Why Unification is the Best Strategy for Mass Venue Security

Ensuring a positive visitor experience and protecting tens of thousands in your venue is not easy; you have to be ready for anything, at a moment’s notice.
Published: August 17, 2017

According to a report from NBC News published before kick-off at Super Bowl XLIX, officers were scanning “more than 500 security cameras, and using technology that includes armored Bearcat vehicles, license plate readers, thermal imaging devices and radiation detectors.”

Like MetLife Stadium, hosts to Super Bowl XLVIII, who were later awarded the 2014 Facility of Merit for Safety and Security Award by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), the University of Phoenix Stadium left no stones unturned in protecting the over 63,000 spectators who flocked to the site on game day.

Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year where mass appeal draws with it the potential for terrorism, mob mentality violence or panic, and other threats.

Whether it’s an open space event like a marathon, or a contained venue-based event local and federal agencies need to be involved. They use unification as an effective strategy to ensure no incident or potential threat goes unnoticed, and that all lines of communication are open so that response efficiency is at its peak.

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First, let’s define unification as a bridging of multiple security technologies.

An open-architecture security system gives stadiums the ability to implement ultra-megapixel, 360-degree or wearable cameras that provide the highest quality views and best vantages. A unified security platform then enables deep integrations with video surveillance and other key security systems such as access control, video analytics, intrusion, and license plate recognition, providing more consolidated information for faster decision-making. Intercom integration takes communication to another level, giving operators the ability to intervene without having to leave their workstations.

Secondly, let’s look at how security technology helps more agencies work together.

More advanced functionalities such as the Federation™ feature helps cities to unify resources by sharing security system information across all involved agencies. For example, mass transit agencies such as MBTA, can share access to video surveillance and other system data with law enforcement when required, whiles venues can share system access with temporary federal surveillance agents manned outside the stadium.

Ultimately, this technology encourages a greater collaboration between all stakeholders, ensuring that if something does happen, critical information is immediately available. When crowds draw in by the thousands, greater unification will make the difference in keeping them safe. For more information on how our solutions help stadiums and mass venues secure their large events, visit the Genetec stadium security webpage.

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