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The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defines a mass gathering as a large number of people coming together in a particular location for a specific purpose. These locations, especially those associated with large crowds, could be an attractive target for terrorism and other crimes. Event planners may avoid or mitigate many such incidents by connecting with local authorities, developing plans to identify issues and support incident response, training staff and volunteers, and reporting concerns to emergency authorities.
The Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool is designed to provide event planners a framework to begin or continue planning efforts for a mass gathering or special event. The tool contains a combination of background information, event-planning checklist items, and venue characteristics, as well as suggested planning considerations based on the information entered. The output is not meant to identify every detail for consideration in mass gathering plans, but rather to identify an overarching framework for developing sound plans. The resources contained in this tool will point planners to credible resources to find best practices related to mass gatherings and event planning.
The output of the tool is a Microsoft Word report that outlines existing features at the venue and can inform ongoing collaboration among planning team members, law enforcement personnel, and first responders. The output will further provide some direction for improving the planning process.
Mass Gathering Event Information
Every event or mass gathering has properties that affect planning considerations. Hazards and threats are often the first variable planners consider when planning for a mass gathering or event. However, some of the most important considerations are the characteristics of the venue, the type of event, the number and demographics of people who will attend, and the ability of crowds to move safely throughout the venue. The event-specific information tab of this tool will help to establish those initial planning considerations.
Resources
- ANSI, ES1.9-2020 Crowd Management: https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/
- Event Safety Alliance, The Event Safety Guide: https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
- CISA, Mass Gatherings: Security Awareness for Soft Targets and Crowded Places: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Mass%20Gatherings%20-%20Security%20Awareness%20for%20ST-CP.PDF
- CISA, “Securing Public Gatherings”: https://www.cisa.gov/securing-public-gatherings
- FEMA, Special Events Contingency Planning: https://emilms.fema.gov/is_0015b/media/261.pdf
General Information
Points of Contacts
| Type | Name | Position/Title | Agency/Company/Organization | Phone Number | Mobile Number | Remove | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Contact |
Enter numerical digits only
Enter numerical digits only
Event-specific Information
Venue type
The venue type can present challenges for security and emergency planning. If the mass gathering is slated to occur inside a building, has the building been designed to host this type of event safely? Are life-safety systems in place? Do temporary measures need to be added to offset the lack of life-safety systems? Have outdoor venues made concessions for environmental issues such as severe weather? Is the venue close to roads or high-traffic areas where vehicles may run into crowds? Is the surrounding area residential or urban? How will the mass gathering affect the local population located nearby? Will participants arrive early to tailgate or celebrate afterwards?
Event population (number of people)
The total number of people expected at an event can be difficult to identify with specificity in advance. However, determining the time when maximum attendance will be present at the event is important for emergency and first-responder planning, especially at longer and multiple-day events where first responders may not be always present.
| Employees (paid employees of the sponsoring organization) | Volunteers (unpaid volunteers assisting with the event in some capacity) | Vendors (individuals selling goods, services, or information) | Spectators and participants (persons watching, presenting, participating in the event) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of people on most populated day or time of event | ||||
| Number of people on least populated day or time of event | ||||
| Number of people during off-hours (multi-day event, or preparation, set up, cleanup) |
Event population (crowd composition)
The composition of the anticipated crowd at an event can inform the type of security, support services, and planning needed. For example, crowd dynamics for sporting events that serve alcohol will be different than those at a non-sporting event where alcohol is not served. For more information about these selections, see the FEMA Special Events Contingency Planning Job Aids Manual, p. 2-11: https://emilms.fema.gov/is_0015b/media/261.pdf
Event population (crowd density)
Planning considerations for crowd density include how to manage crowd traffic, how to disperse people from areas that have exceeded their capacity and determine the assets and personnel needed to respond to an incident such as a medical emergency. For more information about these selections, see the FEMA Special Events Contingency Planning Job Aids Manual, p. 2-11: https://emilms.fema.gov/is_0015b/media/261.pdf
For more information about these selections, see the FEMA Special Events Contingency Planning Job Aids Manual, p. 1-9: https://emilms.fema.gov/is_0015b/media/261.pdf
Event type
Planners should tailor physical security, and security management measures to the venue. These determinations are shaped by the nature of the venue and location (e.g., urban vs. rural, surrounding terrain, transportation systems). Some venues are indoors and will require life-safety systems and static security posts. Other venues may be outdoors and more fluid, which will require planners to keep areas clear for emergency response vehicles coupled with more of a roving security presence.
