Page 21 - Security Today, November/December 2022

ment and dynamics,” said Thushan Rajapaksa who started work- ing in event security at the age of 18 as a ticket taker and today serves as a senior executive leader in event security. Rajapaksa held every position from guest services, security guard, cashier, box office, parking, access control, bike patrol, ID checking, red carpet staff, usher, talent escort, supervisor, recruiter, scheduler, event manager, account manager, director, executive director, general manager, vice president to senior vice president. “In my 25-plus years, I have never worked a concert that has the same crowd management plan,” Rajapaksa said. “During these turbulent times, ensuring the safety and security of event participants at NAMM or other high-profile events demands the use of cutting-edge technology paired with the best security professionals in the business. “My event security team plays a multi-faceted role that in- cludes alcohol enforcement, audience management, bike patrol, crowd control, ID checkers, 24-hour event security, access control, parking services, red carpet staff, ticket takers, ushers and VIP/tal- ent escort. We assist from pre-planning stages through post-show wrap-up; working with the client from start to finish.” EVER-EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY As standard practice, security supervisors implement a plan that in- cludes a network of people, processes and technology to deter and mitigate threats. Law enforcement is a partner with physical security and may ask to access video footage. Today’s access control includes biometrics and video analytics, and with facial recognition. Video analytics is also able to measure and gauge crowd behavior, social distancing, detect suspicious packages, and instantly alert security and law enforcement so that preemptive action can be deployed. Social media platforms are monitored using specific key word ana- lytics to assess if there are any potential issues that are happening. Security professionals together with local, state and federal law enforcement are able to work together to leverage multiple technologies and share information to mitigate potential threats. Ultimately, it is important to determine the policies and proce- dures that are in place that allow security personnel, law enforce- ment and other entities to work effectively as a blended team. Ty L. Richmond is president, Allied Universal Risk Advisory & Consulting Services, which includes oversight of Executive Protection and Intel- ligence Services, Event Services and Compliance and Investigations. Travis Strawbridge is director, Operational Improvement & Compliance at Allied Universal Event Services.