Massive security effort underway for Pope Francis in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police have started erecting the barricades along the Ben Franklin Parkway that will become the secure perimeter for this weekend.

Law enforcement officials say their preparations for Pope Francis' visit represent the largest security event in the history of Philadelphia.

The effort has involved 70 different agencies and enlisted 600 people just to coordinate efforts to make sure this weekend's event is safe.

Secret Service Special Agent In Charge David Beach tells Action News while there are no credible threats against the pope or the city, their training has prepared agents and officers for everything from bomb threats to lone shooters.

"We prepare for the worst and hope for the best," said Beach. "In terms of what we prepare for, anything you can think of could possibly be a vulnerability or a threat."

As part of those efforts, the Secret Service and other agencies have flown in agents from across the country to take part be on duty during this historic event.

They won't release the number of just how many officers will be on the ground, either undercover or in uniform.

Secret Service snipers have been training in Washington for the pope's security detail using a mock-up of his secure pope-mobile to guard against any added risks as the pontiff tours through the City of Brotherly Love.

"We are confident that we have the right mechanisms in place to ensure that does not occur and our perimeter is not breached," said Beach.

Other concerns relate to the possibility of terrorists dressing as law enforcement to gain access to events.

Beach says the Secret Service is using both the latest technology, including bomb detectors, as well as old-fashioned protection like police K-9s to secure the large area of protection demanded by events like papal parades and Masses.

There will be approximately 24 entrances set up across the secure perimeter on the Ben Franklin Parkway and on Independence Mall.

The entrances will serve as screening points for anyone trying to access any event in that area.

Officials say you won't need tickets to get inside the secure perimeter - that red box - but you will need tickets to get into the areas where the pope will be celebrating Mass and speaking on Saturday and Sunday.