For the “Demonstration/controversial event (planned)” selection, see the “High-Profile/Controversial Events” section in the FEMA Special Events Contingency Planning Job Aids Manual, p. 2-9: https://emilms.fema.gov/is_0015b/media/261.pdf
Alcohol consumption
Serving alcohol at events can add a dimension to crowd dynamics that requires further planning. Alcohol intoxication can lead to unsafe behavior that event planners should account for as a possibility during any event where alcohol is served. If alcohol is not allowed at the event, screening personnel should know what is prohibited, and develop a procedure to deal with patrons who try to enter with alcohol.
All follow up questions on alcohol consumption are not applicable if alcohol consumption is not permitted.
Volunteers, employees, and first responders should understand the alcohol policy for the event.
Allowing attendees to bring alcohol into an event can limit the effectiveness of alcohol sales policies at the venue. If outside alcohol is not allowed at the event, screening personnel should know what is prohibited, and develop a procedure to deal with patrons to try to enter with alcohol.
Ceasing alcohol sales prior to the official end of an event can prevent over intoxication. However, allowing attendees to leave and re-enter an event may limit the effectiveness of decisions to cease alcohol sales at specific times. For more information, see The Event Safety Guide, section 9.6.9, p. 109: https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
Attendees
VIPs, senior officials, and dignitaries may add security requirements to the planning process. They may travel with their own security detail and may require certain types of protections systems. Event planners should ensure that security personnel are aware of the VIP presence and consider any special resources that might be needed to enhance security for these individuals.
The follow up question on attendees is not applicable if there are no VIPs attending the event.
Crowd management plan
Crowd management entails understanding how a crowd is likely to behave and move during an event. Event planners should consider how patrons might move from event attractions to restroom areas, concessions, guest services, etc. Planners should anticipate these patterns and attempt to organize the venue based on expected crowd behavior.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) released a standard for crowd management with the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) and the Event Safety Alliance (ESA). The standard outlines a model for crowd management known as DIME-ICE, which includes four elements (“Design, Information, Management, Expectations”) that are applied to three phases of a given event: Ingress, Circulation, and Egress.
The model uses a planning matrix that considers how each of the four elements affects those three phases. For more detailed information about the DIME-ICE model, see ANSI ES1.9-2020 Crowd Management available at https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/ under the “Crowd Management Standard” link in the Guidance section. The crowd management standard also highlights the RAMP (“Routes, Areas, Movement, and Profile”) analysis adapted from crowd science studies. This method covers the routes that people will take to move around the venue; areas to expand and/or restrict to determine safe crowd density; ways to anticipate crowd movement and interaction with venue attractions; and how to profile crowd demographics to identify when and how a crowds might arrive and depart the event.
Planning Consideration(s):
American National Standards Institute, ES1.9-2020: Crowd Management. July 6, 2020. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/
University of Leeds, Understanding Crowd Behaviours: Guidance and Lessons Identified. 2009. P. 23. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/62637/guideforreaders1_0.pdf
American National Standards Institute, ES1.9-2020: Crowd Management. July 6, 2020. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/
University of Leeds, Understanding Crowd Behaviours: Guidance and Lessons Identified. 2009. P. 23. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/62637/guideforreaders1_0.pdf
American National Standards Institute, ES1.9-2020: Crowd Management. July 6, 2020. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/
University of Leeds, Understanding Crowd Behaviours: Guidance and Lessons Identified. 2009. P. 23. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/62637/guideforreaders1_0.pdf
Critical Area(s)
Planners should identify and describe critical areas that may need additional security during the event. Examples include main stage areas, backstage areas, beer gardens, and similar crowded areas; grandstands, ticket or entrance areas where people gather; critical points along a parade or race route for media or spectators; areas around race starting and finish lines; areas along a route that cross railroad tracks; areas along a route that are near hazardous-material storage areas; and areas located near utility connections that are critical for the event (e.g., electric, water, communications).
| Actions | Critical Area | Location (Inner, Middle, or Outer Perimeter) | Description | Comments |
|---|
Note: Planning considerations for critical areas include the following:
- Is this a place where people gather?
