DENVER–There’s no question that speeches by Democratic dignitaries, especially Barack Obama’s address Thursday night, constitute the main event here at the DNC. Yet security has become a formidable side show. The federal government devoted $50 million to bolster the security effort here and will match that in Minnesota next week. So what does $50 million buy? The AP has an itemized list, but as far as those attending the nightly proceedings are concerned, it still adds up to long lines; the queue for the security checkpoint stretched the length of two or three city blocks each of the first two evenings. Considering the airport-style security being imposed, the line moves with surprising efficiency. Police, Secret Service, and TSA officials operate metal detectors, x-rays, and conduct manual bag searches, though no one is asked to remove their shoes.

The security check point is located well within a broader security perimeter, which requires credentials to enter. Outside the perimeter, security remains ever present, with scores of riot police and mounted officers circulating throughout downtown Denver. Protesters are also abundant, and despite the mass arrest (9 News) of more than 100 protesters Monday night, it appears that officials have done a good job of balancing First Amendment rights with the need for security.

In order to coordinate efforts of the 62 government agencies sharing the security burden in Denver, officials have created a multi-agency command center (Denver Post) to ensure everything runs smoothly. As this Backgrounder explains, these kinds of interagency facilities, known as fusion centers, have become an increasingly important tool in state and local homeland security efforts.

An officer eyes the crowd of people waiting to pass through the security check before Tuesday night’s events.