President Obama has chosen Pittsburgh as the host city for the upcoming G-20 summit. The summit, to be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in September, will bring together leaders of the world’s top 20 economies and high-ranking international and financial officials to address the current world economic crisis.

The Group of 20, better known as the G-20, was established in 1999 to assemble countries to discuss key issues in the global economy. Member countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

As Pittsburgh’s Mayor and County Executive are working together to prepare the area to host between 3,000 and 4,000 national and international visitors, the U.S. Secret Service is coordinating the overall security with additional assistance from the Pittsburgh Police and other public agencies. The Summit is known to draw large protests in the city which is currently hosting it.

While the specifics of the security plan are not being published, the plan is said to include approximately 4,000 law enforcement personnel deployed during the Summit. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police currently has less then 880 sworn officers employed. The challenges the planners face are evident. Currently, Pennsylvania State Police plan to send approximately 400 troopers to the city for the Summit. Even with the additional help from the PA State Police, there will not be enough officers from Pennsylvania available to meet the criteria. Therefore, officers will be needed from dozens of other surrounding cities as well as some from other states. Pittsburgh officials also plan to seek aide from the Maryland, New York, and West Virginia State Police.

City and public law enforcement agencies will also be relying on corporate and private security professionals for assistance during the Summit. Even if your organization is not directly involved, you should be prepared.  Any positive exposure we can provide as security professionals will not only help Pittsburgh, but will also help highlight our organization. 

Due to the timing of this event, several of our members will be unable to attend the ASIS National Convention in Anaheim, CA.  For those who are fortunate enough to attend, I am sure that  it should be a truly enjoyable and  educational experience. 

In closing I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer. I look forward to seeing everyone at our October meeting.

David Marks
              2009 Pittsburgh Chapter Chair