- Are procedures in place to manage pedestrian traffic?
- Are procedures in place to separate vehicle traffic from pedestrian traffic?
- If an evacuation or shelter-in-place plan exists, does it cover this area?
- What additional security measures (security officers or law enforcement, fences, controlled area) are in place for this area?
- Does the venue own or control the asset? If not, is the owner known?
Security Management Practices
Security and emergency action plans are an essential part of planning for special events. Most facilities create security plans that focus on normal operating conditions. However, holding an event or a mass gathering likely represents a dynamic environment outside of normal operating conditions and that may require some tailored approaches to security and emergency management. Whether the venue has one overall plan with sections or annexes, or the plan is split into separate plans, is less important than the existence and process of creating the plans. For templates and instruction on security, and emergency planning, see the following:
- FEMA, “Emergency Response Plan”: https://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/emergency
- FEMA, Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/plan#cpg
- CISA, Facility Security Plan: An Interagency Security Committee Guide: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/isc-facility-security-plan-guide
- FEMA, Special Events Contingency Planning: https://emilms.fema.gov/is_0015b/media/261.pdf
- U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement: https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
For training:
- FEMA, “IS-15.B: Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies”: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=is-15.b
General Security Practices
Command Structure
For more information and training concerning National Incident Management System (NIMS) and incident command structure, go to https://training.fema.gov/nims/.
All follow up questions on command structure are not applicable if no command structure has been established.
Security and Emergency Plans
All follow up questions on written security or emergency operations plan(s) are not applicable if the event does not have written security and emergency operations plans.
National Fire Protection Association, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs (NFPA 1600). 2019. Section 6, p. 1600-11. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=1600
U.S. Department of Justice. Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guide for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 7. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
Garcia, Mary Lynn, The Design and Evaluation of Physical Protection Systems (Burlington, MA: Elsevier Inc., 2008), 2nd edition.
U.S. Department of Justice. Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guide for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 7. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
FEMA, Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans: Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101. September 2021. P. 10. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/plan#cpg
ASIS International, Protection of Assets: Physical Security (Alexandria, VA: ASIS International 2021).
Ready.gov, “Training.” May 26, 2021. Accessed March 9, 2022. http://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/training
Ready.gov, “Training.” May 26, 2021. Accessed March 9, 2022. http://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/training
Ready.gov, “Training.” May 26, 2021. Accessed March 9, 2022. http://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/training
ASIS International, Protection of Assets: Physical Security (Alexandria, VA: ASIS International 2021).
National Fire Protection Association, Standard Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management (NFPA 1600). 2019. Ch. 9, p. 1600-12. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=1600.
Ready.gov, “Training.” May 26, 2021. Accessed March 9, 2022. http://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/training
Policies and Procedures
Notifications
For more information about mass notification/public address strategies, see section 4.2.2, “Emergency Announcements,” in ANSI ES1.9-2020 Crowd Management. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/.
Follow up details on the public address (audio) system is not applicable if no public address (audio) system is in place.
Potential Threats / Hazards
In addition to identifying the hazards that may impact the event consider creating a hazard decision matrix. This will determine how each area of the venue should respond when a specific weather or hazard condition is met so very little thought or direction is needed when responding to an incident. For more information about building a weather-event matrix, see ANSI ES1.9 Crowd Management, p. 15, at https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/ in the Guidance section under “Crowd Management Standard.”
The follow up question on lost child/lost person policy is not applicable if no protocols exist for assisting lost child/lost person.
Unmanned aerial systems
For information about unmanned aerial systems threats, see the following:
- CISA, Protecting Against the Threat of Unmanned Aircraft Systems: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/protecting-against-threat-unmanned-aircraft-systems
- CISA, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – Critical Infrastructure: https://www.cisa.gov/uas-critical-infrastructure
The follow up question regarding an unmanned aerial system policy is not applicable if no policy regarding unmanned aerial systems exist.
Evacuation and/or shelter-in-place plan
For more information on evacuations and shelter-in-place, see the following:
- FEMA, Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Guidance for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Partners: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/planning-considerations-evacuation-and-shelter-in-place.pdf
- OSHA, “Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool”: https://www.osha.gov/etools/evacuation-plans-procedures/eap/
- CISA, Evacuation Planning Guide For Stadiums: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/evacuation-planning-guides
All follow up questions regarding evacuation and/or shelter-in-place are not applicable if there is no evacuation and/or shelter-in-place plan.
