In today’s world, the threat of terrorism is something that all venue managers and operators engaged in any type of mass gathering locale must recognize and work to prevent. Elevating your security posture begins with understanding where and how you are vulnerable to an act of terrorism.
As we have witnessed around the world, terrorist tactics include an array of potential attack strategies including, but not limited to, the use of Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED), suicide or backpack (package) bombs, active shooters, or less complex but equally deadly attack scenarios. By inspiring individuals that are either guided by terrorist groups, or self-radicalized lone-wolf actors, individuals that may not have come to the attention of law enforcement have engaged in low-tech attacks using anything they have at their disposal, such as a vehicle to ram unsuspecting crowds or a knife to stab and kill victims in crowded locations. These attacks are all easily adapted and, in many cases, have specifically targeted mass gathering locations, such as stadiums, arenas, malls or transportation hubs.
To increase event security and reduce the chance of an attack, whether at a large stadium, concert, festival location, or other sporting or performance venue, you first need to have a comprehensive Risk and Vulnerability Assessment completed on non-event and event days. This will identify where significant gaps currently exist and inform a set of detailed recommendations to mitigate the identified risks that are customized specifically for your venue and type of operation.
As part of the process, test existing event security protocols against established industry best practices across a wide range of metrics including, but not limited to, the following:
- Non-Event Day Security Operations
- Primary and Secondary Perimeters
- Lockdown Procedures
- Metal Detection
- Explosive Detection
- Vehicle Screening Protocols
- Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM)
- Patron Access Control and Screening
- Integrated Operations Center (IOC)
- Protocols for Threat Assessment
- CCTV Coverage and Placement
- Video Management System
- Credentialing, Emergency Plans
- Coordination with Law Enforcement
- Social Media Intelligence
- Event Staffing
- Signage, Training
- Delivery Security Protocols
- Team/Performer Security Procedures
- Crisis Management Communications
- Non-Event and Event Day Access Control Systems
- Package and Parcel Screening and Mitigation
- Explosive Odor-Tracking K9 Teams
While each event and venue may present different challenges, the list above should serve as a useful roadmap to guide you in assessing risks and vulnerabilities. Taking these reasonable steps to provide a safe event environment for patrons, players/performers, and staff against foreseeable threats will help deter attacks, prevent loss of life, minimize potential liability, and protect your brand.
Jeffrey Miller, owner of Jeffrey Miller Consulting, LLC in San Diego, Calif., is the former Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner and Chief Security Officer at the National Football League.
