The assassination attempt against US presidential nominee Donald Trump during a rally speaks volumes about the importance of security in large outdoor events. This article looks at some of the tips and best practices to secure outdoor events.
The assassination attempt against former US President and (now) Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during a campaign rally on July 13 speaks volumes about the importance of security in large outdoor events. It's therefore incumbent upon event organizers to make sure all attendees are well protected against threats or risks that may arise. This article looks at some of the tips and best practices to secure outdoor events.
Outdoor events such as outdoor concerts or campaign rallies are common activities in the society. However, various concerns remain, one of which is security or the lack thereof. Such challenges are highlighted by several recent examples including a shooting that took place during a music festival in Grant Park, Chicago, in July 2023 that left several people wounded. Meanwhile, in August 2023, a shooting happened at a popular outdoor street fair in Atlanta, resulting in multiple injuries. Then there was the assassination attempt against Donald Trump at an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania, an incident that left one dead and three wounded, including Trump.
These incidents highlight the importance of outdoor event security, which ensures that all participants can have a good time while being protected from threats and risks that may arise. Below are some of the tips and best practices for making outdoor events safe and secure.
Conduct risk assessment and planning
When organizing outdoor events, it’s always a good idea to identify potential risks such as weather conditions, crowd control issues, and emergency situations. Assess the likelihood and impact of these risks. Then, the organizer should devise a detailed security plan that addresses identified risks. The plan should include emergency procedures, contact information for local authorities, and roles for security personnel.
It should also be noted that the security plan may vary according to the size of the outdoor event. For small gatherings, for example, the organizer should have a guest list or invite-only system for keeping track of attendees and use ropes or cones to delineate areas for guests and staff. For large outdoor events, security planning should employ multiple security checkpoints for better crowd management and dedicated team for various emergencies, including medical, fire, and security incidents.
Hire security personnel
Always employ professional security staff experienced in event management. Ensure they are trained in crowd management, emergency response and first aid. It’s also important to assign clear roles and responsibilities. Define roles for security staff, such as access control, patrolling, and monitoring. Ensure they know how to respond to various situations.
Manage crowd
There must be
crowd management measures at outdoor event venues. Set up designated entry and exit points, and use barriers, gates, and staff to manage the flow of people and check for prohibited items. Tickets, wristbands, or electronic passes may be used to control access and prevent overcrowding. Finally, make sure clear signage is used to ensure that all signs are visible and provide clear instructions for attendees.
Use technology
In large outdoor events, electronic security systems and solutions are always beneficial. Install
security cameras at key locations to monitor activities and deter potential threats. The latest cameras will have advanced
analytics functions to detect loitering, suspicious behavior and suspicious objects. Automatic license plate recognition solutions can help identify vehicles that are stolen or blacklisted. Finally, consider using drones for aerial surveillance if the event size and budget warrant such usage.
Prepare for emergencies
It’s incumbent upon event organizers to prepare for emergencies. Have a detailed emergency response plan that includes evacuation routes, first aid stations, and a system for alerting attendees. It’s also important to establish communication channels and coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure their support and presence at the event. Also inform fire departments, medical services, and other emergency responders about the event and any specific needs.