Page 20 - Security Today, JulyAugust 2023

“Here is the pull quote to use: For large venues or international events, seamless communication with public service departments is essential to enhancing response and removing the burden of staff to relay vital information in an emergency.” difficult to achieve. Situational awareness on the perimeter can also be achieved dur- ing nighttime or off-hours. All-weather thermal cameras integrated with motion detection, edge-based analytics and cloud technology allow stadium staff to keep continued remote visibility when an in- cident occurs and respond or loop in law enforcement if necessary. TICKETING AND MERCHANDISE When it comes to entering stadium venues, newer bag and people screening technology allows for faster, more efficient entry, reduc- ing bottlenecks and the need for extra staff – and alerting existing staff to issues that need attention. Video surveillance and targeted analytics can enhance the ticketing and entry experience too. Analytics can detect suspi- cious objects or behavior, as well as be used for people counting during ingress and egress. If a camera detects a gate is backed up with long lines, for example, more staff can be requested to the gate or, alternatively, speakers can automatically or manually encourage visitors to move to another gate for entry or screening. Audio can come in handy for severe weather events affecting indoor or outdoor venues too. Instead of sending in-person staff around with bullhorns to alert visitors to evacuate or take cover, automated IP audio can give clear, repeated directions. Facial recognition technology integrated with video surveil- lance, intercoms and/or access control has a number of use cases inside the stadium walls as well. Some stadiums are piloting tick- etless entry or kiosk entry tied to facial recognition that allow vis- itors to opt in with biometric information for a faster experience inside the stadium. Once enrolled, the technology has the added potential to help identify people in case of an emergency, as well as create a frictionless experience in stores and at concessions. Such integrations can streamline the VIP, player and employee experience, allowing for touchless entry into restricted areas in- side the stadium, while providing security and operations staff insight into the location of important stakeholders. GAME ON During games and live events, situational awareness is key to a proactive security posture. Gunshot detection or behavioral ana- lytics tied with video surveillance can give operations staff perti- nent information when an incident is detected. In addition to using analytics for greater situational awareness, sta- diums are tapping into other technologies like mobile apps and texting to leverage crowdsourcing whereby fans can alert the operations center about fights, aggressive behavior or other issues in the stands. Aside from emergency situations, other technologies like people counting analytics can be used for restrooms, concession stands or condiment areas to alert staff to areas that need attention or restocking. Along with traditional video cameras, body cams can increase situational awareness, support employees, streamline responses and aid training. Worn video surveillance may serve as a deterrent on the ground, while helping to document incidents that staff en- counter. Body cam footage can be used as digital evidence and to help support staff with a visual record of an event. Integrations with a video management system allow body cam video to be ac- cessed on one central platform, along with other video cameras, sensors, intercoms, access control and other deployed technology. Body cams can also be beneficial for training scenarios, giving staff real events to learn and grow from, and giving management insight into training gaps or areas for improvement. Another integration that can be particularly impactful for sta- dium settings is cross communication and connection with law enforcement and first responders. Targeted integrations can allow operations staff to manually or automatically send video, audio and location information directly to law enforcement for response in the event of an emergency incident. With these integrations, first responders have access to crucial information surrounding an incident for faster, more targeted response. For large venues or international events, seamless communication with public service departments is essential to enhancing response and removing the burden of staff to relay vital information in an emergency. TECHNOLOGY TO ADAPT Today’s security technology can be a force multiplier for existing staff during game time and beyond, but the true advantages of integration and relevant analytics are further realized with two things: open platform technology and a VMS. A centralized VMS offers stakeholders and security personnel one platform to view all technology installations, providing fur- ther insights, response options, reporting, evidence and a highly informed view that could not be achieved otherwise. In addition, using open platform and open standards tech- nologies can be particularly helpful for stadium operators as it al- lows stakeholders more options for customized, tailored analytics and integrations that can pinpoint the organization’s specific pain points and challenges. The ability for customization also makes it easier for stadiums to adapt and grow with the organization’s changing needs and chal- lenges – and, ultimately, the ability to adapt will justify (and in many cases lower) the total cost of ownership of new technology invest- ments. Though the threat of the unknown will continue to morph and change, the right security technology offers the opportunity to help stakeholders adapt and grow right along with the ever-changing threat landscape of public venues. Mark McCormack is the senior manager, Global & National Accounts at Axis Communications. 20 JULY/AUGUST 2023 | SECURITY TODAY STADIUM SECURITY