When high-profile people visit, Wake law enforcement will be prepared to protect them

Several law enforcement agencies gathered Wednesday for training in how to keep high-profile people safe when they visit Wake County.

The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service has partnered with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Raleigh Police Department and North Carolina State Capitol Police to provide the training from Monday through Thursday.

“With the upcoming 2024 election less than a year away, we want to be prepared to act in a moment’s notice to ensure we are prepared to assist our local state and federal agencies,” said Wake County sheriff’s deputy Tyrone Hunt.

However, presidential candidates are not considered dignitaries since they have their own security detail. Law enforcement classifies a dignitary as royalty, prime ministers and Olympic athletes.

Keeping dignitaries safe when they come into the Triangle isn’t easy. That is why there are hours of practice to make sure royalty, foreign ministers and other high-profile visitors are fully protected.

It takes about seven months of initial training. Then, each agent must go through continuous training to stay prepared for any new potential threat.

During Wednesday’s training, a motorcade came into town, and a dignitary stepped out and was fully guarded. When there is a threat, the special agents each take their positions to protect the dignitary.

Some agents zeroed in on the suspect, the others protected the VIP, and then they drive away to safety.

When a dignitary is in town the agents provide security seven days a week 24 hours a day.