Ask the Expert

By Chris Wetzel · March 2008

This month’s expert outlines strategies and challenges involving special event security

The most challenging aspect of the security industry may be trying to plan and prepare for unexpected problems. Special event security is an area where the unpredictable nature of large gatherings of people has the potential to cause significant problems and pose genuine challenges for event sponsors.

ISSUE: What strategies can you suggest for creating and executing an effective special events security plan?
SOLUTION: Look for a system integrator to help address security concerns and develop a specific, customized plan for the event. Early preparation is key. Once a plan is in place, take some time to analyze vulnerabilities. With proper planning, the unexpected can be avoided.

If the event is private, contained within a specific room or building, start by implementing an access control plan. It is important to keep entry/exit points to a minimum, ensuring only desired guests are entering the event. Depending on the type of event, this can be stringent—with security guards asking for identification and an invitation before letting guests in—or it can be less intrusive and involve a more welcoming hostess asking for just an invitation or ticket. Guests may be required to wear event credentials designating areas they can access.

For higher-profile events involving celebrities, dignitaries and/or politicians, an electronic access control system involving separate entrances might be in order. Require those high-profile people to carry access cards to enter. Biometrics may be used at certain entry points to accurately confirm that only authorized persons enter. Also, transportation to and from the site with designated shuttles and limos may be necessary.

ISSUE:What are some tips for security plans at outdoor events?
SOLUTION:Outdoor events can be more complicated and include an array of security measures. Fencing is an excellent way to create access control for large groups of people. Adequate lighting goes a long way to help keep people safe. It may be wise to consult local law enforcement and discuss methods of working together to create a security plan. They have the resources available to augment the existing plan.


Explosive-detection dogs can quickly find vulnerabilities in an outdoor area. They are often used to sweep large areas and can detect explosives in parked cars, packages or other possible concealed areas. Mounted police units also can provide excellent support to existing security plans. Also, discuss the use of bicycle units, which provide faster reaction times than regular patrol units and move quickly to hot spots.

Surveillance cameras also may be useful for detection and prevention of security problems. They are useful to keep crowds in check and are known as a “force multiplier,” extending the range of security surveillance. Ask your integrator about correct camera placement—at main entrances and exits and other areas where large groups of people may gather. An experienced integrator also should be able to determine the right number of cameras for an event.

Monitor all data at a central command center where camera video and communications between security personnel can be monitored. It is vital to have all the important information available to make decisions in emergencies. Communication is critical. Make use of both landlines and two-way radios to help keep everyone coordinated.

Another useful strategy, if possible, is to test the plan and equipment prior to the event to spot as many potential flaws as possible. With enough preparation and the help of an experienced integrator, you can create a security plan to ensure the highest level of protection for all involved.

READER QUESTION:I’ve read many articles about video analytics, but I am still not sure if they are right for my operation. We have a 20,000-square-foot office/warehouse with six surveillance cameras indoors and five outside to watch the perimeter and parking lot. We aren’t able to hire a person to monitor the video. Yet I would like to know immediately if someone is messing with our outdoor equipment. Are analytics appropriate for our small system, and are they affordable?
SOLUTION:This is a great question and one that we are asked to address on a regular basis. Numerous studies have been performed that conclude that the attention span is very limited and is diminished as we add cameras. So, the answer would be yes they are, but we should set up the system to be event-driven. Video analytics should be a part of how the system is designed. We can use certain devices to trigger events, which can be recorded and tagged as such, but with the development of video analytics this has enhanced our capability dramatically.

The quality of the video analytics will continue to improve, but we need to be prepared to deal with false positives. Once an event has been generated, the system can be designed to alert the authorized personnel or a third-party facility to view the video. With the use of network connectivity, the video can be viewed remotely with a laptop and air card or with a PDA. We would have the option to view the video live and/or recorded.

About the author

Chris Wetzel
Chris Wetzel is the founder and COO of Warrendale, Pa.-based InterTECH Security.


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