Professional Sports Venue Security Issues, Emerging Threats, and Technology Solutions -... - 1 views
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A total of 40 venue directors hosting teams from Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Football League (NFL), and the National Hockey League (NHL) completed the survey. Staffing and training, fan behavior, technology utilization, patron screening, cybersecurity, and drone mitigation were areas of focus.
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The majority of respondents indicated that their current entry screening checkpoints caused lines to form outside their venues, and the average wait time is less than 10 minutes during the busiest times.
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Top training requirements for security staff included venue/event familiarization, prohibited items, fan code of conduct, standard operating procedures, how to operate security technology, and crowd management. Facilitated in-person training was the most common method, followed by table-top exercises, routine refresher courses, e-learning, and workshops.
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fan behavior is worse than it was 10 years ago, and 65% indicated that COVID-19 restrictions caused increased tension between patrons and staff
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Technology can bolster safety and security efforts when budgets permit acquisition. Closed-circuit television, walk-through metal detectors, electronic tickets, stationary bollards, explosive detection canines, and venue signage were utilized by 100% of the respondents. Facial recognition software, license plate readers, retractable bollards, automated barrier systems, and RFID for staff were most likely to be purchased if additional funding was available.
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Many experienced staffing shortages in the last two years, and 70% of respondents indicated that staff absenteeism increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Most respondents (87%) use patron screening technology, including walk-through metal detectors, handheld magnetometers, and x-ray scanners.
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Ideally, venue directors want to get patrons inside the venue faster without sacrificing prohibited item detection accuracy. If respondents were able to acquire new screening technology, they would likely purchase facial recognition systems, followed by millimeter wave scanners and explosive particle detectors.
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Only 20% of respondents use artificial intelligence in their security screening, surveillance, or incident response technology. However, 62.5% believe they understand how artificial intelligence can help their security operations.
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Most respondents have implemented a cybersecurity defense program and provided basic cybersecurity awareness training to full-time staff. In addition, patrons are informed of the secure in-house WiFi networks to use at their venues.
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In the ever changing world of venue life safety, technology is becoming more prevalent. Within budgetary limitations, venues are looking for better ways to ingress guests while keeping the safety integrity of the facility. If applicable, venues would like to incorporate facial recognition and screening as guests arrive. While looking at capex for technology, what will the next wave of venue security look like? Is facial recognition and pass through magnetometers be the peak?