The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans limited testing of metal detectors during the holiday season as it prepares to boost security on the downtown church campus during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
But this testing likely won't include Temple Square, contrary to other recent media reports, church spokesman Dale Bills said
"There will be minimal selected testing on some facilities, and that's not likely to be Temple Square," he said.
No metal detectors (magnetometers) have been installed yet, and church officials declined to specify any starting dates or locations because of security concerns.
"For training purposes, we will be employing some metal detectors at selected headquarters locations during the Christmas period, with the rest to follow after Christmas. Just where and when they will be applied is not being disclosed," he said.
Limited metal-detector testing could take place at some other downtown church facilities on its 40-acres campus, such as the Church Office Building, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Family History Library, Conference Center, Church Museum of History and others.
"We don't want to make Temple Square difficult to come to and enjoy during the holidays," Bills said.
Temple Square is Utah's No. 1 tourist attraction.
Bills stressed this testing is designed to make church security more comfortable and efficient at using the metal detectors, but there won't be any actual security screening during the busy holiday season.
Church security won't search handbags and other closed containers during the holidays, according to Bills. "Visitors with bags and packages from holiday shopping will be welcome on Temple Square throughout the holiday season."
He doesn't expect any other security measures, beyond the metal detectors, to be tested during the holidays.
Church officials said last month that large bags and packages will not be allowed in facilities open to the public during the Olympics. Ticket access for public events will also be rigorously observed then. More rigid traffic flow and parking controls will also be implemented later to facilitate traffic entering and leaving church facilities. Selected vehicles will be inspected before entering parking lots and garages.
"The safety of visitors and volunteers at church headquarters facilities is always a foremost concern," Bills said. "We want to be good hosts and make visitors feel welcome. We have every reason to ensure that church sites are safe and secure. In light of the Sept. 11 attacks, security procedures have been carefully reviewed and enhanced. As the Olympics approach, additional prudent measures will be implemented."
However, the church is only leasing the metal detectors and has no current plans to purchase them. They will be taken out after the Olympics are over.
During the Olympics, the church also plans on significantly increasing its security force that patrols the church campus. That increase may also include some trained volunteers.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com