NCJ Number
138864
Journal
Security Management Volume: 36 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 103,105-107,109
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A description of a university homecoming that erupted into violence because of mismanaged security is used to illustrate how security and safety programs should be planned for special events in a campus setting.
Abstract
The major problem in this particular incident, in which 18 people were injured in riots between students and police, was the lack of communication between university police force officials and representatives of the contract security firm hired by the university for the homecoming. Responsibilities were not defined, contingency plans not communicated, and a basic review of the risk assessment for the situation not discussed. Elements essential to good security planning include communication, volunteers, tickets marked with security policies and sold prior to the event, timing, campus security, safe ratios between security and visitors, traffic and parking, crowd control, safety measures, medical personnel, armed personnel, metal detectors, and command operations. An accurate contingency plan must be developed; personnel assigned to units responsible for prevention, control, crisis intervention, and operations and intelligence; and a prevent briefing for all involved personnel held.