REPORTING FROM NASHVILLE — "You can never eliminate the risks," said Executive Director Pam Matthews during the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) 2017 Conference held here Oct. 15-17 of the topic of the moment - security, but there are ways to mitigate them.
Michael Downing, chief security officer, Prevent Advisors, spoke during a panel of safety, highlighting the recent risk scenario and laying out suggestions to attendees. He described the shooter at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, on Oct. 1, who killed 58 music fans and injured over 500, as a "black swan." And, that is primarily because a motive really hasn't been uncovered.
But, there have been motives established for other attacks at entertainment venues over the last several years. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorists group claimed responsibility for the shooting at the Eagles of Death Metal show held at Le Bataclan, Paris, , Nov. 13, 2015, where 89 were left dead.
The group also took responsibility for the shooting outside an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester (England) Arena on May 22, 2017, leaving 22 dead and 58 injured.
The Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016, in Orlando where 49 were killed was established as a hate crime.
"You should have a play book for all different types of threats," Downing said. "You can use high optic binoculars, high intensity spotlights and even sniper nests. It is really sad that you have to go that far for what should be a peaceful event."
But, depending on the level of the threat environment, looking at tactic options is important.
Downing offered a checklist of five best practices to enhance safety, assuming one has already completed the basics including conducting a baseline risk assessment at their venue/event and prioritizing possible threats by analyzing their likelihood and consequences; having in place a practical security plan that incorporates people, technology and procedures; and making sure there is a trained security staff and a vetted workforce.
The five best practices begin with having more than one plan by creating an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Downing said that an effective EAP includes a preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies; an evacuation policy and procedure; contact information for, and responsibilities of, individuals to be contacted under the EAP; information concerning local area hospitals; and an emergency notification system to alert various parties of an emergency including individuals at remote locations within the premises, local law enforcement and area hospitals.
"Expand your web of partnerships, such as your relationships with local law agencies," he said. "Have someone on your staff to engage within the community."
He suggested knowing the location of the closest fusion center, a multiple agency center of which there are 79 across the country.
Second, train staff to make eye contact with guests. "If someone is up to something, they don't want to be noticed," Downing said. "They don't want to make eye contact with you." Training frontline staff to do this can possibly lead to detection and intervention.
Encourage staff and attendees that if they see something, say something, Downing continued. "Engage both staff and patrons through awareness-building," he said. "It takes a community to protect a community."
Downing said training staff to observe behavior and know who to contact is very important. Be aware if someone is asking employees questions about operations, someone outside is looking at your venue, or if anyone brought something into the venue.
His fourth tip is to show strength. The visible efforts made to protect the people and facility are important. Things like bag checks, vehicle-free zones and uniformed personnel make a difference. Mix up security efforts so if someone is watching, they won't be able to observe a strict pattern.
Securing the outside of the venue along with the inside is another way to show strength. Areas of potential concern include mass transit connections, tailgate areas and merchandise locations. An attacker might look for large gatherings so spreading out the groups will make it more difficult for an attacker to select a target.
Fifth, maintain vigilance. Downing said while most people understand the need to be prepared to handle the crowd before the event, many don't understand how important it is to keep security measures in place through the entire event.
"You need to be alert from the time the first guests arrive to the time the last one leaves," he said.
SECURITY TIP OF THE MONTH
Ideas and suggestions on live event safety, security and crowd management from our friends at Prevent Advisors.
STAFF TRAINING
Ensure your building conducts renewed and routine staff training around suspicious activity and screening procedures.