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

2

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.

3

Psychologists report that people engage in this group behavior when individuals have less fear of consequences while being part of an antagonized group.

4

Inappropriate behavior can

be fueled by –

alcohol

emotion of the event

spectator related conflicts toward each other

and ineffective security controls.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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

8

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.

9

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

10

NBRI=1

DEDICATED TO HELPING BUSINESS ACHIEVE ITS HIGHEST GOALS.

National Business Aviation Association 1200 G Street NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20006 (202) 783-9000 www.nbaa.org