Fourth UpdateWe are told that police are pleasantly surprised that the numbers of people who came to downtown without tickets isn’t nearly like what they thought and that makes it much easier to obviously control any and all traffic and crowds. They believe it is because people were warned and they wanted to be able to watch the Jackson service on TV.

Third update:LAPD Chief Bratton just told me that the family will make the ultimate decision. As of right now it MAY happen. The AP report attributed to him isn’t correct. The LAPD is prepared and thinks as of right now it is likely, but again, the final decision comes from the family. If they bring his remains here, they may be flown in. That option has been made available.

Second Update: As the sun starts to lighten up the marine layer, there is a blanket of gray that covers downtown Los Angeles. Every media platform is now filled and activity is at a fever pitch. I had the chance to talk with LA Police Chief William Bratton who tells me he has about 1,500 extra officers deployed in this area.

First Update: I just had the chance to speak with LA Police Chief William Bratton and he tells me that 1,500 extra police officers are in the Staples Center Area right now in anticipation of a massive crowd for the Michael Jackson service. He doesn’t expect any problems and believes the LAPD can scale back those numbers pretty quickly once the event begins.

Moving through a number of roadblocks I have made my way into the compound that now envelopes the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. Even just after 1am here in California, the police presence is massive and security remains tight some 9 hours before the Michael Jackson service even begins.

In my time at Fox, I have covered a few funerals or remembrances including President Reagan and Ford…this one is right up there with media coverage. It is said that in later years Jackson remains more popular overseas than here in America and that’s not hard to believe just by the coverage from overseas. Press risers of various sizes (and prices) line the street in front of the arena, spilling into the square in front of the Nokia Theater.

Tables, cables, wires, people and camera’s are everywhere and satellite trucks are crammed together like giant white sardines in a can. Our fold up table next to our riser is now my desk and everyone at this hour hopes a coffee shop opens somewhere hear here soon, for the extra jolt of energy to get us to sun up.