Security Challenges at Special Events

Special events—whether at public or private venues—pose unique and demanding security challenges.

Planning security for a special event should begin well in advance. This gives security companies time to ensure proper registration for all personnel and the opportunity to analyze potential threats and safety concerns. Ensuring the security personnel are properly registered is the first, crucial step toward ensuring a safe atmosphere that leads to a safe, enjoyable event.

The presence of celebrities, popular musicians, politicians or controversial individuals may result in large numbers of people attempting to attend the event, watching from outside or even protesting the event itself or specific attendees. Security planning should take these possibilities into account. Is the event likely to draw enough people to require access or crowd control? Security planning should also encompass which attendees will arrive at and navigate the venue. Will there be parking areas that need to be patrolled or a secured arrival location for celebrities?

For events in which there are heightened security concerns, the security plan should take into account any third parties who are involved in the event: caterers; sound and light technicians; serving staff; etc. Have they undergone background checks? Will they be searched for illicit or dangerous materials when they arrive at the event?

Prior to the actual event, and once the security plan has been created, all properly registered security personnel should receive training designed to orient them to the specific security concerns facing the event, how to observe and report suspicious behavior and any evacuation plan for the venue. Performing practice drills allows security managers to assess the quality of their planning and the responses and training of security personnel assigned to the event.

PISGS Begins Pilot-Program with Ohio State University

In August, PISGS began a pilot-program with the Ohio State University (OSU) Police Division by providing personnel support during major events at Ohio Stadium.

PISGS staff will continue to be on-site during concerts, Buckeye football games and special events, checking the credentials of private security guards that are contracted by the university. This serves as a good reminder of the need to always carry a state-issued identification card while on duty.

PISGS continues to work to work with our partners both in the industry and public to ensure those contracted to provide security services are following the law.

The fall doesn't have to just be "back-to-school" time for students. PISGS currently offers industry personnel two online training modules that were created in cooperation with the Ohio Private Investigation and Security Services Commission:

• Module 1: Role of a Security Guard and Private Investigator
• Module 2: Access Control

These modules and other training resources can be accessed through the PISGS Training Page.

PISGS Offers Resources to Promote a Safer Environment

PISGS, in consultation with the Ohio Private Investigation & Security Services Commission, recently developed resource guides to help licensees promote a safer environment for their employees while on-duty. Each of these guides provide tips that deal with subjects that are relatable to on-duty security guards, including: Communication; Equipment; Knowledge; and Mind & Body.

These guides are now available in various sizes for free download from the PISGS website. This will allow for easy printing so companies can display and share safety reminders with their employees.

We would like to share pictures of your employees with these guides on social media in order to encourage all industry members to promote a safer environment for their employees.

Please share your pictures with us on Facebook (@OhioPISGS) and Twitter (@Ohio_PISGS) with the hashtag #BeYourBestPISGS.

Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? If so, do you know why?

1. September was chosen as National Preparedness Month, as the tragedies of September 11, 2001 highlighted to the nation the importance of being prepared.
2. Also, September has been chosen partly because of the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is in mid-September.

Since its inception in 2004, National Preparedness Month has encouraged Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

According to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:7-1-10 "Each employee shall produce his identification card upon the request of an authorized representative of the department (of Public Safety) or any law enforcement authority."

OPISSC MEETING - September 12

INFORMATION SEMINAR - September 20

OPISSC MEETING - October 17

INFORMATION SEMINAR - October 18