The Challenges of Open Outdoor Event Security

Planning, Preparation, and Training Are Critical

By Brian Higgins

Securing an open, outdoor event presents unique challenges - from wide sightlines and

long distances to unpredictable crowd behavior - making it extremely difficult to control

every potential threat. Even with careful planning, trained personnel, and

comprehensive emergency protocols, the inherent vulnerabilities of outdoor events

require more strategy and resources.

In my experience working with high-profile events, the safest environments are

controlled ones. Indoor venues, where entry points can be monitored and screened,

offer a level of risk management that is difficult to achieve in an open space. Outdoor

settings, on the other hand, expose everyone in attendance to factors that are often

unpredictable and challenging to mitigate. Crowds can form unexpectedly, sightlines are

expansive and difficult to monitor, and access control is challenging. On top of those

challenges, there is always the potential for a weather threat (lightning strikes, wind,

etc.) These conditions make it essential for organizers to go beyond basic measures

and develop comprehensive security strategies that account for a wide range of

scenarios.

Emergency Response Planning

When securing a large outdoor event, planners must develop clear protocols for the

unexpected. In the event of an incident, the response must be rapid, coordinated, and

structured to address the following multiple priorities simultaneously:

1. Providing Immediate Care: Ensuring that anyone who is injured receives prompt medical attention is critical. The plan must integrate trained medical personnel, triage stations, and clear communication channels.

2. Neutralizing the Threat: Identifying and containing the source of the threat

   prevents further harm. This may involve coordinating with law enforcement,

   securing perimeters, and following pre-established lockdown or evacuation

   protocols.

3. Managing the Crowd: The response of attendees to the threat must be

   considered. Panic, confusion, and fear can increase risks, so crowd management

   and effective communication must be prioritized.

When my company is charged with securing an outdoor event, we don’t just develop a

robust emergency response plan that incorporates the above, we also rehearse

protocols in advance to ensure that both staff and security personnel are ready to act

decisively if an emergency occurs.

Crowd Management Standards

Proper crowd management is a critical component of event security. The National Fire

Protection Association (NFPA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have

established standards recommending one certified crowd manager for every 250

attendees. For a gathering of 3,000 people, this translates to a minimum of 12 trained

personnel who are solely tasked with managing the audience. Crowd managers are

completely separate from the those assigned to address potential security threats. They

are responsible for identifying and addressing any obstructions or barriers to exits, as

well as directing and assisting attendees in evacuation during an emergency. Their role

is crucial when dealing with large crowds in outdoor settings.

Emerging Threats

Security planning for outdoor events must also account for evolving threats, such as:

•  Drones, which can pose surveillance risks or deliver hazardous materials, requiring monitoring and countermeasures.

•  Explosives, which require careful screening, perimeter control, and rapid response capabilities.

•  Chemical Releases, which necessitate the development of mitigation and evacuation plans.

A safety plan must integrate multiple layers of protection to address these threats and

ensure that all event personnel are trained to respond effectively to each.

Resource Considerations

The unique vulnerabilities of outdoor events require far greater security resources than

similarly sized indoor gatherings. Staffing levels, emergency equipment, medical

support, and coordination with local agencies must all be tailored to the specific

characteristics of the event location. To address these challenges effectively, organizers

must implement enhanced threat mitigation strategies and proactive planning to ensure

the safety of all attendees.