Join Don Johnson, the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Salt Lake City FBI division to discuss security preparations and planning for the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

SAC Johnson discussed how his Division has spent several years preparing for the 2002 Olympics to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators

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A transcript follows.

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Special Agent Don Johnson: Good afternoon all. My name's Don Johnson, and I am the FBI's on-scene commander for planning, preparation, and operation of the FBI's involvement in the Winter Olympics. I look forward to answering as many of your questions as I can over the next hour.

Arlington, Va.: Agent Johnson-- Not to diminish the role of the FBI at the Olympics, but isn't it true that Secret Service is the primary agency in charge of security there? What level of cooperation exists with the FBI and SS in these joint efforts? Given the rivalry between federal agencies historically, have you seen a change in preparation for the Olympics given the tragedy of Sept. 11? Thank you for taking my (many) questions!

Special Agent Don Johnson: It appears that one questions of interest to many of you is the relationship between the FBI and the Secret Service. So first, let me assure you that the FBI and Secret Service have been working hand in hand for the last 3 1/2 years to plan for the Olympics. Under Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) 62, the President gave three federal agencies lead roles in planning for national security special events. FEMA has the lead role in consequence management, Secret Service has the lead role in physical security of the venue sites, and the FBI has the lead counterterrorism role in intelligence gathering and sharing, crisis response, and crisis management. The three lead federal agencies act in tandem and in partnership. No one agency's role is more important than the other, but collectively we will provide Americans with effective and produtive support for the Olympics. Although it may surprise you, there are no "turf battles" ongoing in Salt Lake City. This "team" is working together. With regard to changes since September 11th, obviously all local, state, and federal components of the Olympic planning movement have reviewed and enhanced their security plans. This includes the FBI. Additional resources allocated to the FBI's Olympic planning will, however, be transparent to visitors to Salt Lake City. I hope I've covered all of your questions.

Poland: How many Special Agnents will protect Olympics games?

Special Agent Don Johnson: The FBI is bringing in counterterrorism and intelligence experts from its many field offices throughout the United States. These include Special Agents and Professional Support Employees. It wouldn't be prudent to divulge the exact number of employees, but I can assure you that the FBI is doing everything in its power to ensure that the appropriate resources are here.

Buffalo, N.Y.: What kind of international cooperation is involved? Thank you!

Special Agent Don Johnson: Prior to September 11th, but especially since September 11th, the nations of the world have risen to the occasion and are supporting the FBI in our efforts to prevent any type of terrorist attack, not only in Salt Lake City but throughout the United States. Intelligence sharing is, in my opinion, at an all-time high.

Chicago, Ill.: Is it true that there are Agents on skis patrolling the back country ski areas?

Special Agent Don Johnson: There are no FBI Agents assigned to this role, although many of us would like to be. You can rest assured that Agents have been selected according to their expertise and their ability to respond under all types of weather conditions.

Ann Arbor, Mich.: I'm very excited about going to the Olympics, and haven't worried about security too much. However, comments from friends and family have surprised me. Besides the obvious, are there any precautions I should take? Thanks for all your work!

Special Agent Don Johnson: We are very excited about you coming to the Olympics. The State of Utah will be a warm and gracious host to you and all of our other visitors. The President of the United States has asked all of us to be more vigilant as we go about our daily activities. We are confident that you will have a safe, secure, and fun Olympic experience. I would only ask that you continue to be vigilant. Dress warm and be ready to have some fun.

Denver, Colo.: Greetings, Mr. Johnson. I am curious to know, what role has/will the Critical Incident Response Group has play in planning for response to potential terrorist activity? I know this is a broad question. Can you at least give us idea of what coordination the SLC Office and CIRG has taken place?

Special Agent Don Johnson: You seem to be very familiar with the organizational structure of the FBI. For those of you who don't know, the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) is the main tactical component of the FBI, including hostage rescue team, hostage negotiators, behavioral scientists, and some technical aspects. The Salt Lake City Office has worked closely with CIRG over the last three years to ensure that the appropriate CIRG resources will be on the ground, to include those mentioned above. Additionally, CIRG has orchestrated a series of training exercises in which all local, state, and federal public safety agencies have participated. This is an outstanding group, of which Americans should be proud.

Pittsburgh, Pa.: Hi Don,

I was curious what kind of protection or defense was being used for the skies surrounding Salt Lake during the '02 games. Is that F.B.I. territory, or does the military take a more active role in developing such a defense? After Sept. 11, and after a 15 year-old crashed into a Tampa building, this seems to be crucial during the coming months. Thanks Don.

Sincerely, T. Caste

Special Agent Don Johnson: Though this does not come directly under the purview of the FBI, you have probably read that there will be air restrictions during the Olympic timeframe. These are now a matter of public record and will add to the confidence level regarding the safety of the Olympics. You are correct. This is a crucial component of security planning, and it has been handled.

Austin, Texas: How are other FBI Field Offices contributing?

Special Agent Don Johnson: Virtually every FBI Field Office and Headquarters Division of the FBI is contributing resources to support the Salt Lake City Office of the FBI. We could not do this alone and are most appreciative of our FBI partners throughout the United States. I would be remiss if I didn't express our appreciation to the families of the FBI employees who will be temporarily assigned to Salt Lake City. We thank the families for their sacrifices as well.

Washington, D.C.: How is the FBI ensuring that other infrastrutures are being protected? For example, is there a computer network established to keep people (athletes and spectators) up to speed on results of events? And if so, how is this being protected? Also, what about water, electrical, etc.? Thanks.

