Security 'bubble' protects President in visits - KOAM TV 7

As always the security of the upmost importance for the Presidential visit.

It's known as "the bubble", the security surrounding President Obama in his visits.

The Joplin Police Department is working closely with Secret Service in which some security details are very classified.

"This is a little bit different situation, where we had some prior notice, so we were able to plan a little bit longer," says Lt. Brian Lewis of the Joplin Police Department.

Lt. Lewis says security briefings have been happening over the past few months, since the President first announced his plans.

"Basically what happens is you have command staff that coordinate the resources for the event and we work with other agencies of course, because we can't do it all ourselves," says Lt. Lewis.

Around 200 police officers, including area agencies, and Kansas City Police will be present.  The Missouri National Guard will also help the department with the security detail.

"The Missouri National Guard piece of this is to facilitate an application of security that allows access to the campus so that the students can get here and the parents can get here and their loved ones can come see them on this great day," says Colonel Wendul Hagler of the Missouri National Guard.

Colonel Hagler says this mission is important to he and all the staff of the Missouri national guard.

"We've had a unit stationed here for decades," Hagler says.  "The events of May 22, 2011 and our involvement since then have really tied us together very closely, so we're a part of this community and we're very much privileged to help even in things like this especially."

Lt. Lewis says when the President leaves, some security will still be present, but on another scale.