Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge reviewed specific security plans for the 2004 Democratic National Convention July 14 after touring the site of the four-day event, according to press accounts.

Ridge said there would be 24/7 surveillance of key convention facilities, as well as portable X-ray equipment to examine packages and commercial vehicles and delivery trucks entering the areas.

Record numbers of K-9 bomb teams will deployed, and there will be an increased presence of security at Boston-area hotels. In addition, boats will patrol the Boston Harbor that would intercept or trap any terrorist attempting to smuggle weapons over the waterways.

The convention starts July 26.

Ridge's tour comes just after the government warned that warning that al Qaida wants to attack the United States to affect this year's election. He said the goal of security officials is to deter any potential terrorist attack with multiple layers of security.