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Home Video Surveillance: Security Products at Stadiums and ArenasVideo Surveillance
Sporting events, concerts, large meetings and other gatherings at stadiums and arenas pose a unique security challenge. In the event of an emergency, security officials must be prepared to quickly and safely evacuate numerous spectators, often exceeding 100,000, as well as officials, stadium employees, members of the media, and teams or entertainers and their staff. Security personnel also have the responsibility for effectively screening spectators, employees and entertainers at entry points to prevent the introduction of weapons or other prohibited substances that could pose problems. Such large and complicated security needs cannot be met with the use of a single security product. Stadiums and arenas maximize their security by employing many types of security products, creating layers of security which cooperate with each other to avoid disaster. One of the most effective ways that stadiums employ to maintain a peaceful environment is to have a simple, well-advertised list of prohibited items that may potentially cause problems. These items may include alcohol and drugs, firearms, weapons, coolers, backpacks, or other large bags. This list of commonly forbidden objects is common knowledge, and this automatically lowers the numbers of spectators who attempt to enter a stadium or an arena with any of the forbidden items. The first measure that most stadiums and arenas take is a preliminary screening, performed by security agents at entry points into the stadium. Spectators are required to present any bags for visual inspection. In many instances, objects like coolers, backpacks, large bags, video cameras, thermoses are prohibited and spectators must either surrender them, take them back to their car, or be denied entry. In many stadiums, spectators are also required to pass through a metal detector to screen for weapons or other threats. Another element of the preliminary screening is a brief frisking. This physical inspection is another safeguard against the introduction of weapons into the stadium, and is used only in the event of a serious threat or the perceived threat of violence from a spectator. Spectators don’t undergo another screening after the initial inspection at the turnstile, but that does not mean security after this point is a passive force. Guards often patrol the stadium or arena during the game, mostly to squelch problems like public drunkenness, rowdy spectators, and blatant littering. The highly charged, competitive atmosphere of some games may cause some fans to fight over results or certain controversial aspects of the event. Therefore, security guards are also a valuable tool to help maintain a calm atmosphere when the game is over. Surveillance cameras and CCTV systems are another common security measure used by stadiums, arenas, and organizers of large sporting events to protect their spectators, teams, and employees. Security cameras and their footage are effective in deterring crimes from occurring, and they are also useful in identifying perpetrators of any crimes that do occur. Advances in security camera technology are being taken advantage of by many event organizers. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, security personnel utilized advanced surveillance robots that independently toured the grounds of games with the assistance of a Global Positioning System satellite. These robots, called OFRO, are able to navigate over pavement and uneven ground, and climb hills. They transmitted live digital footage to security personnel in a central control room. Another robot, which resembles the fictional robot R2-D2, was used to patrol parking lots to prevent intruders. Security officials are also utilizing cutting edge video analytics software to search for criminals on the lam in the US. The universal appeal of sports draws everyone to watch, including convicted criminals and those on the run. At Super Bowl 39 in Tampa, Florida, Officials used facial recognition software to scan the faces of incoming spectators in an attempt to identify anyone who might be on the run from the law. In an environment with a frenetic atmosphere and large amounts of spectator, security products are key for the safety of everyone. Advances in technology are certainly helping officials in their quest for maintaining order, security products at stadiums and arenas are interdependent and depend on their varied aspects in order to maximize their protections. |
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