The Role of Technology in Event Security

By Brian Higgins

With the summer season, comes an upswing in large outdoor events – from local carnivals and state fairs to music festivals and global attractions like the upcoming FIFA World Cup. While these gatherings bring people together for fun and unforgettable experiences, they also present unique security challenges that require strategic planning and seamless execution. Any effective plan should integrate the use of technology as it helps teams to anticipate and mitigate potential threats before they materialize. From real-time surveillance and drone monitoring to open-source information gathering, today’s tech tools are transforming how we create a safer environment for everyone in attendance.

Top Technologies Keeping Events Safe

When it comes to securing large crowds, the human eye and intuition – while invaluable – are no longer sufficient on their own. The sheer scale and complexity of events today demand a level of surveillance, analysis, and responsiveness that simply exceeds human capability. Today’s tech tools are like extensions of our senses, enabling security teams to detect threats that would otherwise go unnoticed. These tools provide insights that improve decision-making and response time. Some key technological tools that have become integral components in event security strategies include:

• Biometrics – Whether for admission or monitoring, biometric systems have become a popular event security go-to. Event organizers can require access through facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, while security team members can use the technology to detect unauthorized or suspicious individuals before they cause harm.

• Drones – Aerial surveillance provides a bird’s-eye view of events, giving security teams valuable real-time insights into crowd density, attendee movement patterns, and other hazards. Drones also can use thermal imaging to spot concealed weapons and persons.

• AI Powered Surveillance and Threat Identification Systems – These systems can analyze video feeds and scan crowds in real time, helping security teams to more quickly identify suspicious behaviors and potential threats. Scanning attendees discretely, AI-driven systems can also detect weapons without invasive searches.

• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) – Scouring sources like social media, public records, news, and websites, security teams can collect and analyze publicly available information to gain valuable insights to prevent future attacks.

Technology Doesn’t Replace Human Expertise

While technology can vastly improve security efforts, it cannot replace the expertise of a professional. Yes, it can quickly process large amounts of data, see through clothing, and identify patterns, but the nuanced judgment of an experienced security expert is irreplaceable. AI may flag unusual crowd movements or identify a concealed weapon, but the security professional is who assesses the context, determines the threat level, and decides the appropriate course of action. Effective event security takes a balanced approach combining the power of technology with the judgment of human experience.

Case Study: Securing a Fundraising Event

One of my clients recently hosted a high-profile fundraising event that included several VIPs, public figures, and corporate leaders. With such an influential guest list, a standard approach wouldn’t suffice. As head of security for the event, I developed a comprehensive intelligence-driven security plan that strategically integrated technological tools to ensure thorough coverage and rapid response capabilities.

A top priority was leveraging open-source intelligence. In the days leading up to the event, we actively monitored social media platforms, news outlets, forums, and other sites for any indicators of potential threats. By combining this intelligence with tools like geofencing alerts, license plate recognition, temporary security cameras, physical screening at the entry, limiting entry to one location, and adding security personnel at the exterior of the venue to extend visual screening, we created a layered security approach that was discreet and highly effective.

Benefits of Incorporating Security Technologies

Integrating cutting-edge technology into your security initiatives offers valuable advantages:

• Enhanced Awareness - Real-time data collection and analysis provide the security team with a deeper view into what is transpiring at the event

• Improved Response Times - Automated alerts and AI-driven insights lead to faster and more effective responses

• Resource Optimization - Predictive analytics help security teams identify needs, from technologies to personnel and equipment

In Event Security, Technology Should Augment Human Touch

Integrating technological tools with human expertise is the new standard. By harnessing the power of these tools and combining them with seasoned expertise, we can create safer environments at large scale and/or high profile events. My team is committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements so we can provide our clients with peace of mind.