Gadgets and Gizmos: Latest Security Tools

WSVN -- my how times have changed since September 11th, 2001. Today, just over three years later, terrorism remains a hot topic for all Americans. But as the terrorists continue to refine their methods. Our technology also has improved.

Hail to the chief. This Thursday, President George W. Bush will be sworn in for a second term.

But around the nation's capitol, it will not be business as usual. Thousands of secret service agents have already been deployed... All of them equipped with the latest technology.

Like how's this for impressive? We don't know what the president's limo is made out of, but if he's worried about getting to the capitol, he should check out this specially made suburban. Its made of steel, kevlar, and 39 millimeter glass.

The SUV is supposed to withstand any sort of assault including bombs or AK-47's. A similar vehicle even survived an anti-tank mine in Kosovo.

"Flipped vehicle 15 feet on its roof. Everyone walked out though, probably with a realy bad headache though," said one company representative.

Now, we all know if police want to stop any suspect vehicles, bollards will be put in place. Those are the physical barriers we see around courthouses and federal buildings. But here's something you won't see in Washington. Check out the latest generation of bollards.

"You always want to keep them in a raised position and them lower them when you need to let a vehicle pass through... that way, you're always secured."

And finally, just in case, sometimes security comes through training not technology. If you're hired to drive a diplomat to the inauguration and the vehicle is attacked, what do you do? Well, now there are schools to instruct chauffeurs in the fine art of defensive driving. Here, the motto is before you learn to handle the situation, you must learn to handle the car.

Now, in case you were wondering security for the inauguration could cost more than $11 million dollars.

Contact: thaynes@wsvn.com