By James A. DeMeo, M.S.
With the Holiday Season in overdrive, the threat of Terrorism in today’s society is ever present. The tragedies which unfolded in Berlin are a constant, yet painful reminder that security leaders must view training/risk mitigation initiatives through a proactive lens. The emergence of lone wolf, domestic and international threats presents numerous challenges for today’s U.S. stadium security directors. Those entrusted with duty of care responsibilities must be prepared to properly safeguard confined spaces within the vertical. Today. Right now.
Furthermore, most experts agree that a lorry crashing through a crowded marketplace will create havoc while causing mass collateral damage. The question then begs, could a Berlin like attack occur here in the U.S., outside a stadium, venue or arena?
Let’s further explore the possibilities. With the ongoing instability in the Middle East, terrorist organizations, through the utilization of social media platforms, have been able to bolster their cause. As tragedies continue to unfold, a full court press-so to speak, has been used by anarchist groups to radicalize the disenfranchised to further spread their message of fear and human carnage.
In addition, the existence of the lone wolf, quite unpredictable, is a growing concern for the intelligence community. Stadium security leaders should avail themselves of not only sharing best practices/lessons learned with fellow industry peers but should also align themselves with their local JTTF-Joint Terrorism Task Force, for the most up to date, accurate, real time intelligence sharing information. The significance of public/private partnerships cannot be underscored in these pursuits.
As we know, today’s sports and entertainment industry is a multi-billion dollar juggernaut. With the Super Bowl slated for Houston, Texas, this February-2017, pre event planning for such a colossal event has been years in the making. The ability to have established communication networks between command center personnel, first responders, i.e. law enforcement, fire dept, safety, ems and the intelligence community is paramount for safeguarding this type of mega event. Stadium security and guest services staff-stadium gatekeepers, along with contracted law enforcement, having excellent verbal communication skills while forming a hybrid multi-pronged, screening contingent, further helps bolster security initiatives upon ingress.
The importance of proactive security training along with the integration of responsible real time social media monitoring, places ownership groups in a position of strength when confronted with the numerous challenges within the space. Threats and vulnerabilities such as workplace violence, active shooter, bomb/IED, intoxicated patrons, drones, chemical/biological/radiological agents, cyber security infrastructure/facilities breeches, inclement weather scenarios, to name just a few, are real and quite concerning.
The role of today’s Security/Thought Leaders is not one of creating fear but rather instilling a heightened awareness through preparation, training, education and career/professional development/resources. Being prepared means saving lives.
Below, you will find resources which can assist today’s U.S stadiums security personnel with being best prepared to meet the ebb and flow of challenges the industry is currently facing. Without question, knowledge is power. Our work continues on a daily basis.
Professional & Career Development Resources:
INTERPOL- www.interpol.int
Infra Guard- www.infragard.org
NCS4-National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security- www.ncs4.com
IAVM-International Association of Venue Managers- IAVM.org
Stadium Managers Association- stadiummanagers.org
NASSM-North American Society for Sport Management- NASSM.org
SLRA-Sports Law and Recreation Association- SRLA.org
Vistelar-Verbal Defense & Influence- vistelar.com
The writer of this article, James A. DeMeo, M.S, has over 25 years of law enforcement, security and consulting experience and is considered an Expert in Sports Security. In addition to speaking at national conferences, Mr. DeMeo has made numerous presentations to Colleges & Universities throughout the U.S on this subject matter.
While serving as a member of the Nassau County Police Department, Long Island NY, Mr. DeMeo held a state certification as a General Topics instructor and taught hundreds of law enforcement officers ranging from recruits to inspectors at the NCPD Police Academy. Recently, Mr. DeMeo became a certified Instructor in Vistelar’s Verbal Defense & Influence-VDI-Training.
Mr. DeMeo has held professional memberships in the following organizations: IAVM, NCS4, ASIS (Austin chapter 179) and the SRLA (Sports and Recreation Law Association). He is also a contributing author to the textbook: Security Supervision and Management-Theory and Practice of Asset Protection, Fourth Edition- Chapter 12-Supervising During Special Events.
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