Law enforcement taking steps to prevent terrorist acts at Olympic Trials

Dogs, metal detectors, security guards - be prepared for tight security at Eugene 08.

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Story Published: Jun 26, 2008 at 6:22 PM PST

By Kim Quintero

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The Eugene 08 organizing committee offered the following Q & A:

Q: Am I allowed to bring a bag into Hayward Field or the Eugene 08 Festival?
A: Yes. You may bring one soft-sided bags with dimensions no larger than 19 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches.

Q: What items can I bring into the venue?
A: The following items are allowed as long as they fit into the bag are: clothes, cameras (without large telephoto lenses), cushions, empty water bottles, plastic tubes containing sunscreen, ointment, etc.

Q: What items are prohibited from being brought into the venue?
• glass bottles
• cans (including aerosol cans)
• sealed or unsealed plastic bottles which contain liquid (empty bottles okay if less than 1.5 liters in size; water bubblers will be located inside the Festival for filling of bottles)
• food or beverage purchased outside the venue
• alcohol of any kind
• animals (except service animals)
• banners, signs, and flags
• sticks, poles
• coolers, ice chests
• fireworks, horns, whistles, cowbells, etc.
• frisbees or beach balls
• laser pointers
• stadium seats larger than 17 inches wide, 19 inches high, and 10 inches deep (folded)
• lawn chairs, sleeping bags
• illegal drugs
• thermoses (empty water containers excepted)
• umbrellas
• video cameras (excepting media and coaches)
• weapons, guns, knives, handcuffs, chains
• matches, lighters, or other igniters
• explosives
• bicycles, skateboards, Segways, etc.
• any materials the LOC deems objectionable

EUGENE Ore. - The race is on for authorities as they get ready to keep fans and athletes safe at the Eugene 08 Track and Field team trials.

Tight security is the name of the game. The strategy: prevent anything or anyone from coming through the gates that could put people at risk.

Hayward Field is transforming into a hot spot for an estimated 20,000 people, everyday, during the Olympic Trials.

"Just by virtue of the fact that we're having an event of this significance in the nation raises its stake in the terrorist world," said Eugene Police Department Captain Chuck Tilby.

So before setting foot in the Eugene 08 Festival, you're going to go through rigorous security checks.

And a metal detector is just the beginning. You'll also have to toss out items considered a safety risk, like liquids.

Tilby said bombs are such a concern for authorities, every car, van and garbage can must get a K9's sniff of approval before making it through the gates.

Once inside, you find about 60 officers armed for your protection.

"Side-arm and taser. There's nothing different about what a police officer carries for this event than what they carry on a daily basis," said Tilby.

Guest services in the Bowerman Building will turn into a holding spot for lost children. And recently installed security cameras will help officers monitor suspicious activity.

Tilby hopes all the preparation will prevent any kind of crisis.

"It's on TV and it provides a stage. And yea, that contributes to the equation of how you respond and how you plan for it," said Tilby.

"Is there anyway that can be prevented on your part, or by all the agencies that are out here?" I asked.

"We hope so. The challenge is we have to be right every single time and they only have to be lucky once," said Tilby.

Tilby said even though a lot of resources are dedicated to the Olympic Trials, agencies from as far as Salem will be in town to help with other city emergency calls.

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