U.S. Department of Justice. Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. Accessed March 9, 2022 https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
CISA, Office for Bombing Prevention “Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Training and Awareness.” 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/bombing-prevention-training Accessed March 28, 2022.
Event Safety Alliance of USA, Inc., The Event Safety Guide. November 21, 2013. P. 10. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
Event Safety Alliance of USA, Inc., The Event Safety Guide. November 21, 2013. P. 20. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
CISA, “Counter-IED Awareness Products.” Undated. Accessed March 30, 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/counter-ied-awareness-products
CISA, “Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Training and Awareness.” 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/bombing-prevention-training Accessed March 28, 2022.
CISA, “Counter-IED Awareness Products.” Undated. Accessed March 30, 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/counter-ied-awareness-products
CISA, Office for Bombing Prevention “Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Training and Awareness.” 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/bombing-prevention-training Accessed March 28, 2022.
CISA, “Counter-IED Awareness Products.” Undated. Accessed March 30, 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/counter-ied-awareness-products
CISA, “Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Training and Awareness.” 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/bombing-prevention-training Accessed March 28, 2022
.Security and Law Enforcement Personnel
In each box, estimate the number of security and law enforcement personnel who will be onsite.*
* Event planners should consider the expected crowd composition. Audiences for rock concerts, large sporting events, and demonstrations that may be more active might need more security and law enforcement personnel. This may also apply to events where alcohol is being served.
| Employees performing security | Volunteers performing security | Contract security | Local law enforcement | Mutual aid and additional law enforcement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most populated day or time | |||||
| Least populated day or time | |||||
| Onsite after hours | |||||
| Armed |
| Armed law enforcement | Fire/rescue | Emergency medical services | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Response time in minutes |
Physical Security
Physical security measures are necessary for mass-gathering events to protect the crowd from internal and external threats. Not all physical measures will be appropriate for all venues. Some events are one-time occurrences. For these types of events, the crowd size and composition, as well as the location and characteristics of the venue, will determine how organizers prioritize and implement physical security measures. For permanent or recurring events, planners should consider more permanent features and implement a cycle of continuous improvements over time.
Resources
- U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guide for Law Enforcement: https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
- Event Safety Alliance, The Event Safety Guide: https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
Perimeter Security
When implementing perimeter security for an event, planners should think about security measures in layers. Since most mass gatherings involve a large area where people can congregate, establishing a strong perimeter in an area security model is important. Most physical security measures and screening efforts focus on the perimeter to ensure that patrons screened and/or vetted prior to entry. From there, security personnel can apply additional controls to restrict patron access to critical assets. If a perimeter cannot be established, a point security approach may be more feasible. This alternative would involve a loosely controlled perimeter, where security personnel can visually screen people entering the event and concentrate security measures as needed on specific points to protect assets, VIPs, and attractions.
CISA, Mass Gatherings: Security Awareness for Soft Targets and Crowded Places. Undated. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Mass%20Gatherings%20-%20Security%20Awareness%20for%20ST-CP.PDF
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 33-37. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
U.S. Department of Justice. Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 33-37. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
ASIS International, Protection of Assets: Physical Security (Alexandria, VA: ASIS International 2021), P. 204.
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. Page 33-37. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. Page 33-37. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. Page 33-37. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
Vehicle traffic control
Event Safety Alliance of USA, Inc., The Event Safety Guide. November 21, 2013. P. 10. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
Event Safety Alliance of USA, Inc., The Event Safety Guide. November 21, 2013. P. 10. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
Event Safety Alliance of USA, Inc., The Event Safety Guide. November 21, 2013. P. 10. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
High-speed avenue of approach
A high-speed avenue of approach is any road or flat area that would allow a vehicle to gain sufficient speed to enter or reach a critical area before the vehicle can be detected, deterred, or interdicted.
