The U.S. Secret Service has a visible presence throughout New York City during the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA). Less visible is the network of cameras the agency relies on to support its protective operations.
The Secret Service’s Video Technology Branch (VTB) started identifying locations and installing cameras months before heads of state and government leaders from around the world booked their flights for the 80th session of UNGA.
“The camera feed from our devices provides real-time information to our communication center, which can then relay it to our agents and officers on the ground. This gives them the most accurate and up-to-date information,” said Jean Paul, a VTB security specialist who didn't want his last name used in this article to keep his identity private.
Multiple VTB camera feeds provide the backdrop for several command posts used by the Secret Service. These nerve centers oversee and coordinate protection for National Special Security Events (NSSEs). The Department of Homeland Security determines this designation, authorizing the Secret Service to provide the highest level of security available.
Besides UNGA, the VTB team has provided similar support for the Army’s 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum in San Francisco and other NSSEs.
“It’s a critical component, because as decision makers are sitting at the communication center, they have ‘eyes on’ at every location where an incident might occur. This allows them to make informed decisions in a split second,” Jean-Paul said.
The location of cameras is determined with the help of external partners experienced in dealing with regional factors, such as power supply, radio frequency interference and environmental factors like problematic trees, water and buildings.
The high-resolution cameras are then monitored at the command centers. In the event of a suspicious vehicle, the make, model and license plate information can be shared with special agents, uniformed division officers and law enforcement partners at the scene. The cameras can often describe the driver as well, which can help resolve any issues quickly and with precision, Jean Paul said.
“The capabilities on these cameras are impressive,” he said. “One of the things we try to do is stay with the most up-to-date, cutting-edge technology.”
Eric Davila, VTB’s branch chief, said the Secret Service is piloting some artificial intelligence and machine learning products at UNGA. These tools can help identify suspicious activity and objects.
For example, an unattended bag would trigger an alert after a set amount of time. The AI capabilities would then assist in reviewing video footage to identify the individual who dropped the bag, Davila said.
“By using AI and machine learning technology, we can identify suspicious activity quickly using these tools. But also if an event occurs and we need to investigate something, we can jump straight to the events as identified by the technology,” he said.
Pending the results of the UNGA pilot, the Secret Service is considering expanding its use of this technology. Davila highlighted the White House Easter Egg Roll as an event where the AI search function would be especially helpful, as a few children and parents inevitably get separated at the sprawling annual event.
Rick, a technical security investigator who also requested that his last name be kept confidential, said teamwork is crucial as VTB addresses issues at UNGA. He emphasized that the Secret Service’s success is measured by overall safety, which means staying one step ahead of potential adversaries.
“Having real-time information helps us stay on the leading edge of our responses, whether it's chem, bio, radiological, hazmat, whatever's going on in the areas where we have protectees,” Rick said. “We're going to be the first ones to know.”