As an introvert, I’ve never been especially fond of large public gatherings. Some people can relax and lose themselves in the crowd; others like me find such events fundamentally unrelaxing.
As a career security professional, I even have more reason to dislike large public gatherings. I know that 99% of the people at a given event are there for the right reasons. What concerns me is the remaining 1% that is often composed of drunks, thieves, predators and those prone to social violence. Rarer still, but with greater potential consequences, are groups that want to disrupt the event, mentally unstable people who want their 5 minutes of fame or even terrorists seeking to kill and call attention to their cause.
Nonetheless, it is unreasonable and possibly even unhealthy to avoid all large public gatherings. Like most people, I’ve enjoyed going to conventions, concerts, lectures, gradations, games and similar events. Unlike many people however I embrace the need to maintain a heightened level of situational awareness not only for my own security but for the protection of those around me.
If you are a protector; if you believe that someone needs to be the adult and look out for others then I invite you to consider the following basic principles on how to deal with personal and group security when in crowded venues.
MINDSET: Understand that bad things happen to someone, somewhere every day and nothing exempts you from trouble. In other words, it can happen to you.
RESPONSIBILITY: Whether you are male or female, young or old, you have a responsibility to protect others within your capabilities. So, if you possess the physical capability to protect others then you should do so. If you are discerning and can see trouble developing, then you have a responsibility to alert others. If you have the ability to deescalate bad situations then you should do so.
ATTEND AS A GROUP: Groups of people present a harder target than an individual or a couple.
COMPOSITION OF THE GROUP: When gathering a group of people try to maintain a reasonable ratio of men to women and children. It is never reasonable to expect one adult male to effectively protect a large group of women and children. The more balanced the ratio the more deterrence and response value is present.
HAVE A PLAN: As a group determine, what you will do in various circumstances. What if someone gets separated? What if there is an evacuation of the venue? What if someone gets hurt? etc. etc. An incident will never take place exactly as you have planned, but the act of planning will give you a baseline to make informed decisions.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Make a habit of noticing details. Where are the primary and secondary entrances and exits? Who is nearby? What are they doing? Do they seem to be carrying a weapon? Does their demeanor seem reasonable given the environment? Do they seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Where is the focus of their attention? If they are paying too much attention to you, your group or the Police there may be a problem.
RESPONSIBILITY: Whether you are male or female, young or old, you have a responsibility to protect others within your capabilities. So, if you possess the physical capability to protect others then you should do so. If you are discerning and can see trouble developing, then you have a responsibility to alert others. If you have the ability to deescalate bad situations then you should do so.
ATTEND AS A GROUP: Groups of people present a harder target than an individual or a couple.
COMPOSITION OF THE GROUP: When gathering a group of people try to maintain a reasonable ratio of men to women and children. It is never reasonable to expect one adult male to effectively protect a large group of women and children. The more balanced the ratio the more deterrence and response value is present.
HAVE A PLAN: As a group determine, what you will do in various circumstances. What if someone gets separated? What if there is an evacuation of the venue? What if someone gets hurt? etc. etc. An incident will never take place exactly as you have planned, but the act of planning will give you a baseline to make informed decisions.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Make a habit of noticing details. Where are the primary and secondary entrances and exits? Who is nearby? What are they doing? Do they seem to be carrying a weapon? Does their demeanor seem reasonable given the environment? Do they seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Where is the focus of their attention? If they are paying too much attention to you, your group or the Police there may be a problem.
MOVEMENT & POSITIONING: Most people do not consider how their movement and relative position impacts their security and the security the group. If your group has people who need additional levels of protection, such as children, then those people should be in the middle of the group. The people in your group who are the natural protectors should maintain a box around this group and closely monitor anyone who tries to enter the box. Similarly, when moving, the box should be maintained as much as possible. If you are you not used to doing this it is difficult and can feel alien, but it does provide better group security. With significant practice it becomes second nature.
BE WILLING TO TAKE ACTION: Many crime victims say that they had a feeling that something wasn’t right before the incident. Don’t rationalize danger signs. Take action to either remove yourself and your group from the threat or, if that is not possible to effectively engage the threat.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: By now, we’ve all likely heard the phrase, “If you see something; say something.” It is almost cliché, but it is nonetheless true. You should report any activity that looks suspicious to you to the proper authorities. By making the environment safer for others you will also make it safer for yourself and your group.
KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE: Most people have no intention or desire to hurt you however it only takes one incident to significantly impact you and your group. Be vigilant, plan and be willing to take action, but remember that God is in control.
BE WILLING TO TAKE ACTION: Many crime victims say that they had a feeling that something wasn’t right before the incident. Don’t rationalize danger signs. Take action to either remove yourself and your group from the threat or, if that is not possible to effectively engage the threat.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: By now, we’ve all likely heard the phrase, “If you see something; say something.” It is almost cliché, but it is nonetheless true. You should report any activity that looks suspicious to you to the proper authorities. By making the environment safer for others you will also make it safer for yourself and your group.
KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE: Most people have no intention or desire to hurt you however it only takes one incident to significantly impact you and your group. Be vigilant, plan and be willing to take action, but remember that God is in control.
