Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said that cameras, checkpoints and plainclothes cops are "all part of the tightened security near the finish line for this year’s Boston Marathon -- tactics in response to the terrorist attack that authorities hope won’t be heavy-handed but will ensure public safety," according to Antonio Planas of the BOSTON HERALD. More than "100 cameras have been installed in the Boston portion of the marathon, and about 50 observation points will be set up around the Boylston Street finish line." Evans said that attendees at the April 21 event "shouldn’t bring backpacks, strollers or anything bulky, and if they do, they may be inspected at checkpoints" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/13). Evans: “We don’t want to intimidate people by the police presence out there, that’s not our goal. But believe me, we’re gonna have plenty of assets and if need be, they’ll be rolling in very quickly. But the goal is to make it a safe family day" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/12). In Boston, Peter Schworm noted unregistered runners -- known as bandits -- have long been handled "with a light touch," but with "tightened security for this year's race, organizers have warned bandits they will not be allowed, and could be removed from the course" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/12).
