Event Security for Law Enforcement
Event security for law enforcement is a necessity for large-scale gatherings. A number of factors need to be addressed before an event can go on without any incident. For example, the size of the event must be within city or county regulations and the amount of officers needed must be approved by appropriate authorities. The charge out rate for deputies and SEPs should also be considered.
Collaboration with venue security
One of the most important aspects of successful event planning is collaboration with venue security and law enforcement. A venue’s security plan should identify potential loopholes and cover all bases. Venue security personnel must be trained and have situational awareness. They should have comprehensive training in identifying red flags and incidents.
Regardless of size and type of event, venue security is an integral part of the event planning process. It must be integrated into the venue’s policies, strategies and plans. For example, venues should implement Counter Terrorism & Protective Security (CTPS) measures. To create an integrated approach, venues should consider Counter Terrorism & Protective Security (CTPS). Venue security can also be integrated into the venue’s overall plan, security policies and strategies. Several companies provide consultancy services. Alternatively, OnePlan provides an integrated planning system that integrates venue security and law enforcement.
Collaboration between venue security and law enforcement during large events presents some unique challenges. It requires a constant flow of information and collaboration. In the case of a high-profile sporting event, law enforcement has to share information with stadium security and other stakeholders. To maintain a safe environment, law enforcement personnel and venue security must collaborate with each other to ensure the safety of the audience.
INTERPOL’s Project Stadia has launched a series of capacity building initiatives to help member countries meet hosting demands for major sporting events. These initiatives include expert group meetings, debriefing sessions and observation programmes with venue security officials. These projects aim to ensure that all venues meet international standards for sport venue security.
The threat of terrorism remains a major concern for the industry. According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, venues must implement plans to mitigate any potential terrorist threats. Taking this proactive approach to security planning can reduce event risks, increase spectator and visitor safety, and lower liability and litigation risks.
Monitoring of crowds
Law enforcement officials use electronic surveillance to monitor the size and movement of crowds, which can be useful for preemptive arrests of people who could cause trouble. Such surveillance is also helpful for crowd management efforts. However, it can also have negative consequences. Police officers can end up using unnecessary force when crowds are large and unruly.
Ideally, police personnel will use minimal force to protect lives and property. However, in some instances, it is necessary for law enforcement officers to engage individuals who are obstructing the flow of traffic. If the crowd does not comply with verbal orders, an officer may need to use physical force to get them to move. In these cases, the officer will weigh the risk of causing physical harm against the safety of others and themselves.
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or unmanned aircraft systems, can capture crowds with greater precision and detail. They can even transmit real-time data to law enforcement teams. Because they are able to zoom in on a particular area, drones can provide crucial information to ground personnel during an emergency. This new technology is quickly becoming an increasingly popular tool for law enforcement officers around the world.
In some countries, militarized police units are tasked with monitoring crowds. For example, in Germany and Italy, paramilitary police are part of the centralized police apparatus. In France, the State Security Police, a division of the National Police, specializes in crowd control and order maintenance. In democratic Anglo-Saxon countries, the police also utilize militarized police units. Although these units have limited resources, their members are only called upon in a crisis.
Information sharing with law enforcement
Increasingly, law enforcement is relying on computer-aided dispatch systems and records management systems to share information with the public and other agencies. However, there are barriers to information sharing. Developing standards and common policies are key elements of information sharing. Furthermore, the technology to share this information is costly.
It is vital to share information with law enforcement so that they can protect the public. The Las Vegas shooting illustrated the need for better interdepartmental communication. Using technology to augment the efforts of law enforcement personnel can significantly improve the security of large events. This collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public can result in faster response times and enhanced communications.
In 2012, the FBI expanded its national data exchange (N-DEx) to share massive amounts of data with other law enforcement agencies. Its goal is to support law enforcement investigations, reduce crimes and ensure officer safety. It now includes more than 4,000 agencies and represents over one billion entities. It has also expanded its services to include the records of corrections, probation, parole, courts, and prosecutor’s offices.
The FBI Counterterrorism Division’s Guardian Management Unit is working with NSI to implement an automated technological solution for sharing information from eGuardian. This system enables law enforcement agencies to combine NSI and legacy SAR reporting, resulting in a more comprehensive situational awareness of potential threats.
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