2009 Presidential Inauguration, Protecting the President

2009 Presidential Inauguration - Who Protects the President?

The 2009 presidential inauguration has its set of challenges for the law enforcement officials. These challenges involve protecting the president of the United States. Numerous law enforcement agencies, from all corners of the criminal justice system, are responsible for the safety of President-Elect Barack Obama, and consequently, President Obama.

In all likelihood, you already know that the Secret Service is assigned with the task of protecting the president. However, not many people know that many other departments and entities participate during the swearing in ceremony.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – provides man power to aid the Secret Service in the protective measures. This help can be in a form of uniformed and undercover surveillance. You can often see FBI agents scouting the surrounding area for threats. In addition, constant intelligence updates are provided to those in charge of protecting the president.
Capitol Police – a special police unit set to protect and serve the United States Capitol area. The job description also includes protecting U.S. officials.
State, county, and local law enforcement professionals are also involved in helping the inaugural ceremony go smoothly. Tasks may include surveillance, patrol, and crowd control.
Besides government agencies, there may be a presence of security consulting firms which may be hired to handle risk and threat assessment, as well as provide protective services.

A little about this year’s inauguration

The presidential inauguration is the official day that the President of the United States is sworn into office. This year’s inauguration takes place on January 20, 2009 in Washington D.C. on the steps of the United States Capitol. The purpose of the inauguration is to honor the inbound president with dignified ceremonies, including: a Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony, an Inaugural Address, and an Inaugural Parade

President-elect Barack Obama will take the oath of office, which states the following:

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Vice President-elect Joe Biden will have already taken a similar oath.