8. Venue Security Flashcards
Why is Being Important Professional when carrying out a recce of a venue?
Unprofessional CPOs will instantly rub the venue security up the wrong way.
Unprofessional CPOs may think they are better and more important than the on-site security staff simply because they have a CPO badge.
Other CPOs may be blatantly rude by not introducing themselves or showing a lack of respect by expecting special treatment.
Why would you want to be kind to venue security when carrying out an Overt Reconnaissance Operation?
It pays dividends to get venue security onside. This can especially be the case if arriving at a venue ‘blind’ because the Principal’s schedule has changed at short notice or the venue has been added at the last minute leaving no time for any sort of recce in advance! In this event, the venue security manager can be either your best friend or your worst enemy.
What may CPOs try to do in a venue to gain more information about its security set-up?
It is human nature that CPOs will try to push the boundaries of what they can do and where they can and cannot go within a venue; e.g., trying to access back of house and staff-only areas, which does allow them to see the venue security setup or how easy it is to access off-limit areas.
However, it is still preferable, to liaise with venue security to get their permission and keep them informed.
Why must CPOs not get caught in ‘out of bounds’ areas or even on rooftops of venues?
Being detected and removed, and likely barred from returning, is embarrassing and will result in a failed recce with little or no information being obtained about that venue.
What may happen if venue security take a dislike to CPOs?
If the venue security management take a dislike to the CPO their response will range from being reluctant to offer up any assistance or vital information, to being downright obstructive.
When in particular should common sense be used in reccees?
In both overt and covert operations, but in particular covert ones
Why should great care be taken when considering the use of a camera?
Whilst taking photos within the public area of a venue like a bowling alley is unlikely to draw too much attention, doing the same thing inside a security-conscious shopping centre or store will almost certainly attract the attention of on-site security, who may be concerned that the premises are being ‘cased’ by criminals recording the locations of CCTV cameras and the movements of security staff.
What is a preferable alternative to taking photographs inside venues?
The availability of information from other publicly-accessible sources, such as websites and leaflets.
Why is it better to come away from a venue with no pictures than to be caught taking them?
You could effectively ‘blow’ a covert operation before it has even begun!
If in doubt, the CPO tasked with the recce should always seek the advice of his TL before acting
Name some factors affecting reconnaissance visits.
- Whether the operation is covert or overt
- Venue size, type, layout and facilities
- Vulnerabilities
- Location of safe room(s)
- Location of suitable debus and embus points
- Parking arrangements for drivers
- Timings – do the venue timings accord with the Principal’s schedule?
- Is access by ticket, can the Principal check-in in advance?
- Will there be security on duty, if so in-house or external?
- Are any protests directed at the Principal anticipated at the venue?
- Will media/press be present?
- Will the general public have access?
- Are there other VIPs and CP Teams expected?
- Where will the Principal sit?
- What is local area like – is the venue located in a high crime area?
Which are some of the questions that should be asked in regard to Communication when making a reconnaissance visit?
- How will the Team communicate inside the venue?
- Will communications within the venue be covert or overt?
- What equipment should be used – radios, mobile phones, WhatsApp etc.?
- If radios etc. to be used, has the equipment been checked and prepared by the QM?
- Are there any communications blackspots within the venue that may affect use of
radios and/or mobile phones? - Is there on-site wi-fi available that the Team could use?
Which are some of the questions that should be asked in regard to Countermeasures when making a reconnaissance visits?
- Has a SAP been deployed?
- Can the CP Team control access to the venue?
- Can the CP Team access any CCTV within the venue?
- Are vehicle/person searches appropriate?
Which are some of the questions that should be asked in regard to Contingencies when making a reconnaissance visits?
- Can the Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP) be followed?
- Is a safe room available in the venue?
- Can the SAP be deployed to assist?
What are some of the typical contents of a Venue Security Plan?
- Information about the venue, including contact details
- Description of the layout and facilities
- Vulnerabilities, including existing security arrangements
- Routes in and out of the venue
- Safe room(s)
- Communications within the venue
- Venue Emergency Procedures
- Embus and Debus points, and driver’s parking
- Countermeasures
- Risk Assessment (HIGH, MEDIUM or LOW)
- Photographs of the venue and vulnerabilities
- Copy Floor Plan
- Copy Ceiling Plan
- Satellite image(s) of venue and surrounding area
