This is one of America’s largest security operations: protecting thousands of world leaders

(CNN) – It is one of America’s largest security operations: protecting thousands of world leaders and their entourages at the annual high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

As diplomats gathered for speeches and informal talks this week, CNN and a select group of media gained access to two high-level security rooms at the UN facility, maneuvering through a long series of unmarked hallways in the heart of the organization’s headquarters. .

The most impressive thing is seeing a huge wall of screens in both. It was clear that there were cameras everywhere, some well hidden, spread throughout the UN compound pointing at the doors, garage, UN corridors and entrances. There are a total of 1,400 cameras, according to UN officials.

Loud shots are always played from cameras monitoring nearby corners outside the UN. UN security officials say it is impossible to monitor all 1,400 cameras at the same time, but there are personnel monitoring the scene.

If a visitor – or a more nefarious character – has trouble using their badge to enter the complex, an alarm will sound in the security control rooms, with an automated voice warning that the person is “Rejected!” unacceptable! unacceptable!”

Remind me to fix my tie when I walk around the UN grounds.

It is a team effort between the United Nations, the New York Police Department, the Secret Service and Diplomatic Security. They have a lot of people to keep an eye on: this year there were more than 22,000 delegates among those attending the UN General Assembly.

Since this is an annual event, security keeps a file. UN Security says they learn a little every year.

“Knock on wood; We have never witnessed any security incident here involving heads of state. “We did everything we could,” US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on the eve of this year’s global meeting.

The NYPD and Diplomatic Security are responsible for expediting long and short delegations from Manhattan hotels to the United Nations and vice versa. And yes, that means traffic jams. This year, more than ever, world leaders are fanning out across the city, from knocking on the door of the New York Stock Exchange to meeting with their constituents living in the United States.

Although the UN has become an increasing target of criticism and a forum where “toxic” barbs are exchanged between ambassadors, managing unwanted attention and security threats has always been part of its job.

Last year, on New Year’s Day, a woman who was suffering from a “mental condition” drove her car to the main entrance of the United Nations and refused to leave. In 2002, a postal worker jumped the perimeter fence, threw flyers into the air and fired into the imposing Secretariat building, hitting several floors. (The fence has now been built higher).

UN security officials say their priority is to provide a safe environment. For now, everything is going well.