The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released its new Security of Soft Targets and Crowded Places–Resource Guide. It provides information on a wide range of free capabilities available via CISA that can be incorporated into the security practices of organizations of all sizes, not just soft targets and crowded places. 

Large venues pose unique challenges to security and emergency preparedness. The combination of dense crowds, media visibility and high economic value at such events creates great risk to people, property and reputation. But how do you ensure strong security while also ensuring your patrons and fans still have fun?

Although not all events can be stopped, there are strategies to mitigate occurrences by identifying threats at organizations. Threat assessment should be used at the organizational level to identity behavior that could lead to violence.

When the Mercedez-Benz Stadium was being built, leadership at AMB Sports & Entertainment decided to aim high when it comes to the quality of experience for fans attending events and games there. One key factor to becoming an “elite” venue, says Joe Coomer, CSSP, Vice President, Security, AMB Sports & Entertainment, was the game day associates – including parking attendants, ushers, beer vendors, the popcorn guy and, of course, the security staff.