Crowd safety concerns for event attendees
18, March | 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
PRESENTED BY:
Charlie LeBlanc Vice President, Security Services
International Operators Conference | Tampa, FL | March 17 – 20, 2014
Crowd safety concerns for event attendees
There are three basic elements associated with the management of attendees at an arena/stadium event:
Policies, processes and procedures that establish an orderly ingress to the
venue
Aggregation of the participants within the
sporting/political/concert event
Policies, processes and procedures for the
orderly egress from the venue
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There are influences that affect how crowds, or portion of crowds, respond during the evolution of an event.
At highly charged events, negative influences can ignite some of the crowd toward violence. This then may spread and adversely affect others in attendance.
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Psychologists report that people engage in this group behavior when individuals have less fear of consequences while being part of an antagonized group.
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Inappropriate behavior can
be fueled by –
alcohol
emotion of the event
spectator related conflicts toward each other
and ineffective security controls.
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Ineffective security control is on top of the list for events gone awry with spectator violence.
Causing people to wait in long lines not only reduces mobility, it increases frustration.
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We should note, too, that there are times when crowd behavior is not due to any criminal mischief but a panic induced hysteria that, as a consequence, leads to potential injury and death.
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Recommendations to avoid spectator violence
Sporting events can be emotionally charged; be aware of people
who become overly aggressive toward each other
Develop a situational awareness for “flash mobs” inside and
outside event site
Avoid escalators with large numbers of persons attempting to
use them; and, be particularly aware of potential choke points
located at the escalator base
Know where the nearest exits are located and how to get to them
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Recommendations to avoid spectator violence
Avoid any aggressive behavior exhibited in the stands
Know that some sporting venues are more prone to fan
aggression than others: hockey versus curling. Heightened
emotions can turn cheers to jeers; a signal to be concerned
Reduce your risk for assault by minimizing flamboyant attire
Be aware of social triggers that may incite persons going from
peaceful to rowdy
A small interaction between relatively few persons can quickly
result in a mass brawl at a sporting event. Relocate to
somewhere safe out of harm’s way. Consider leaving the event.
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Recommendations to avoid spectator violence
Don’t get caught up in the moment; always keep your wits about
you
Seek seating away from potentially rowdy crowds
Avoid large demonstrations or crowds outside event sites
Use dedicated transportation only
Minimize venues to visited, specifically attending only those
events sponsored by the host committee
Always let others know where you are going and when you are to
return
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