From HVM systems, to traffic management, to detecting wider security threats, Rory McGoldrick, CEO of SAFECROWDS GROUP outlines the key strategies that can keep guests safe on match days or during other events.
Of all the crowded spaces where security plays a vital role in keeping people safe, stadiums are perhaps the most complex environments of all.
Not only do they attract a diverse crowd on match days, often with emotions running high, but they are also often used for other purposes on non-match days.
While once only the largest stadiums doubled as music venues, smaller stadiums are also leveraging the revenue these events can generate, creating a need for agile security strategies that adapt to the specific risk of every fixture and event to protect and manage crowds.
Thanks to the high profile of sport, large volumes of people who attend matches and events and the crowds that circulate around ingress and egress points before and after each fixture, stadiums have become a major target for terrorists.
Mitigating the terror risk begins with understanding it, because any protective measures put in place need to be tailored to the specific threat, vulnerability and risk affecting not only the stadium, but also the specific event taking place.
For example, an international final has a different threat profile to a domestic friendly fixture.
A Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (TVRA) carried out by a qualified expert is the groundwork for determining the inherent risk of the stadium and additional risk factors can then be overlaid on an event-by-event basis.
A wide-ranging assessment process, which involves a site visit to the stadium, as well as conversations with the stadium’s team and an understanding of operational activities, the TVRA should consider a variety of vulnerabilities: From insider threats and off-camera locations where terrorists could initiate an attack unseen, through to hostile reconnaissance and vehicle-as-a-weapon threats.
A Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA) is usually carried out as an integral part of the TVRA.
Again, this must be done by a certified expert and combines their expertise with modelling software to assess the potential speed, velocity and angle of an attacking vehicle, to ensure any hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) is correctly specified and properly installed in the appropriate location.
HVM systems have become an increasingly common part of match day and event day security at stadiums, installed to help protect people from vehicle attacks and to prevent vehicles from being used as a means of forced access to carry out other types of terror attacks.
Some stadiums choose to install permanent HVM in selected locations and may opt for a system that allows bollards to be removed and reinstated to allow for deliveries, for example.
This can be the most cost-effective security solution in some scenarios, but one of the most challenging aspects of stadium security is the Zone Ex area and surface-mounted, temporary HVM systems are often the most appropriate solution here.
Zone Ex refers to the area surrounding the stadium, where crowds gather before and after a match or event.
This is a very vulnerable location and protecting this area from hostile vehicles includes considering both roads and pavements, requiring pedestrian permeable protection for pedestrian routes into and out of the stadium.
HVM equipment should be specified based on the level of risk indicated by the TVRA and VDA.
So, for example, if there is a main road leading towards the stadium that could be accessed by a large vehicle travelling at speed, the protection required will need to have a higher rating than a smaller stadium surrounded by narrower local roads.
All rated HVM systems available for deployment in the UK are listed in the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) catalogue, which is good place to check that the system recommended by a provider meets the risk identified in the TVRA.
Temporary HVM must always be installed by a trained technician to ensure that it has been correctly deployed in the right location according to a bespoke method statement.
Almost all systems also require a trained steward to remain present throughout the deployment.
The advantage of deploying temporary HVM is that it can often be removed once the crowd is safely inside the stadium and reinstated before they leave, enabling normal traffic flows during the match or event.
Hiring the equipment also means that stadiums don’t have to store it when it is not in use or allocate their own personnel for installation.
While traffic management and HVM need to be closely aligned, it’s important to note that they are two different and distinct disciplines.
Traffic management is put in place to inform vehicle users of any road closures or restrictions, while HVM is designed to prevent hostile access.
Traffic management equipment must not, therefore, be used in place of rated HVM systems, but should be placed outside the Zone Ex perimeter, directing vehicles away from the stadium before they reach the HVM protection.
HVM has been a major focus for counter terrorism protection at stadiums due to the increasing prevalence of vehicle attacks, but this method of attack is far from the only threat.
Improvised exploding devices (IEDs) and marauding attacks are equally serious threats in stadium environments.
Canine detection teams can be used to mitigate the risk of IED attacks, with sweeps of the stadium prior to a fixture or event and continuing detection dog patrols during ingress and egress.
Behavioural detection specialists can also be deployed to support enhanced threat detection.
Often from a police or military background, these professionals form part of the security team and circulate as the crowd gathers to identify any suspicious behaviours, such as isolated figures avoiding being picked up by CCTV cameras, for example.
Not all of the security risks at a stadium are connected with terrorism.
Match days can be a tinder box of highly charged emotions, anti-social behaviour and alcohol and substance misuse.
Again, the deployment of trained canine teams is a useful addition to security, with drug and pyro detection dogs able to help security teams identify people who are dealing or taking drugs on site and those planning pitch invasions or match disruption with pyrotechnics.
At SAFECROWDS GROUP, our detection dogs are trained using real scents, with drug detection dogs able to indicate a variety of spiking substances, which helps to tackle a growing threat in sport and entertainment venues.
Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed guards and trained stewards are also integral to robust match or event day security.
These teams are not only there to keep fans safe, but are also part of the match day or event experience, so it is important that they are polite and well-presented, as well as being experienced in de-escalating conflict.
SIA licensed guards are responsible for ingress and egress security, ticket checks, bag checks and any body searches that may be required, as well as responding to any security incidents.
Meanwhile, stewarding teams are there to keep crowds safe and identify any potential hazards or risky behaviours, so that these can be reported and addressed before it becomes an issue.
Counter terrorism and security are often considered separately but there is considerable crossover between different areas of risk and the solutions put in place to mitigate them.
Working with an interdisciplinary team that can deliver an integrated approach ensures that stadium security is coordinated and robust.
This article was originally published in the June edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.
