Page 52 - Security Today, January 2018

Three Pillars of Sports Venue Security Situational Awareness, Identification, Operations
BSy Mark McCormack
tadium security has gotten a lot more complicated than apprehending seat jumpers, defusing confron- tations and ejecting rowdy fans for imbibing one too many beers. These days, events are all about the total fan experience — the tailgating parties, the street ven-
dors, and the additional activities and entertainment outside the gate. Once inside the venue there are the crowded concourses, the bars and VIP lounges, and lots more. All this activity happening simultane- ously stretches security resources to the max. It’s one of the main reasons you’d be hard pressed to find a spectator venue today that doesn’t deploy network surveillance cameras as a force multiplier. Video systems provide stadiums three important advantages: situ- ational awareness, identification and operational insight.
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Improving Situational Awareness
Stadiums are like small cities. In addition to the seating bowl, retail shops, concession stands and restaurants, there are ATMs for patron convenience, first aid stations for medical emergencies, escalators, ele- vators, meeting rooms, parking garages and parking lots. With multi- ple entry points, security needs to draw on a full portfolio of network cameras to advance situational awareness, protect public safety and resolve problems quickly. By relying on network-based technology, it also makes it easier to share situational awareness with local, state and federal law enforcement and first responders as needed.
Outside the venue. Network cameras mounted on the roof not only give security a comprehensive view of the parking lot and gate entrances, but also the surrounding thoroughfare. Using a mix of HD
STADIUM SECURITY
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