An inside glimpse how NCSU prepared for Michelle Obama
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- N.C. State University pulled resources from across the area for first lady Michelle Obama's stump in the City of Oaks. Campus officials shared some insight on security efforts for the Tuesday rally.
"It certainly takes a lot of law enforcement effort to provide the security for an event such as this," said campus police spokesperson Maj. David Kelly.
Officials told ABC11 that State was put on notice last Thursday that the campaign would make a stop in Raleigh. Officials had about two-and-a-half days to finalize a security plan and submit it to the Secret Service.
Officers from UNC Chapel Hill and NC Central were called in to help. Three other police agencies offered their services.
"Fortunately for us, N.C. State University has always been a venue that receives a lot of dignitary visits," Kelly said.
President Barack Obama has been to Wolfpack Nation twice during his time in office, first in 2011 and then 2014.
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"We have a pretty good operational plan in place. It's just a matter of making adjustments for the particular day and the individual who is going to be here," Kelly said.
For this event, the University added two new members to its security team: Reed and Ford. The explosive-detection dogs can scan up to 150 people per minute for explosives or weapons, and the K-9s can track down the source.
Officials had roughly three hours to screen about 5,000 supporters, many of them students.
"The line is halfway through campus," said student Abigail Gillin, who missed classes Tuesday for the rally. "I got an excused absence so my teacher allowed it."
"One of my professors actually cancelled class today. She knew that it would be busy and she thought it was a big event to come," said student Darius Zachary. "(There are) not too many opportunities to come and see the first lady."
There were no incidents or arrests on campus.
WATCH: Michelle Obama's full speech in Raleigh
