The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office’s (CWMD) Mobile Detection Deployment Program (MDDP) was used to supplement Indiana law enforcement and public safety agency capabilities at Indianapolis 500 race events.
According to the DHS, the Indy 500 is the largest single-day sporting event in the world, with an estimated daily attendance of up to 350,000 people.
The DHS highlights that the MDDP has extensive equipment designed to detect the release of harmful chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents before or during special events.
The MDDP team worked with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to integrate weapons of mass destruction detection equipment into their enhanced steady-state surge operations for the race events.
The CWMD leadership team also met with state, local and federal agencies to hear about the CBRN and other protective measures in place for the race.