Boston Bombings Reveal Holes in Event, Stadium Security
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.