Officials Outline Plans for Boston Marathon Security

Attached is a segment of the press conference outlining security for the Boston Marathon.

(NECN: Framingham, Mass.) - Monday, officials at the bunker for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency outlined security measures for this year's Boston Marathon.

"Today is the first of a number of conversations and public discussions that we will undoubtedly have over the next five weeks about the safety and security plan for this year's Boston Marathon," said Undersecretary of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Kurt Schwartz of the Executive Office of Public Safety.

Security is a primary concern in the first Boston Marathon since last year's bombings.

"In some areas, particularly those that have traditionally drawn the largest crowds, spectators approaching the course may pass through screening checkpoints where people who are carrying backpacks or other bags or bulky items may be asked to open their bags for inspection," "These are reasonable security measures. People who are not carrying backpacks or other large or bulky items will simply pass through those screening checkpoints. Again, we urge spectators not to carry these items and to carry smaller items in clear plastic bags. We are also strongly discouraging unauthorized runners from being on the course and attempting to participate in the marathon."

When the bombs went off near the finish line during last year's marathon, three people were killed. The blasts injured more than 260.

At least 3,500 police officers, twice as many as last year, will line the route in eight municipalities.