High security detail at Pell's services

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - Hundreds attended Monday's funeral all who gave eulogies talked about the late senator's legacy. With such a big service many may wonder how you prepare for security detail.

A lot of preliminary planning went into this service with several law enforcement agencies taking part in securing trinity church and the area around it.

Mourners were lined up for hours to pay their final respects to Senator Claiborne Pell.

Eyewitness News Analyst Lt. General Reginald Centracchio says, "I was really amazed and pleased to see the kind of configuration that was there. It could have been real challenge the service started on time, well done and I was pleased to see the outcome."

General Centracchio has experience dealing with such events. He coordinated the funerals of Senator John Chafee and General Leonard Holland and says security is provided by several different agencies.

"Certainly a lot of coordination with secret service, state police, local police and other agencies," says General Centracchio.

The security sweep extended beyond Trinity Church, to the streets and neighborhoods in the area. Police dogs and law enforcement paying close attention to anything out of the ordinary.

"And of course when you have invited guests from the public, you see a lot of possibilities that someone would walk into the service who really shouldn't be there," says General Centracchio.

General Centracchio also says that the secret service and local law enforcement were also at the airport to make sure all the dignitaries, including former President Clinton were protected.