The Menlo Park Police Department will be doubling police officer coverage during the Super Bowl 50 weekend, Feb. 6 and 7. All local police agencies will be on high alert that weekend in preparation for the possibility large crowds that will be traveling from San Francisco to Santa Clara, using all major traffic corridors, BART and Caltrain. Many of these major corridors pass through Menlo Park, possibly negatively affecting traffic flow and creating gridlock in the area. The Police Department will also be prepared to deal with unsanctioned Super Bowl gatherings, which could draw large crowds to local businesses. There is also the possibility of civil disobedience and disruption, as seen this week on the Bay Bridge, and the possibility of terrorist activity targeting the Super Bowl and surrounding areas. 

To this end, the Police Department, working with the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services, will have officers available to deploy to a mobile field force, which can respond to any jurisdiction within the county, and if requested, outside the county. The Police Department will also have a limited activation of its Emergency Operations Center for Sunday, Feb. 7.

Unlike San Francisco and Santa Clara counties, municipalities in San Mateo County will receive no reimbursement or funding from the National Football League for these preparations or responses to events connected to the Super Bowl. Overtime costs of approximately $15,000-$18,000 are anticipated, which will have to be absorbed by the City of Menlo Park.

Officials recommend residents and visitors prepare for traffic delays during that weekend. In addition, they ask everyone to be vigilant for any suspicious activity and to report that activity to the police department immediately.