NCJ Number
147355
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Dated: (February-April 1994) Pages: 9-12
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Security at rock concerts is complicated by the inflammatory antics of rock performers and by the reluctance of rock promoters to allow police officers inside concerts; according to the Rock Concert Safety Survey, the 15 least safe concerts in 1992 caused more than $700,000 in property damages and resulted in death and injury.
Abstract
The number of crowd incidents at rock and rap concerts indicates that concert safety problems have yet to be dealt with in a comprehensive way by the music industry. Unsafe and volatile conditions are too often tolerated and have become part of the way the rock industry does business. Even so, the International Association of Auditorium Managers has established national concert safety guidelines for its membership. As people who have a special responsibility for the community's well-being, police officers, prosecutors, and judges should be especially intolerant of crowd disorders at music concerts and festivals. The rock industry also has a major responsibility to assure security, although the industry has persistently refused to pay the necessary financial costs for crowd safety. Police officers should reassess their relationship with concert fans in an effort to develop mutual respect and communication. In addition, experience shows that police officers work best when their relationship with rock promoters and facility operators is friendly but professional. The cooperation of all parties involved in a music event and effective safety laws are essential. Common terms police officers need to know when dealing with concert safety issues are defined.