| Guidelines for Planning Effective Event Security |
|
For the period of time that an event is in progress, the venue can take on the attributes of a city or small town complete with threats and incidents that all communities face. These threats and incidents include, but are not limited to, the following: • Crowd Control • Alcohol Control • Parking Management • Accidents • Assaults • Theft • Kidnapping • Disorderly Conduct • Sustenance Abuse • Medical Emergences and more Unfortunately, it is also necessary to add one more potential danger: Domestic and foreign terrorist attacks. The process of providing event security goes far beyond stationing security or off-duty police officers at strategic places. In order to ensure the health and safety of event staff and guests, as well as protect the venue itself, it is necessary to perform a comprehensive event security risk assessment so you can create an effective emergency response plan. Here are some guidelines for performing a proper risk assessment as part of your event security plan: • Analyze pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns so you can develop evacuation plans in the event of a major threat or incident. Keep in mind that some anticipated egress areas may be blocked due to the nature of the incident, so have alternatives mapped out. • Define a comprehensive pre-event search plan designed to locate potential hazards and threats including common ones such as exposed wiring, potholes, unauthorized materials storage, as well as destructive or hazardous devices which may have been planted by individuals intent on disrupting the event. • Check to see that concession and ticket sales areas are properly secured and that security personnel are assigned to patrol those areas during the event. • Ensure there is adequate signage conveying the event’s policy on conducting body searches as well as a listing of restricted items and other related event security issues. • As part of your event security plan, consider implementing mobile security surveillance equipment to augment any fixed CCTV coverage of the venue and surrounding areas. • Be alert to fire and chemical hazard risks associated with cooking equipment as well as any machinery operating or stored in or close to the venue. • Ensure that you are able to strictly control access to the venue through a limited number of entries. Also ensure that a fail-safe credentialing program is in place for event staff, vendors, performers, and other authorized personnel including the media and government employees requiring access to the event in performance of their duties Once you have completed the risk assessment phase, use the knowledge gained to formulate an event security emergency response plan. Have your plan reviewed by your attorney as well as by senior event management. Consider also having your plan vetted by your insurance carrier’s Risk Management staff as well as the local Fire and Police Chief. Successful event security means planning for the unexpected and executing precision response in order to minimize impact on guests, staff and the venue itself.
|
|||||||
