Security center to safeguard pope, city during visit

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- All of the preparations and precautions for Pope Francis' arrival come down to one thing: safety for him and people in the city.

In operation since 2013, the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center has gained a lot of experience with keeping the residents of Philadelphia safe.

However, the pope's visit may prove to be the "Real Time Crime" department's biggest test yet.

Inspector Walt Smith of the Philadelphia Police Department said they're up for the challenge.

"Up on top, we have an array of Parkway cameras, we're gonna have several cameras along the parkway," said Smith.

With the assistance of high-tech cameras placed around the city, officers from city to federal levels are able to monitor all events taking place 24/7.

The officers also have access to Septa Regional Rail, PennDot and the Port Authority's cameras in the city and surrounding areas.

"You have a situation awareness map actually with our cameras so we click on our cameras, open up the view at that particular location and get information very quickly," said Smith.

Smith said officers are also monitoring social media networks for any signs of threats, in addition to law enforcement databases.

"Our computer systems are able to search multiple Philadelphia Police Department databases all with one single entry," said Smith.

The center has been credited with helping law enforcement keep the peace on South Street using information gathered on social media.

In January, one of the center's cameras captured the suspect who killed 56-year-old social worker Kim Jones at 12th and Jefferson streets.

Smith said the pope's presence in the city will not take away from the center's efforts to monitor the local neighborhoods.

"Clearly I want everyone to understand that even though we have the papal visit, the priority for us as well is providing the security, service and safety to our community," said Smith.

In addition to the center, agents from the Secret Service and FEMA will be deployed to the city in the days leading up to and during the pope's visit.