A MASSIVE World Cup security operation is being rolled out as officials brace for huge crowds, drone threats, fake tickets and fears of violence.
Fans are also being urged to act as extra eyes and ears as police prepare for one of the biggest deployments the city has seen in decades.
Los Angeles will host a wave of World Cup events beginning June 11, with games, fan festivals and public watch parties expected to draw tens of thousands of people.
All eight World Cup matches in the region will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
The first match is set for June 12, when the US faces Paraguay.
But police will also have a major presence at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where FIFA will livestream matches for massive crowds.
Captain Eric Eppolito, the LAPD operations chief for the FIFA Fan Fest, said the scale of the plan is rare, ABC affiliate KABC reported.
“It is probably one of the bigger deployments I’ve seen in my 29 years on the job,” he said.
The Coliseum event is expected to act as a giant watch party, with games shown live and musical acts performing on the field.
“It was allotted for up to 40,000 (people) a day, and what will, in essence, be a watch party with some musical acts and stuff down on the field,” Eppolito said.
The Official FIFA Fan Festival Los Angeles will run for four straight days starting June 11.
Other World Cup celebrations, programs, and interactive events will continue across the city for 39 days.
Officials said 10 additional fan zones are planned across the county, stretching from Venice Beach to Union Station.
Federal and local agencies outlined the security push at a press conference on Monday.
The LAPD, LA County Sheriff’s Department, Inglewood Police Department, FBI, and Secret Service are all involved in the operation.
Security will be even tighter for Iran’s two World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium.
Sheriff Robert Luna at a press conference said Iran “does bring a different dynamic,” with law enforcement gathering “information and intelligence” ahead of the team’s arrival.
Iran is set to play New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 22 at SoFi Stadium.
The team will reportedly stay in Tijuana, Mexico, and fly in and out of Los Angeles on the same day as its matches.
Luna said agencies are “prepared for any contingency,” with extra staffing expected at the games.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell warned anyone trying to cause chaos would be arrested.
“Anyone who seeks to turn the celebration into chaos, you will find no refuge in this city. You will be arrested,” McDonnell said.
“This is a terrible time to commit a crime in LA,” Hochman added.
Officials described the effort as one of the largest security operations in Los Angeles history.
They also said it will act as a preview for the massive security planning needed for the 2028 Olympics.
Authorities said officers and deputies have been training in crowd control and counterterrorism tactics.
They are also preparing for crimes that could target fans, including drunk driving, counterfeit tickets, fake merchandise, human trafficking, and fights.
One of the biggest concerns is the use of illegal drones.
Flight restrictions will be in place above and around World Cup venues and will disable and confiscate all unauthorized drones.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/sport/16440360/la-world-cup-security-cops-fans/