FEMA, Buildings and Infrastructure Protection Series – Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings, (FEMA 426/BIPS-06). Section 2.3.4.4, p. 2-43 to 2-56. October 2011. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
FEMA, Buildings and Infrastructure Protection Series – Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings, (FEMA 426/BIPS-06). Section 2.3.4.4, p. 2-43 to 2-56. October 2011. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
Consider using CISA’s Vehicle Ramming Self-Assessment resources to evaluate the need for protecting pedestrians from a vehicle-ramming attack at https://www.cisa.gov/vehicle-ramming-attack-mitigation
Vehicle screening measures
CISA, Mass Gatherings: Security Awareness for Soft Targets and Crowded Places. Undated. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Mass%20Gatherings%20-%20Security%20Awareness%20for%20ST-CP.PDF
FEMA, Risk Management Series – Site and Urban Design for Security (FEMA 430). Section 2.5, p. 2-30, section 5.5, p. 5-8 to 5-15, section 6.5, p. 6-22 to 6-23. December 2007. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema430.pdf
Entry Controls and Screening
Screening Procedures
CISA, Public Venue Screening Guide: Commercial Facilities Sector. June 2021. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.cisa.gov/publication/public-venue-security-screening-guide
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 34-36. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 34-36. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
Entry control layers
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 33-37. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 33-37. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement. March 2007. P. 33-37. Accessed March 9, 2022. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
Security Systems
Illumination
FEMA, Buildings and Infrastructure Protection Series – Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (FEMA 426/BIPS-06). Section 2.4.3, p. 2-67 to 2-69. October 2011. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
FEMA, Buildings and Infrastructure Protection Series – Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (FEMA 426/BIPS-06). Section 2.4.3, p. 2-68. October 2011. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
FEMA, Buildings and Infrastructure Protection Series – Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (FEMA 426/BIPS-06). Section 2.4.3, p. 2-68. October 2011. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
Video surveillance
FEMA, Buildings and Infrastructure Protection Series – Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (FEMA 426/BIPS-06). Section 5.5.3.2, p. 5-46 to 5-47. October 2011. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
FEMA, Buildings and Infrastructure Protection Series – Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (FEMA 426/BIPS-06). Section 5.5.3.2, p. 5-46. October 2011. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st-bips-06.pdf
Garcia, Mary Lynn, The Design and Evaluation of Physical Protection Systems (Burlington, MA: Elsevier Inc., 2008), 2nd edition. P. 149-150.
Garcia, Mary Lynn, The Design and Evaluation of Physical Protection Systems (Burlington, MA: Elsevier Inc., 2008), 2nd edition.
Baker, Paul R. and Daniel J. Benny, The Complete Guide to Physical Security (Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis Group, 2013). 2nd edition, p. 220-221.
ASIS International, Protection of Assets: Physical Security (Alexandria, VA: ASIS International 2021), 372, p. 376-377.
Resources
Event Safety and Security
- Event Safety Alliance, The Event Safety Guide: https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/the-event-safety-guide
- U.S. Department of Justice, Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement: https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0703-pub.pdf
- CISA, “Security Public Gatherings”: https://www.cisa.gov/securing-public-gatherings
Security and Emergency Planning
- FEMA, Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/plan#cpg
- CISA, Facility Security Plan: An Interagency Security Committee Guide: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/isc-facility-security-plan-guide
- FEMA, Special Events Contingency Planning: https://emilms.fema.gov/is_0015b/media/261.pdf
Evacuation and Shelter-In-Place
- CISA, “Evacuation Planning Guide for Stadiums”: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/evacuation-planning-guides
- FEMA, Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Guidance for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Partners: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/planning-considerations-evacuation-and-shelter-in-place.pdf
- OSHA, “Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool”: https://www.osha.gov/etools/evacuation-plans-procedures/eap/
Physical Security and Security Systems
- CISA, “Vehicle Ramming Attack Mitigation”: https://www.cisa.gov/vehicle-ramming-attack-mitigation
- CISA, Patron Screening Best Practices Guide: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/patron-screening-guide
- CISA, Public Venue Credentialing Guide: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/public-venues-credentialing-guide
- CISA, Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/public-venue-bag-search-guide
- CISA, Public Venue Screening Guide: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/public-venue-security-screening-guide
Bomb Threat Awareness
- CISA, “Counter-IED Awareness Products”: https://www.cisa.gov/counter-ied-awareness-products
- CISA, “Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Training and Awareness”: https://www.cisa.gov/bombing-prevention-training
Reports and Information
Clicking the links in this section will allow you to open and print a blank question set to fill out by hand, save data to continue a session later, and create and print report.
