Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Career Intelligence
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Interactive Spotlight
    • Photo Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Security NewswireArenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment

Boston Bombings Reveal Holes in Event, Stadium Security

May 3, 2013

More than 150,000 spectators will witness a heightened security presence at tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby – the largest and highest-profile U.S. sporting event since last month’s bombings at the Boston Marathon.

USA Today reports that electric wand searches of patrons and a fresh ban on coolers in the infield of Louisville’s Churchill Downs will be implemented, but the article also states that stadiums and entertainment venues rely on “low-paid, part-time security guards with spotty training and even criminal convictions.” Turnover is high for these officer companies – officials say guards don’t stay on the job for more than a year or two.

Twenty-three states do not require applicants to complete any training.

This year, California has revoked 154 security guard licenses, often because of criminal convictions discovered after the license was issued. Florida has revoked an average of 350 licenses annually for the past five years for the same reasons. Seven states require no security guard licensing at all.

Some venues have used “event staff” employees in security roles, including performing bag searches and controlling access to restricted areas, USA Today reports. 

Israeli security experts, who have analyzed the Boston Marathon bombings, noticed that security volunteers at the finish line were watching the runners, not the crowd. The USA Today article remarks that, perhaps if guards trained in crowd control and intelligence gathering were being used, the bombings could have been prevented, or casualties reduced. 

KEYWORDS: Boston Marathon bombing intelligence sharing Kentucky Derby security officer security officer training

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Cyber tech background

    Security’s Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2026

    Security magazine’s Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2026 award...
    Top Cybersecurity Leaders
  • Iintegration and use of emerging tools

    Future Proof Your Security Career with AI Skills

    AI’s evolution demands security leaders master...
    Security Leadership and Management
    By: Jerry J. Brennan and Joanne R. Pollock
  • The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

    The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

    The 2025 Security Benchmark Report surveys enterprise...
    The Security Benchmark Report
    By: Rachelle Blair-Frasier
Manage My Account
  • Security Newsletter
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

Opened padlock on computer keyboard

10 Data Breaches to Know About (April 2026)

SEC Podcast Header Podcast

Credential Management in High Turnover Environments

Glowing police siren

Security Isn’t a Commodity. Neither Is Off-Duty Law Enforcement

Laptop in darkness

Reframing MFA Bypass: Four Identity Gaps Attackers Exploit

Man with covered face

Why Most Workplace Violence Prevention Starts Too Late

SEC 2026 Benchmark Banner

Events

June 10, 2026

Applying Agentic AI in Security Operations for Faster Decisions & Better Outcomes

Security teams have never had more visibility. We’ll explore how a new decision layer is helping security teams move from detection to decision. Turn alerts into decision-ready context, reducing reliance on manual triage and enabling faster action.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products


Alertmedia sponsored webinar

Related Articles

  • Low Levels of Security Concern, Even After Boston Marathon Bombings

    See More
  • k9-enews

    3 Factors for Explosive-Detection Canine Use in Stadium Security

    See More
  • stadium

    Fourteen FIFA Member Associations in Africa Improve Stadium Security

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • Hospitality Security: Managing Security in Today's Hotel, Lodging, Entertainment, and Tourism Environment

  • security culture.webp

    Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

  • Physical Layer Security in Wireless Communications

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing