Event security planning is a matter of preparation, writes Jim Batty, Head of Risk Audit at G4S Security Services (UK).
In the wake of London’s 2012 Olympic bid success, the atrocities and ongoing terrorist threat in the city has thrown event security into the spotlight. Security planning was of course included in the London bid team’s proposal, and G4S Security Services (UK) is proud of the part we played in convincing the IOC that London should have the opportunity to host the Olympic Games. In light of more recent events, security will be a high priority as planning for the event gathers momentum over the next seven years.
In the past, event organisers have not always addressed security concerns in the embryonic stages of event planning. It is all too easy to focus on securing sponsors, venues, and the numerous other factors that go into planning a successful event. Indeed, security will be just one of the key areas that the organisers of London 2012 (is this the correct terminology now – should it just be the Olympic Games?) will need to get right in order to leave a positive legacy.
But if organisers are to maximise the effectiveness of a security solution and hence the ultimate success of an event, it is crucial to address security concerns at the earliest juncture. Security consultants should ideally be involved with discussions ranging from the choice of venue, numbers of participants, or spectators, or even the most opportune day to host the event.
Security is vital to the overall smooth running and success of an event, and when successfully managed can be used by event organisers to help win contracts, attract and reassure participants and sponsors. Planning an effective security solution can be used as a differentiator to help companies to win the rights to host or manage an event. Pitch and tender documents are increasingly required to include audits of proposed venues, and detailed contingency plans for any eventuality.
Security planning should ideally take place before a venue for an event has been determined, although this is not always feasible particularly for some long-running sporting or cultural events. Security planners need to determine whether they need to secure the perimeter for an event, and determine access control. If a conference is being held in the 13th story of a tower block is it going to be possible to secure the floors above and below, or access control to the building? Open air events can present even more difficult challenges: planners need to determine how to secure the perimeter of the event without compromising the enjoyment, comfort or safety of attendees.
The venue itself can also make an event a target for activists. Iconic national ‘flagship’ venues like the new Wembley stadium may be a target for activists regardless of the particular event taking place inside. For example, activist infiltration would guarantee any terrorist organisation massive publicity and could also have a profound impact on the credibility of the organisations and governments involved.
If venues are being built in advance specifically for an event, such as the Olympics, they may stand dormant until the event starts. While the venues will be searched, swept for explosives and other threats prior to an event starting, it is expedient if the venue has been adequately secured in the lead up to the event. Ensuring that a site is secured in the lead up to an event is particularly important. Security planners should be cogent of the risk of activists trying to gain intimate knowledge of a venue prior to an event.
High profile political events are also obvious targets for protectors or terrorist groups. For example, when planning security for the G8 summit, it was vital that the security plans recognised the different types of protests that might be encountered. These ranged in scale and efficacy from individuals marching against poverty with purely peaceful intentions, to the hardcore dissident activists, such as the Wombles, who announced in the run-up to G8 that they had "a confrontational agenda". Even within hard-line dissident groups there may be different modus operandi. Some may focus on infiltration, whilst others may blockade entry to aim for maximum disruption.
Security concerns need to be aware of groups setting out to manipulate the security solution to gain media capital. This may include rushing officers, to give the appearance of heavy handed guards. By building in exclusion zones and working with the police to limit numbers of activists able to get near to a site, security providers can help to help mitigate these types of problems.
Determining an appropriate response to these threats is crucial to ensure the integrity of an event. Trade-offs between convenience and security do sometimes have to be made. For example, a car could potentially house a bomb, so the safety implications of nearby parking and traffic must be considered. Security planners should also be involved in planning the instructions and even invitations for visitors attending an event. For example, it is expedient to pre-warn visitors of the restrictions on taking bags, cameras and other objects into a venue. It is easier to ban certain items at invitation/ticket allocation stage, than to take responsibility for guarding and then returning forbidden items.
Preparation is everything when it comes to security, and risk management and contingency planning should be a cornerstone of event organisation. Well-planned, tried and tested security plans can help to significantly reduce threat and will contribute to the overall success of major international events.
On the ground at an event, security officers often represent the public face of an event, responsible for setting the tone for the whole service experience. Security officers are often the first point of contact at an event, so it is vital they generate a positive impression from the outset. By investing time and money in effective security solutions, attendees at public events will feel more secure and both attendance figures and gate revenues should rise as a result. Organisers and security firms should work together to create a safe and secure atmosphere without compromising the enjoyment of the event.