Special Agent Don Johnson: An ongoing initiative of the FBI for over five years has been to identify critical infrastructure sites throughout the United States. We have done this throughout Utah, Montana, and Idaho, the states covered by the Salt Lake City FBI Division. Since September 11th we have partnered with Utah Governor Mike Leavitt in the formation of his task force on homeland security. The identification and protection of key assets is of critical importance to the Games and to the citizens of Utah. This particular area is a perfect example of the public and private sectors working together to ensure the integrity of our critical infrastructure.

washingtonpost.com: Welcome Special Agent Johnson. Can you briefly explain how long the FBI has worked on security issues for the 2002 Olympics? Have the events of Sept. 11 drastically changed pre-planned security preparations? If so, what additional security efforts will tourists and viewers see?

Special Agent Don Johnson: The day after the Games were awarded to Salt Lake City, the FBI began the early stages of planning for the 2002 Winter Olympics. This has included the formation of an Olympic Planning Squad and the creation of an Olympic Joint Terrorism Task Force here in Salt Lake City. Two things are very important to note here. Number one, the Utah Legislature created the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command (UOPSC)in 1998. By statute, 20 public safety agencies have been tasked to plan, prepare, and function during the Olympics. This group is headed by Commissioner Bob Flowers of the Utah Department of Public Safety. The FBI is proud to be a member of this team. It is my personal opinion that UOPSC will be a model for all future national security special events. It is through the UOPSC forum that issues are raised, discussed, and resolved, to include those nasty turf battles of which you are all aware. Working through UOPSC, the power of partnership, the power of cooperation, and the power of mutual respect have overcome any and all turf issues. Second, the implementation of PDD 62, which clearly outlines the responsibilities of the three lead federal agencies, has resulted in the government's ability to provide for a completely integrated and coordinated planning effort for the Olympics. This covers physical security, counterterrorism planning and response, intelligence gathering and sharing, and consequence management. I think it is safe to assume that the athletes and our visitors will see an increased military presence. There will be increased screening of baggage and individuals. Both of these will increase the comfort level of all of our visitors. As for the FBI, since September 11th we have added additional "eyes and ears" on the ground to support the FBI's mission.

Aurora, Colo.: Have you received any information or do you you know of any threats that have been made to disrupt the games and/or surrounding activities?

Special Agent Don Johnson: This is an excellent question which concerns all of us. There are no known terrorist threats against the Winter Olympics at this time. However, all law enforcement, both nationally and internationally, are maintaining a vigilance to obtain intelligence which would identify such a threat. If this occurs, appropriate action will be taken. It should be noted that a number of groups have applied for permits to demonstrate during the Olympics. The leaders of these groups have assured the public safety community that these will be peaceful demonstrations, and no disruption is intended. The FBI fully supports the rights of all Americans to demonstrate their first amendment rights, and in fact, one of the FBI's most important missions is to protect these rights. However, be assured that should any type of activity violate the laws of the city, state, or federal government, a plan is in place to quickly and effectively handle the situation.

Denver, Colo.: Obviously much of the planning for the Salt Lake Olympics has taken place prior to 9/11. Since 9/11 I know the FBI has reorganized to some extent with more focus on counterterrorism, foreign counterintelligence and cybercrime. Has the shift in efforts and resources affected the "plan" for the Olympics to any significant degree?

Special Agent Don Johnson: As you know, the Director of the FBI has made some significant organizational changes to the FBI's hierarchy. Also, he has refocused resources on counterterrorism, cybercrime, and national security. This restructuring and refocusing have added to the importance of counterterrorism and security planning for the Olympics, the FBI's enhanced role in the prevention of terrorist acts, and the access to resources which support our Olympic effort.

Lancaster, S.C.: Good Afternoon. How about resources? How well is your department being taken care of? I know there can never be enough equipment. I assume you will also be getting air support from the military. Will they have an active role here?

Special Agent Don Johnson: The Salt Lake City Office of the FBI has enjoyed the total support of FBI Headquarters. At each and every juncture of the planning process, Salt Lake City has made Headquarters aware of our needs. Subsequent to September 11th, additional resources were requested, and they will be on the ground during the Olympics. As I mentioned earlier, there will be an increased military presence during the Olympics.

Sacramento, Calif.: Are you confident anyone who attempts to disrupt the Olympics WILL be aprehended and detained with success? Will the Olympics area be shutdown with no one getting in or out? How does that work?

Special Agent Don Johnson: I've been asked on several occasions if I could guarantee with "100 percent surety" that there would be no disruption to the Olympics. My response to that questions has been this. No one can make that guarantee, but I can guarantee that the entire public safety community has come together as a team and done absolutely everything within its power to prevent such a disruption. This I can guarantee with 100 percent surety.

Special Agent Don Johnson: I would like to say a few final words. Thanks to the Washington Post for this opportunity to answer your questions. I would like to congratulate all of you on the quality and pertinence of each of your questions. I have enjoyed this. In closing, I want to reiterate the fact that the public safety community, not only here in Utah but also nationally and internationally, is doing everything in its power to ensure a safe and successful Olympic Games. We are confident that those of you who have the opportunity to attend will enjoy the experience of a lifetime. As the head of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee says, you may get a better view by watching the Olympics on television, but the only way to feel the "Olympic experience" is to be here. The men and women of the FBI have worked hard and diligently to provide you this opportunity. Come to Salt Lake City in February, wear warm clothing, and have a good time. God Bless America!

washingtonpost.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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