SECURITY FOR YOUR VENUE Sowhat now? By Dana Stoehr, CFE
AMPHITHEATERS & FAIRGROUNDS:
Like much of the world’s greater problems of solving drug abuse, wars, everyone who comes through our public doors is an overwhelming concept. We live in age of “So now what?” The daily news is rife with reports
of tragedy and terrorism in addition to local news reporting the day’s violent crimes. There are some days I wonder if I am going to be able to focus on
my primary goal of hosting events that are generally for the purpose of making people happy rather than focusing on protecting them from an unforeseen harm. It is exhausting and burdensome as well as unavoidable and irre-
sponsible to ignore. So, my ap- proach to most overwhelming tasks is to break things down to and I can control, staying solu- tion based, and knowing we can- not do it alone. The old adage admitting there
provide real-time education, tools and resources that can be scaled to make it a priority in your budget.
in addressing security plans. So how will we approach such an over- and entrances and exits too numerous to count without creating a Fort Knox feel to our venues. Here are my go-to solutions.
to adapt, evolve, and, as appropriate, customize your security plan. As we move to create real solutions to real threats, you are not alone, and
Step Two: Observance and Empowerment The Department of Homeland Security’s promotional catchphrase of “If You See Something, Say Something,” while some may think cliché, is a great summation that can be translated into action. - tion to build a comprehensive security plan. It will not be fool-proof, but will add layers of invisible security to your venue. It is far more like- provide them with authority and create a culture that acknowl- edges their contributions are vital to keeping everyone safe. Ignorance and apathy will not serve your security goals. This is an all-hands-on-deck problem and should be addressed with the same emphasis. Meet regularly and ask for
their advice. You will be surprised at how often their input will provide - cant expense.
Step One: Education be found locally by having a strong relationship with your local police can provide comprehensive guidance to sort through the practical and impractical approaches to improve your venue security. Talk to other people at other venues. Some of the best ideas I have implemented came from my peers. Know your weak areas and do not be afraid to admit it. I am not suggesting one make a public announce- ment of the door that is always left open and unattended, but do not let the pride in your facility become an obstacle to having an honest with those that can help you improve. Seek knowledge from experts who dedicate their careers on the subject. IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety & Security is the most
Step Three: Implementation and Follow-Up follow-up regularly to see what is working and what is not. Be prepared to engage and act. When I have read about threats foiled, it is often a small detail that somebody observed, reported, and acted on. Read the feature story in this issue written by John Wilborn at the Curtis Culwell 14]. Sometimes it is a more conscious decision to implement action in appropriate customize your security plan. As we move to create real solutions to real threats, you are not alone, and together we can make FM
Center in San Mateo, California. She is also the chair of IAVM’s Amphitheaters & Fairgrounds Committee.
IAVM 35
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