Security precautions will create lines to enter the venue and could snarl traffic downtown near the Salt Palace today and Thursday.
The heightened security begins this morning for the 10 a.m. speech by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. It will continue through the 1:15 p.m. appearance by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and through the Thursday speech by President George W. Bush.
Only credentialed attendees of the American Legion convention will be allowed in the Salt Palace, and they will be greeted with metal detectors and subjected to bag searches.
American Legion spokesperson Joe March said his group is advising attendees to arrive early and to bring only essential possessions, such as identification and medications. Salt Palace General Manager Allyson Jackson said outside drinks could be prohibited, as well.
Salt Lake City police spokesperson Robin Snyder said there are no planned street closures near the Salt Palace, but streets could be closed quickly and traffic detoured if federal personnel decide it's necessary. State and local police have said traffic might be stopped at intersections as the dignitaries travel via motorcade from their respective landing sites to the Salt Palace.
Bill Collard, Salt Palace security manager, said personnel from the State Department, Department of Defense and Secret Service are directing the safe-keeping operations.
"It's 'stay out of their way.' They bring in their own security and we assist them," Collard said.
Police plan to close a street on Wednesday for one of the rallies to coincide with the convention. Snyder said the northbound lanes of State Street will be closed for an hour beginning at 12:30 p.m. from 400 South to about 100 South as a group called We The People for Peace and Justice marches from the City-County Building to the Bennett Federal Building.
Police plan to have 100 extra officers on duty during the convention and rallies, though police spokesman Joe Cyr said no problems are expected.
"Historically, the demonstrators have been very peaceful, with the exception of a handful of people whose intention is to have a conflict with police," Cyr said.
ncarlisle@sltrib.com