Save Mass Gathering Security Plan Details
Clicking the link below will save all the Security Planning details entered in this tool to a JSON file. Most browsers by default will save the file in your Downloads folder. Depending on browser settings, you may be prompted to browse to a preferred location to save the file. To access the data from the saved file, go to the 'Load Previous Data' function on the Home screen and follow the instructions there. The JSON file can be opened in an editor if desired, by right clicking and selecting open with Notepad, Wordpad, or Notepad +, but using the function within this tool is recommended.
Save Input For Later Use Download
Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool
Planning Considerations
Resources
Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool
The Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool is designed to provide event planners a framework to begin or continue planning efforts for a mass gathering or special event. The tool contains a combination of background information, event-planning checklist items, and venue characteristics, as well as suggested planning considerations based on the information entered. This report is not meant to identify every detail for consideration in mass gathering plans, but rather to identify an overarching framework for developing sound plans. The resources contained in this report will point planners to credible resources to find best practices related to mass gatherings and event planning.
General Information
| Event name: |
| Event dates: |
| Event organizer or sponsoring agency/company/organization: |
| Event description: |
| Venue type: |
| Event frequency: |
Points of Contact
|
Primary point of contact for event:
Name: Position/Title: Agency/Company/Organization: Phone: Email: Cell Phone: |
Event Population
| Crowd composition: | ||||
| Expected crowd density: | ||||
Event Population (number of people)
| Employees (Paid employees of the sponsoring organization) | Volunteers (Unpaid volunteers assisting with the event in some capacity) | Vendors (Selling goods, services, or information) | Spectators and participants (Persons watching, presenting, participating in the event) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of people on most populated day or time of event | ||||
| Number of people on least populated day or time of event | ||||
| Off-hours population (multi-day event, or preparation, set up, cleanup) |
Event-specific Information
| Event type: |
| Is alcohol permitted? |
| Has the alcohol policy been coordinated with first responders? |
| Can patrons bring alcohol to the event? |
| Can the facility cease alcohol sales during the event? |
| Will officials, dignitaries, and/or VIPs be present? |
Critical Areas
| Area | Description | Location (inner, middle, or outer perimeter) |
|---|
General Security Practices
| Type of established command structure: |
| How the command structure is established: |
| Command structure includes: |
| Do decision makers have a central area command post? |
Policies and Procedures
| Systems in place to support mass notifications: |
| Will a threat assessment be conducted and given to planners? |
| Potential threats and hazards: |
| Does the facility have a protocol for assisting lost children/person? |
| Is the policy reviewed with first responders? |
| Is the weather monitored in real time? |
| Is natural hazard and threat monitoring and response coordinated with the local emergency management agency? |
| Does the facility have a policy regarding unmanned aerial systems? |
| Does the facility have a policy addressing violations? |
| Does the facility have an evacuation and/or shelter-in-place plan? |
| Is the shelter big enough for everyone and safe enough? |
| Can the venue safely be evacuated given the warning expected? |
| Will an evacuation be safe in evacuation locations? |
| Are plans coordinated with first responders and/or emergency management? |
| Are the plans trained and/or exercised? |
| Communication functions in place: |
Security and Law Enforcement Personnel
| Employees performing security | Volunteers performing security | Contract security | Local law enforcement | Mutual aid and additional law enforcement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of security and law enforcement personnel on most populated day | |||||
| Number of security and law enforcement personnel on least populated day | |||||
| Number of security and law enforcement personnel onsite after hours | |||||
| Number of security and law enforcement personnel armed |
| Are off-duty officers are permitted to retain firearms? | |||||
| Does a procedure exist to identify undercover and off-duty officers? | |||||
| Are employees, volunteers, vendors, spectators, and participants permitted to carry firearms? | |||||
| Longest response time anticipated for first responders to arrive: | |||||
A central feature of the Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool is the planning considerations. These planning considerations were selected based on user input about the venue characterizations current planning and current physical security measures. The planning considerations provide a consolidated list that can be saved or printed. The resources contained in the planning considerations point planners to credible sources to find best practices related to mass gatherings and event planning which can be useful hints for improvement. These planning considerations.