Blog

Predicting Violence in Public Venues

News reports in the aftermath of an incident involving extreme violence frequently quote victims and witnesses as saying things like “it came out of nowhere”, or “he just snapped”, or “he seemed like such a nice guy, I never would believe he could do it”.    All are common quotes and all are likely incorrect.  While specific incidents of violence can never be entirely predictable, the capacity for violence is often entirely predictable.  When situations are predictable, they are preventable.

In the recent tragic case of the Aurora, CO, theater shooting, certainly to the moviegoers, the actions of a deranged man who was unknown to them could not have been predictable.  But, to others who knew or had associations with the shooter, his actions likely provided clues that, if reported and acted upon, may have led to another outcome.

James Holmes made preparations for his rampage for approximately two months prior to the attack, purchasing over 6000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, gas masks and weapons and received multiple deliveries at his apartment.  It is highly unlikely his actions were completely unpredictable.  Furthermore, to the staff of a movie theater premiering a late night, much anticipated, highly promoted and violent film (attended by costumed patrons with many wearing masks), the potential for violence was easily discernable.  While James Holmes was unknown to the both the theater patrons and staff, the potential for violence at the theater on opening night should have been anticipated and acted upon by the staff.

In order to provide adequate security at a public venue hosting a major event, several things must occur.  Management must assume ownership for security with the security responsibility clearly assigned to one person.  Too often in public venues such as movie theaters, security is given little thought and no staff member is assigned the specific responsibility.  With responsibility comes accountability and the job of security, once assigned, will be done and not assumed.  Some key questions must be given consideration in preparation for an event:

• What is the event?
• Will it be over crowded?
• How will the crowd behave?
• Who will attend the event?
• What condition will they be in upon arrival/departure?  (intoxicated, happy, angry, excited)
• Should I prohibit certain clothing? (hoodies, gang garb, masks)
• Can weapons be brought into the event? (why, by whom, under what conditions)
• Do I have appropriate security signage clearly visible?
• Can the facility properly accommodate all needs?
• Do I have the capacity to evacuate?
• Do I have adequate medical resources for the event?
• Are there enough supplies to service the crowd?
• Can the crowd become angry?
• Is there any chance of cancellation during the event? If so will the crowd become angry?
• Does the event incite violence? (contact sports, shared events with adversarial groups, violent movies)
• What is the security profile of the surrounding area?
• Will the event draw from the surrounding area or beyond?
• Will members of violent groups attend? (street gangs, prostitutes)
• Will the event draw protests?
• Do I have adequate security personnel on site?
• Do I have a scalable security force?  (can I call in reinforcements quickly)
• Is the event properly permitted?
• Does law enforcement know about the event?
• Do I have the support of law enforcement if necessary?
• Do I have adequate crowd control resources?
• Is the parking lot secure?
• Have we provided for adequate ingress and egress in both the parking and event facility?
• Do I have appropriate perimeter control?
• Would I be comfortable with my family in attendance?

The role of security at public venues is critically important as was clearly demonstrated in Aurora and should never be an afterthought or given low priority.  Your best security comes from an aware and well-trained staff that is supported by a security professional.  By considering these key questions prior to an event and evaluating the likelihood of occurrence—balanced against the impact of occurrence—you will have done your best to predict and prevent violence in your public venue.

Kathy Leodler Chief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555

Paul Leodler Executive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180

We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.