In this week’s video series, we talk about the level of security at stadiums and sporting venues across the country. With the ongoing labor shortage and lingering COVID concerns, security teams at sporting venues are facing an increasing number of challenges. James DeMeo, a sport security consultant and former police officer, knows these challenges well and shares his expert insights.
DeMeo says more now than ever, risk assessments are vital in keeping fans safe and ensuring that sporting venues are doing everything possible to safeguard their spaces with the available resources. One of the most prevalent issues, he notes, is a lack of help. With a shortage of security officers to work large-scale events — including sporting venues — it can prove to be quite difficult. He points to an example of a state fair to illustrate the challenges.
Communities are (in some areas) having to pull in from multiple agencies because of a lack in law enforcement. That could mean officers from many different departments who may have been trained differently or are not used to working with each other responsible for being prepared in the event of an emergency. There’s also the issue of the long days. Some of these officers are working normal hours and then have hours on a bus to help out with events and they show up tired. This is just one of the “new norms” that security is dealing with.
With all that is going on in today’s world, DeMeo wants to not only educate people on the current climate challenges, (in a non-fear mongering type of way), but also present some tips for spectators. James tells us an educated fan is a safe one, so here are five tips for a seamless fan experience:
1. Plan on arriving at the venue well ahead of the scheduled event/performance start time. This way you’ll be able to find parking, gain entry, purchase some soda & popcorn and get to your seats with plenty of time to spare.
2. Know exactly where you parked your vehicle’s location and its proximity to the venue.
3. Ensure that everyone in your family has a fully charged cell phone in case you are separated as a result of a true emergency situation at or near the venue.
4. Make sure you read over the venue’s code of conduct. Located on your Team’s website, you find out if you will be required to wear a face mask, provide proof of vaccination and/or negative Covid-19 test along with other pandemic and safety requirements.
5. Create a pre-determined meeting spot for you and your family in the event you have to evacuate the venue due to an emergency. Always follow the direction and guidance of first responders, law enforcement working at the venue.
DeMeo also addresses Covid and the challenges that is bringing to sports security. Click on the video for more and be sure to continue to visit our website for more videos just like this one!
In this week’s edition of our video series, we are introducing you to our newest consultant, Jeff Anspaugh. PRS is elated to have Jeff join us as he brings decades of experience in law enforcement, military service and corporate security!
If you really want to get to know Jeff, you can always ask our CEO, Mike! Jeff just happened to be Mike’s best man in his wedding! I can tell you Jeff’s kind nature and positivity are infectious! Jeff also doesn’t shy away from talking about his faith. Something that has pulled him through the tough times and gives him that much more joy during the good times! Jeff also can’t talk enough about his love for his wonderful wife. Ideal weekend day? Hosting dinners, playing cards and hanging out in their neighborhood.
Jeff says his years as an officer provided so many life changing moments but his favorite was seeing others change. He describes the relief and happiness from watching someone turn their life around. Listen to the video for one story in particular! Be sure to continue to check out more blogs on our website.
Brittany Galli jokes she ended up in security by accident. She is now the Chief Success Officer for MoboHubb, the founder of Getting Security Done and the future chair for ASIS’s Global Women In Security. Starting out in the financial world for consulting and education, she moved to the East Coast and got more involved with corporate operations. Entering security as a young professional and a woman she saw some shortcomings.
That’s one of the reasons she organized Breakfast at Brittany’s at a GSX Conference in Florida. Brittany invited leaders in the industry to get together and chat about the changes they wanted to see. This is how Getting Security Done was born. Tackling everything from technology to business acumen, they have a meeting of the minds weekly and then host educational webinars.
Brittany credits the MeToo Movement as a partial reason for the expanded desire to have women in the security industry. She says men ask her how they can help women in the industry. Brittany tells them there are three things: 1) Help someone around you get promoted 2) You can get them connected 3) Support them, follow them on social media, like comments. She says the third sets women up for success by gaining respect from peers. Brittany believes women in security are no longer afraid to speak up and she has seen that progress over the past few years.
Women In Security Click on the video to hear Brittany’s entire interview and come back to our website for more videos like this!
The title of this blog….how does kindness fit into the security sector? Surprisingly, quite well according to the founders of The Kindness Games! In this week’s editions of our series, “Strong, Safe & True,” we sat down with Tim Wenzel, Lee Oughton, Kelsey Carnell, and Kehkashan Dadwani to talk about the initiative that is bringing joy throughout our industry.
The Kindness Games concept is simple, be kind, and highlight people who are great examples. The goal is to post a video message dedicated to someone who has displayed kindness or influenced a person’s life in a positive way. It’s supposed to be 30 posts in 30 days, but the time frame is loose. This kindness drive is flipping the normal perception of a security professional, i.e. tough, no emotion, no vulnerability. It’s gaining traction and attention, to the point is is now expanding into other industries.
It all started with a post Lee did giving a colleague a shout out. Tim saw the post and thought about how that must have made the person feel and reached out to Lee. They collectively decided to do that every day and brand it. Kelsey and Kehkashan jumped on board and this group has made it happen! Check out the video to hear more and by the way, all are welcome to participate. There is no invitation required, you don’t need to receive a shout-out, just reach out!
We love our people at Premier Risk Solutions. Our entire philosophy of doing business is based around understanding people and then forming and building on relationships. That includes our clients and our employees….so…..we have spent the last couple of weeks introducing you to our people. This week it’s Rich Cinfio! Rich has decades of experience in the security industry and currently manages security for six hospitals, part of a major healthcare system in Ohio. He is also one of PRS’s trusted advisors!
Rich splits his time between Montana and Nevada with his lovely wife and while he has a thick East Coast accent, he is actually originally from California! We talked to Rich about everything from where he likes to spend his days, his ability in the kitchen, his family, and bonded over the hardest type of moments he’s had over the years. To hear what Rich had to say click on the video and remember to continue to visit our website for more videos!
