As large crowds gather together, especially in the warm summer months, there are two safety considerations that need to be at the forefront of the planning for the event. One is implementing a security plan capable of preventing and reacting to an intentional disturbance. The other is ensuring that all attendees are healthy and calm for the duration of the function.

Some simple procedures that significantly improve the safety of a gathering include only allowing clear bags and prohibiting opaque backpacks and large containers such as coolers that could be used to smuggle illegal or dangerous items into the event. If a proper access control doctrine is in place, security officers can be used to check the bags of entrants for contraband, which can both improve the peace of mind of event goers, as well as allowing the opportunity for more lenient contraband lists, which may make the event more attractive to potential customers.

The most valuable asset to improve safety is information. Making sure a crowd is well informed does more to prevent difficulties, especially a panic if an incident does take place, than any other measure. Maps with all points of interest like bathrooms and escape routes marked should be displayed, with a copy passed out to each attendee. With a combination of humanitarian considerations and proper security preparation, any event can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
 

​What does it cost to establish an automated security system that is effective at deterring, identifying, and responding to an intrusion? To achieve complete security, a protection plan must have the means to recognize a breach has occurred, take action to stop it, and broadcast these features in a way that is sure to be understood by potential intruders.

In San Francisco, a project is underway to upgrade the security for parking garages, in order to discourage break ins. Multiple security devices are being installed, including HD cameras and license plate readers. The budget for only 20 garages is 32.5 million dollars. Even after all these devices are implemented, at an average investment of over a million and a half dollars per garage, in some locations it has been deemed to not be enough by itself; it was determined that they will not be secure enough without uniformed personnel being present on site.
 
A massive security system is usually not needed, especially if a security plan does not need to rely solely on fixed automation. The deterrence factor of a live human being can never be matched by an unmanned property, and an adaptive adversary can always find the blind spots in a static structure. Almost every asset can be completely protected for a small fraction of the price. The first step is a free, no obligation consultation to determine your property’s security needs.