Page 14 - Campus Security Today, November/December 2024

E V E N T S A F E T Y
ENSURING SAFETY AT LARGE COLLEGE GATHERINGS:
POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND TECHNOLOGY
D E A N C U N N I N G H A M I S S E G M E N T D E V E L O P M E N T M G R . , P U B L I C S A F E T Y AT A X I S C O M M U N I C AT I O N S .
T
he college experience is often described as a whirlwind
of activities. From learning and personal growth to social
events and advocacy, students constantly find themselves
engaging in a diverse, vibrant campus life.
However, along with the fun and learning comes the
need to ensure safety, especially during large gatherings.
Whether it’s a homecoming parade, a football game, or an organ-
ized protest, these events carry inherent risks that require thorough
planning and modern security approaches.
While ensuring the safety of students during these events
may seem like a challenging task, the right blend of policies, proce-
dures, and advanced technologies can make a world of difference.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: THE FOUNDATION OF EVENT SAFETY
Large gatherings are not just inevitable on college campuses—
they are a core part of the community experience. College events,
whether celebratory or advocacy-driven, often define the institu-
tion’s culture. So instead of trying to disallow these gatherings,
which is an impractical approach, institutions must embrace the
fact that they will inevitably happen and work to make them as
safe as possible.
A key strategy is to designate certain areas on campus specifi-
cally for large gatherings. Public speaking events, protests, and rallies
frequently occur in spaces already suited for such activities, like the
college union or an open green space in the heart of the campus.
These areas are designed to accommodate crowds and should
be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to ensure safety.
By acknowledging that these events will happen and working
proactively with event organizers, colleges can reduce potential risks.
Collaborating with those planning the event to create a mutual
understanding of safety protocols is crucial. Simply put, working
hand in hand with organizers is far more effective than banning
gatherings altogether, which would only push them into uncon-
trolled, potentially dangerous spaces.
One of the most valuable actions
colleges can take when it comes to large
campus gatherings is pre-planning. This
planning begins with a thorough re-
view of campus policies regarding open
spaces to ensure that they are in line
with free speech rights. If campus poli-
cies contradict legal standards or student
expectations, they can create conflict rather than safety.
Additionally, campus security and press information officers
must be involved early on in the planning process. Clear, direct lines
of communication between these parties can help ensure quick
response to any security concerns, keep attendees informed in real
time, and keep the media up to date. Access to security systems
plays a vital role here. Colleges must establish permission-based
guidelines about who can access security systems and what re-
sponses will be triggered by security alerts.
LAYERED SECURITY TECHNOLOGY: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
With well-defined policies and procedures in place, the next step
is to implement a layered security approach, leveraging different
security measures such as access control, video surveillance, and
AI analytics.
At large gatherings, access control is more than just determin-
ing who can enter and exit specific spaces; it also involves monitor-
ing how people move throughout these areas. One effective tool in
this context is heat mapping, which uses security devices to track
movement patterns. By establishing a baseline for normal activity
in a particular space, anomalies—such as sudden crowding, peo-
ple running, or areas becoming dangerously overcrowded—can
be detected early on. This allows security teams to respond quickly
and prevent the situation from escalating.
Video surveillance has long been a critical component of cam-
pus security, but its effectiveness is magnified when paired with
AI-powered analytics. Modern surveillance cameras can do more
than just record events; they can actively assist security personnel
during and after an incident.
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO CAMPUS EVENT SECURITY
Protecting students and communities during large college events
may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it is entirely
achievable. The combination of forward-thinking policies, careful
procedures, and advanced technology allows educational institu-
tions to manage these events safely and effectively.
By embracing a multi-layered security approach, colleges
can ensure that everyone—whether participating in a homecom-
ing celebration or a peaceful protest—remains safe. When security
measures are designed thoughtfully and implemented with care,
students can enjoy the richness of campus life without compro-
mising safety.
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