Beyond caution tape: How collaboration is redefining event security – Police1

Report on Aligning Public Event Security with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A New Paradigm for Public Safety

The management of public gatherings and special events is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from reactive security measures to a proactive, collaborative framework. This evolution is critical for aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Recent tragic incidents at public events have highlighted the inadequacy of traditional planning, necessitating a unified approach that prioritizes public safety, institutional accountability, and community resilience.

Evolving Threats and the Imperative for Enhanced Safety Protocols

Recent violent incidents, including vehicle attacks and shootings at public festivals, represent a direct threat to the achievement of key sustainability targets. These events undermine SDG 11.7, which aims to provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces, and SDG 16.1, focused on significantly reducing all forms of violence. In response, public safety agencies and event organizers are compelled to reevaluate and formalize event planning and execution. A growing number of jurisdictions are implementing structured special event permit processes to foster a proactive safety culture through enhanced communication and collaboration, thereby strengthening community well-being (SDG 3).

A Unified Framework for Sustainable and Secure Events

Fostering Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration (SDG 17)

A unified approach to planning and managing public events is now a necessity for all gatherings, regardless of size. Success is contingent upon the formation of multi-disciplinary stakeholder groups, a practice that directly supports SDG 17 by promoting effective public and public-private partnerships. By integrating the expertise and resources of various entities, event safety planning becomes a proactive and preventative discipline. These stakeholder committees should meet regularly to:

• Review planning updates and event applications.
• Identify security vulnerabilities and potential risks.
• Discuss staffing and equipment requirements.
• Develop strategies for continuous improvement through after-action reports.
• Ensure decision-making is inclusive and representative, in line with SDG 16.7.

Institutionalizing Safety through Formal Processes (SDG 16)

To build effective, accountable, and transparent institutions as outlined in SDG 16.6, a formalized approach to event management is essential. Key components include:

1. Special Event Legislation: Collaboration with local government to implement legislation that provides oversight for the permit process and addresses critical issues such as agency reimbursement for personnel costs.
2. Formalized Application Process: The use of centralized online portals streamlines the submission of permit requests. This digital approach enhances transparency, simplifies navigation for organizers, and creates a historical record for future planning.

Strategic Planning and Risk Assessment for Resilient Communities

Impact and Risk Assessment Methodology

Upon submission, every event application must undergo a thorough review by the stakeholder committee. This assessment must be guided by best practices and a realistic appraisal of potential risks, ensuring that public safety is prioritized over budgetary constraints. The development and implementation of a standardized risk assessment matrix is recommended to determine the scope of the event and its potential impact. This process ensures that all safety and logistical concerns are addressed proactively. Critical factors for analysis include:

• Estimated number of attendees (relevant to SDG 11).
• Event location and its impact on public space and transport (SDG 11.2, 11.7).
• Provision of alcohol and its implications for health and safety (SDG 3).
• Requirements for traffic control measures.
• Need for medical stations and EMS standby capacity (SDG 3).

Resource Allocation and Emergency Action Planning

Based on the risk assessment, the committee determines the necessary resources and logistics. If an event’s requirements exceed available capabilities, a recommendation to deny or postpone may be necessary. Comprehensive emergency procedures and action plans must be established and briefed for every event. These plans should detail practical coordination, including:

• Strategic placement of security and medical personnel.
• Deployment of barricades and other physical security measures.
• Clear signage for attendees.
• Designated avenues for ingress and egress to ensure accessibility and rapid evacuation if needed.

This meticulous planning contributes directly to the creation of safe, accessible, and resilient public spaces as envisioned by SDG 11.

Conclusion: Building Safer Communities Through Proactive Event Management

By streamlining the event planning process and institutionalizing communication and collaboration among stakeholders, communities can significantly enhance public safety. This proactive, risk-based approach not only prevents loss of life but also supports the development of smarter, more secure, and more efficient events. Ultimately, this strategic shift in event management is a fundamental contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of fostering peaceful, just, inclusive, and resilient communities for all.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article focuses on making public gatherings, such as street festivals and parades, safer for attendees within communities. This directly relates to the goal of creating safe, inclusive, and resilient urban and community spaces. The discussion on planning and managing public events to mitigate risks contributes to the overall sustainability and safety of community life.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • This goal is central to the article’s theme. The text highlights the need to prevent violence and fatalities at public events, referencing “tragic incidents” like a “terror attack” and a “fatal shooting.” The proposed solutions, such as implementing “formalized special event permit processes,” “special event legislation,” and creating collaborative stakeholder committees, are all measures aimed at building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions to ensure public safety and justice.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article repeatedly emphasizes the necessity of a “unified approach” and collaboration. It calls for a “multi-disciplinary stakeholder group” involving public safety agencies, event organizers, local government officials, and Offices of Emergency Management. This focus on creating partnerships between public, public-private, and civil society entities to achieve safety goals is the core principle of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
   • The article’s primary objective is to ensure the safety of public spaces during special events like music festivals and community parades. It discusses measures such as using “mobile vehicle barricades” and developing comprehensive safety plans to “protect the attendees” and “ensure the well-being of all attendees,” which directly supports the creation of safe public spaces.
2. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • The article is motivated by the need to prevent violent incidents and deaths at public gatherings. It explicitly mentions the “14 fatalities” from a terror attack in New Orleans and a “fatal shooting” at a festival in Tulsa as the impetus for reevaluating event security. The entire framework of proactive planning and risk assessment is designed to reduce the likelihood of such violence and related deaths.
3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • The article advocates for institutional improvements to manage event security. It suggests that agencies implement a “formalized event application process” through online portals, work with officials to create “special event legislation,” and establish stakeholder committees to provide oversight. These actions are concrete steps toward developing more effective and accountable institutional processes for public safety.
4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
   • The text strongly advocates for partnerships, stating that “Success has been found in jurisdictions when these groups come together and collaborate as a multi-disciplinary stakeholder group.” It details how police, government entities, and event organizers must work together in planning, reviewing applications, and executing event safety plans, which is a direct application of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 16.1: Number of fatalities and injuries at public events.
   • The article explicitly mentions the “14 fatalities” in one incident and a “fatal shooting” in another. A reduction in the number of deaths and injuries from violence or accidents at planned public events would be a direct measure of progress toward making these events safer and reducing violence.
2. Indicator for Target 16.6: Implementation of formalized special event permit processes and legislation.
   • The article proposes the creation of “formalized special event permit processes” and “special event legislation.” An indicator of progress would be the number or percentage of jurisdictions that have developed and implemented these structured, transparent, and accountable systems for managing public events. The use of “online portal programs” for applications could be a specific metric.
3. Indicator for Target 11.7 & 16.6: Use of a formal risk assessment for public events.
   • The article suggests that agencies should develop and implement a “risk assessment matrix to aid with determining the size and scope of the event, and to assess the level of impact.” The percentage of approved public events that undergo such a formal, documented risk assessment by a stakeholder committee can serve as an indicator of proactive safety planning for public spaces.
4. Indicator for Target 17.17: Establishment and frequency of multi-stakeholder committee meetings.
   • The article recommends that “Stakeholders should meet on a regular basis to discuss and plan upcoming events.” An indicator of effective partnership would be the existence of these formal committees and the frequency of their meetings (“weekly” during busy months, “monthly” during slower periods), demonstrating active and sustained collaboration.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: police1.com