Inside one of the biggest security operations in America: Protecting thousands of world leaders

As diplomats gathered at the UN for speeches and sideline gossip this week, CNN and a select group of media gained access to high level security rooms.

It’s one of the biggest security operations in America: Protecting thousands of world leaders and their entourages at the annual high level United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. As diplomats gathered for speeches and sideline gossip this week, CNN and a select group of media gained access to two high level security rooms on UN grounds, maneuvering down a long series of non-descript corridors at the heart of the organization’s modernist headquarters. What is most impressive is seeing a huge wall of monitors in both. It was clear there are cameras everywhere – some well-hidden, scattered all over the UN grounds aimed at doors, the garage, UN hallways, and driveways. There are 1400 cameras in total, UN officials said. High shots from cameras looking at nearby corners outside the UN are always on. The UN security officials said its impossible to monitor all 1400 cameras at the same time but there are personnel checking out the scene. If a visitor – or more nefarious character – runs into problems using their credential to enter the complex, an alarm will sound in the security control rooms, with an automated voice warning that the individual has been “Rejected! Rejected! Rejected!” Remind me to fix my tie when I am walking through the UN grounds.