[Scan-DC] Special security system for visiting president

[Alan Henney]

Hindustan Times

November 4, 2010 Thursday

Special security system for visiting president

LENGTH: 385 words

DATELINE: New Delhi 

New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- If sources are to be believed, the US Secret Service will not be relying on Indian security's communication network alone for the US President's security. According to Indian security services, the elite agency has already brought in a command-and-control system, which will be a part of Obama's cavalcade and accompany him everywhere he goes. 

According to senior Delhi Police officers in the teams responsible for Obama's security, the command-and-control system is housed in a truck and comprises a team of more than 10 men who constantly coordinate and overlook every single piece of communication.

The police said that members of the US security team will not be using the same radio frequencies as their Indian counterparts.

"Their communication system is highly advanced and cannot be hacked or encrypted. They are constantly under scanner by computer and communications experts. They are in touch with each and every personnel on protection detail and their reaction time during any sort of attack is quite less," said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

According to senior police officers, the Secret Service will use a completely different set of frequency for security reasons. "It is a routine procedure and they have their own set up. Even when their former Presidents - Bill Clinton and George W Bush - came to India, they had a similar set up. It will be part of the cavalcade and will not be intrusive to any one," he added.

But the Delhi Police said the US Secret Service will be constantly coordinating with Indian security agencies. "It is a joint effort. A security detail of this sort requires all sorts of coordination. From Delhi police constables to Special Protection Group personnel, everybody will be working in close coordination."

The National Security Guard, along with the US Secret Service, has already taken over the ITC Maurya.

The Delhi Police is also maintaining security of the outer periphery of the area. Traffic diversions are being planned so that the area is completely out of bounds for anyone. Published by HT Syndication with permission from Hindustan Times. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication at hindustantimes.com