Breaking News:

Olympic Security: 2002 versus 2034

Jul 9, 2024, 3:30 PM | Updated: 5:48 pm

View of Salt Lake City from KSL, during Olympics. photo by Ravell Call, February 21, 2002. Salt Lak...

View of Salt Lake City from KSL, during the Winter Olympics, February 21, 2002. Salt Lake Olympic Security measures continue to grow. (Ravell Call / Deseret News)

(Ravell Call / Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — As the potential for the Olympics to return to Salt Lake City grows, so do the security preparations. 

The 2002 Winter Olympics occurred just months after the 9-11 terrorist attacks.  At that time the country was also gripped by the threats of anthrax.  Overall, it was an uncertain time for safety, especially when concerning large events.

This meant that the Salt Lake City Olympics couldn’t afford to be anything but hypervigilant with security measures.

“As you came in you were screened several times before you even came into the venue, so I think it was unusual,” said retired Salt Lake County Police Chief of the Unified Police Department, Chris Bertram. 

Bertram said he’s proud of how secure the 2002 games were and that they had no security breaches or incidents. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement.

“It was slow, the distances that you parked and walked. Because of the footprint of the venue, you were forced to park away from it so that we could keep it safe,” said Bertram.

Looking forward

Will the 2034 games be handled any differently? Can visitors expect more efficient security protocols?  Bertram said that, at this point, it’s hard to predict what will be going on a decade from now.

“What is the international threat? Is that changing? Are there actionable threats against the games?” said Bertram, noting what security officials will need to consider as the 2034 approaches.

All of those factors will affect how heavy security will be. But current advances make officials optimistic for the future.

“Ten years from now technology is going to be very helpful. We see that at the airport. If you’re vetted, you go through TSA security a lot faster than those that haven’t been previously vetted.” said Bertram.

Overall, experts believe that technology is on our side and that the 2034 games will be just as secure as the 2002 games. And hopefully, with continued advancements, security lines will be a lot smoother.

“I think it would be better.  I hope it’d be better,” said Bertram.

 

Related: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

According to the Utah Department of Transportation, all southbound lanes of Bangerter Highway were ...

Alton Barnhart

Bangerter Highway closed due to weather-related crash, UDOT confirmed

Bangerter Highway closed on Saturday morning due to a weather-related crash over a snowy weekend.

6 minutes ago

A long-shot Democratic proposal to raise taxes on those earning $1 million or more was rejected by ...

DANIEL WOODRUFF, KSL TV

Raise taxes on the rich? Utah lawmakers say no

A long-shot Democratic proposal to raise taxes on those earning $1 million or more was rejected by a Utah Senate committee this week.

2 hours ago

This week's freezing temperatures followed by lots of moisture and warmer temperatures could cause ...

Britt Johnson

Recent warmer temperatures could lead to high flooding potential

This week's freezing temperatures followed by lots of moisture and warmer temperatures could cause some flooding.

13 hours ago

Gov. Cox signs union bill into law...

Becky Bruce

Gov. Cox signs union bill into law, despite protests

Gov. Spencer Cox signed HB267, also known as the union bill, which would ban collective bargaining agreements for government employees.

14 hours ago

Multiple groups are saying the federal employee layoffs are likely to have impacts on Utah, especia...

Heather Peterson

Federal employee layoffs likely to impact Utah’s national parks

Multiple groups are saying the federal employee layoffs are likely to have impacts on Utah, especially in the state's national parks.

16 hours ago

FILE - Police Chief Mike Brown and Mayor Erin Mendenhall providing an update on the "Crime Preventi...

MICHAEL HOUCK AND BRIAN CARLSON, KSL TV

Mayor Mendenhall says she forced SLCPD Chief Brown to resign

The mayor of Salt Lake City confirmed that it was her decision to make the city’s police chief step down.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Olympic Security: 2002 versus 2034