Massachusetts

Multi-Level Approach to Security at Sail Boston

With dozens of tall ships from all around the world about to descend on Sail Boston 2017 this weekend, officials held a security briefing Wednesday afternoon.

Mayor Marty Walsh, Gov. Charlie Baker, and Police Commissioner William Evans were flanked by members of the FBI and Massachusetts State Police as they assured the public that adequate security will be in place for the Boston Sail event.

"We've gone through the marathon, we've done the Fourth of July celebrations, we've done all the high profile events, and we have a great collaboration behind us," Walsh said.

Evans said there will be a multi-level approach to security and the first step is a under-cover presence.

"When you're walking up to the event there's going to be undercover officers who have been specifically trained to in watching for the characteristics of someone who might be carrying a bomb," Evans said.

"Our key is not to show a type of force that people are alarmed. You won't be seeing officers out there with machine guns. It's not that type of event. We're going to be very low key about doing our security and that's why we want people to come and enjoy the event," Evans added. 

More than 50 sailing vessels will parade into Boston Harbor, the first time since 2000 that the ships have visited the city.

From June 17 to 22, the harbor will belong to the ships, their crews, and the more than 4 million visitors who are expected to view them and stroll their historic decks.

[Visit www.sailboston.com for a list of events and participating ships.]

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