These gatherings include special events such as sporting events and festivals and First Amendment demonstrations. These activities usually occur within the areas of the White House, the United States Capitol, and the National Mall. The Park Police often work closely with the Metropolitan Police and the United States Capital Police on the planning and management of these events. The National Park Service accepts permit applications up to a year in a advance of an event. One detective is assigned to gather intelligence on scheduled and unscheduled activities. Planning focuses on stages, sound systems, fences, portable toilets, first aid, food, water, the handling of lost persons, the law enforcement command post, transportation, and parking. The Park Police make flexible use of strategies in each of these areas; other jurisdictions should customize these ideas to improve the handling of future events in their areas. Photograph