Everyone’s traveling, going to concerts, and attending big games. With so many exciting events happening this summer, it’s essential to maintain security protocols. Public safety should be a priority, whether you’re planning to host a music festival, baseball games, or another large gathering. We are all responsible for doing what we can to reduce risks and protect the community.
In the United States, the number of security guards employed at large venues has increased by 13% in recent years. But security guards aren’t a one size fits all solution, nor can they be everywhere at once. Despite these measures, security breaches still occur, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance, improvement in venue security, and upgrading detection technology.
No matter the size, location, or scale of your event, safety needs to be a top priority! Local businesses, non-profits, campuses, and national enterprises alike should be focusing on a proactive approach to preventing attacks and stopping intruders before any damage is done. Read on to learn more…
How Important is Venue Security in 2023?
The need for event security in 2023 has become more pressing than ever before. Recent instances of public violence, such as the Las Vegas shooting and the Manchester Arena bombing, have highlighted the potential dangers associated with large gatherings. As a result, there is a growing demand for increased security measures at events to ensure the safety of attendees.
Similarly, concerts can quickly turn disastrous if tragedy strikes in the form of stampedes or other incidents. Travis Scott’s concert made headlines in November 2021 when nine people died and several others were injured. These joyous events can suddenly take a sharp turn, and as a host or management, it is important to provide a safe and secure environment for people to enjoy themselves and make the most of their experience.
Clearly the combination of economic decline, political turmoil, climate disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, staff shortages and more have given way to increased violent events in the United States. We can all do our part in trying to detect and prevent any attacks before they have a chance to strike. Here’s how…
Steps to Improving Security Measures at Event Venues
Security should be a priority for any event you host this season – whether it’s a concert at a stadium, trade show in a convention center, big game on the field, or a festival in a community park. A few common measures include the use of metal detectors, bag checks, and increased surveillance. It is crucial that event organizers prioritize the safety of their guests and take proactive steps to mitigate potential threats.
If you haven’t focused on security protocols and don’t know where to start, please don’t be discouraged. That’s what we’re here for! Our security experts at Computers Nationwide have put together a comprehensive checklist for you to get started. We recommend the following steps to ensure foolproof security for your venues and better safety measures for attendees.
Video Surveillance
Install high-definition video cameras throughout the venue to monitor and record activities in various areas, including entrances, exits, common spaces, and parking lots. This helps identify potential security breaches and provides valuable evidence if needed. For larger venues, video surveillance is more practical than on-ground surveillance.
Perimeter Security
Implement a robust perimeter security system that includes sensors, motion detectors, and alarms to detect unauthorized access or breaches. This can be integrated with video surveillance to enable real-time monitoring and response.
Access Control Systems
Deploy advanced access control systems that utilize technologies like smart cards, biometrics (such as fingerprint or iris scanning), or facial recognition to ensure only authorized individuals can enter restricted areas. These systems can also track and log entry and exit times for enhanced security and accountability.
Unified Communications
Implement a unified communications system that integrates various communication channels, such as voice, video, and messaging, to facilitate efficient and immediate communication between security personnel, staff members, and emergency responders. This helps in coordinating responses to incidents or emergencies effectively.
Panic Buttons and Duress Alarms
Install panic buttons or duress alarms at strategic locations throughout the venue, allowing employees or visitors to quickly alert security personnel or authorities in case of emergencies or threatening situations. These buttons can be linked to the unified communications system for immediate response. Ask us about transitioning your facility into a smart building!
Intrusion Detection Systems
Set up intrusion detection systems that utilize sensors and alarms to detect unauthorized access, tampering, or unusual activities in specific areas. These systems can trigger alerts and activate video surveillance to provide real-time information to security personnel.
Visitor Management System
Implement a digital visitor management system that captures and stores visitor information, including photos and identification details. This system can screen visitors against watchlists and help track their movements within the venue, enhancing overall security and monitoring.
Mass Notification System
Install mass notification systems that can quickly distribute emergency alerts, safety instructions, or important announcements to everyone within the venue. These systems can leverage communication channels, including public address systems, digital signage, and mobile notifications, to ensure widespread and timely information dissemination.
Set Up Multiple Layers of Security
With larger venues and enormous crowds, multiple points of security are necessary. To ensure no one goes undetected, set up multiple checkpoints – bag checks, metal detectors, and magnetometers. Pat downs, etc. If you have important guests, you could even restrict the vehicles that enter a certain radius around the arena.
Ensure Vigilance
Complacency can often set in when faced with large crowds and large venues. Security personnel at checkpoints may let some people go with half-hearted checking or no checking at all. This can be extremely dangerous as instigators and terrorists can slip in undetected. Nobody should be able to enter the venue without going through security checks even if it’s members of the staff and management. Also be vigilant about who uses the exit doors, staff entrances, or any other entrances before, during, and after the events.
Inform the Attendees
Security checks can take longer if people attending the events bring in items they’re not allowed to. Instead, you can inform attendees beforehand of the security protocols to reduce the burden on the main day. Communicate what items aren’t allowed at the venue, what entrances they can use, what they should carry, and any traffic rules they need to follow. Communicating beforehand can reduce the hassle and confusion on the main day, leading to a calmer and more secure management of the situation.
Establish a Unified Approach
Larger events will have lots of staff. Hospitality staff, caterers, ushers, security teams, and management must work together and be on the same page about protocols and training. The security staff will take the lead if any disturbances occur, but the other staff should be trained to react and work complementary to the security staff to resolve the situation.
Plan Safe Events with Computers Nationwide
Ready to enjoy the summer season and all the fun it brings? Let’s make sure event goers feel safe this year. By taking a few steps to strengthen security protocols, you’ll not only mitigate risk and protect the community, but you’ll also protect your company’s reputation…and prevent a possible lawsuit in the event something goes wrong. Screenings, crowd control, visitor communication, and AI facial recognition are all critical components of event security.
From video surveillance to employee identification, door access control to visitor management, and so much more – CN is ready to address your facility’s safety needs. It’s important to note that along with implementing innovative, technology-driven safety measures, these enhanced protocols should also be complemented by appropriate policies, training programs, and comprehensive security framework for the entire organization. Communication is essential to making sure everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises!
If you are looking for modern security solutions and management, partner with the best in the business. The CN team has years of expertise assisting businesses of all sizes. We can evaluate your facility and determine the best plan of action for your unique needs. As Managed Service Provider, we have access to the latest and greatest security offerings and state-of-the-art technology from our network affiliates.
Planning to host an industry trade show, college graduation ceremony, or local festival? Indoor or outdoor – we’ve got you covered! Let’s work together to secure your employees, your customers, your guests, and your future. Investing in a proactive approach early on is our secret for success! Connect with us today to find out how we can help improve your security systems and protocols.
