" for a terrorist attack.

"Access is perceived to be easy, and likely the perpetrator saw very few roadblocks, challenges, security measures in place," Rozin said.

The Super Bowl is a different story.

Security for the event next year in Minneapolis is sure to be extensive. But what about potential "soft targets" surrounding U.S. Bank Stadium?

"You can bring in local law enforcement, but national law enforcement is involved as well," said security expert Jack Rice. "This is about cooperation at all levels. And this is about coordination."

Rice emphasizes that coordination across law enforcement agencies is integral.

That's especially true because of differences between Minneapolis and the last Super Bowl host, Houston, as Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau explained in February.

"It's complex in the sense that Houston has 5,500 police officers," Harteau said. "We have a little less than 900. ... So we have to rely on other departments across the Twin Cities and the state."

"One of the advantages that Minneapolis has over Houston is that it's smaller geographically," Rice said. "So you can concentrate your officers differently."

Rice believes soft targets will be monitored as part of the overall Super Bowl security plan.

The Minneapolis Police Department said that at this time they have no credible threat of an attack planned for the Super Bowl.

Before You Leave, Check This Out