The first step in planning security for a special event is to establish appropriate and reliable communication channels. Standard operational procedures should be developed to maintain and improve communication channels for all types of events, with communication channels tailored to each event. Communication policy should compartmentalize all restricted information and develop guidelines for the management of sensitive information. The effective use of volunteers is also important for the management of special events. They can be used as observers, ushers, door monitors, and facilitators; they should never be used for stage protection. Strict ticket-sale procedures are important to ensure that an event does not have more people than the facility can handle. When possible, tickets should be presold and be torn at the door. Other aspects of security are the timing of the event, campus security for college-based special events, the appropriate ratio of security personnel to event attendees, traffic and parking, and crowd control. Other areas to be considered in planning are safety measures, the availability of medical personnel, armed personnel, metal detectors, command operations, officer assignment, perimeter reinforcement, briefing, debriefings, and contingencies. Appendixes discuss festival seating, the funnelling of crowd movement, formations, a plan outline, and keys to success.