*** You will reply to 2 classmates’ threads. At least 1 paragraph in length. They must be on the same page, but LABLED WHO’s is WHOSE. The first paragraph should be labeled (Nicholas Capriola) and the other one should be labeled (Lauren Watt) ******1. Do you agree or disagree? 2. Why or why not?
Nicholas Capriola
The planning and execution of perimeters and access are vital to the success of the marathon. There are many people participating and groups cheering on those running, so you want to develop an extensive plan that will keep everyone safe. All local authorities need to work together to ensure all bases are covered when implementing such a plan. The first step in the process would be to develop a perimeter control plan for the event. One of the main steps is to conduct a crime analysis to better understand any potential problems (Marathon Safety and Security Best Practices Guide, 2015). All jurisdictions must communicate in ensuring the perimeter is correctly determined to be effective. Next, the authorities will step up barriers blocking entrance points into the race (Marathon Safety and Security Best Practices Guide, 2015).
This step is vital in maintaining no vehicular traffic through the area on the day of the event. It is beneficial to create specific security areas where people can report issues or receive help; this will help keep everyone safe (Marathon Safety and Security Best Practices Guide, 2015). The inner space where the race will be happening should be locked down throughout the entire day. The middle area will be about one hundred feet immediately parallel to the course: water/medical tents and viewing areas (Marathon Safety and Security Best Practices Guide, 2015). The outer space would include parking lots and staging areas for the race (Marathon Safety and Security Best Practices Guide, 2015). Local authorities must conduct an inspection the days leading up to the event to get a good understanding of the race’s layout.
In regards to credentialing for the race, access must be given appropriately. Volunteers must be stationed at all entrances to ensure that all trying to enter must have the correct credentials. All volunteers must have a list of individuals with access to that particular entry point. By having this, marathon goers will have less trouble entering the area. It is also vital for all those entering to be adequately screened. By going through metal detectors, you are putting everyone’s safety as a top priority.
After the Boston Marathon bombing, the city of Boston has utilized technology to better monitor the event. Local authorities have partnered with Esri for real-time tracking of the marathon. This system enhances communication and crisis management for all involved (Balakrishnan, 2016). This app can track the location of runners and any traffic issues and will alert you when something seems out of the ordinary (Balakrishnan, 2016). This app allows for everything to be tracked and closely monitored. Overall, local authorities must implement an effective plan for a marathon’s finish line. By outlining the perimeters, controlling access into the race, and enhancing communication, you are taking the necessary steps to keep everyone safe.
Lauren Watt
For any event it is important to have protective measures in place to ensure the safety of people and to the structure(s). In an event on the scale of the Boston Marathon it is absolutely critical. By having perimeter control, access control, and a proper credentialing process this helps reduce the risk of a tragic event occurring.
To properly implement perimeter control in a 26.2 mile race is difficult, however the first thing that would need to occur is that roads and streets should be blocked off and appropriate detours set (Schwarz, Hall, & Shibli, 2010). Then a perimeter would need to be set for the fans. Many people come out to cheer on their loved ones, but they need to be set away from the road so they don’t interfere with the race. I would like to say the next step is to inspect any buildings within a 100 feet of the event area, but I’m curious how realistic is this with the amount of miles covered. The biggest thing with perimeter control is preventing illegal entry so creating boundaries and doing so at least 24 hours prior to the race is key (Schwarz, Hall, & Shibli, 2010).
Access control is enforced to prevent unwanted persons or vehicles from entering the area (Schwarz, Hall, & Shibli, 2010). Again in the case of the Boston Marathon they do not require passes or tickets for fans, so this is tricky. Currently their website gives view points for spectators but also has a list of prohibited items (Spectator Information). It also lets spectators know to expect a heavy police presence both uniformed and in plain clothing (Spectator Information). In an event such as this spectators are able to watch and move freely behind the perimeter. However when it comes to some technology based security solutions I think it would be smart to employ drones that have the capability to scan for bombs or other prohibited items. They could also be running Biometrics to help identify spectators and scan against databases.
Credentialing is the process of allowing access to various parts of the event. Those who are working/volunteering to make the event a success need access to different things. In order to receive any access workers will have to pick up or have their coded access sent to them after submitting proper documentation. I think color coding workers is an easy way to communicate jobs and expectations. Having a proper plan with effective training and communication goes a long way when planning an event, but even more so when an incident arises.
