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FIFTH QUARTER - LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SPECTATOR SPORTS

NCJ Number
56645
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 45 Issue: 9 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1978) Pages: 68-73
Author(s)
M DEAVER
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES FOLLOWED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS SUPERVISING AUDIENCES AT SPECTATOR SPORTS, EMPHASIZING THE DELEGATION OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
Abstract
LAW ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATORS, SPORTS COMPLEX MANAGERS, AND EVEN TEAM COACHES MUST COOPERATE IN PLANNING AND SUPERVISING SECURITY AT SPECTATOR SPORTS TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. THEIR DECISIONS SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED TO THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, INFORMATION DIRECTOR, AND LOCAL POLICE. AGREEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE IN ADVANCE CONCERNING TRAFFIC CONTROL, THEFT PREVENTION, AND THE HANDLING OF DISORDERLY FANS. USHERS SHOULD BE MADE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SECURITY SYSTEM; THEIR LOW PROFILE AND NONAUTHORITARIAN PRESENCE IS VALUABLE. SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS, SUCH AS PARKING AREA SECURITY, MEAL DISTRIBUTION, CASHIER PROTECTION, AND SURVEILLANCE MUST BE ARRANGED IN ADVANCE. ADDITIONAL TRAINING IS SUGGESTED IN THE AREAS OF FIRST AID, HUMAN RELATIONS, AND CROWD CONTROL. FAILURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE TRAINING MAY RESULT IN THE CIVIL LIABILITY OF THE COMMUNITY AND ITS LEADERS. PERSONNEL SHOULD BE PROPERLY TESTED FOR THEIR ABILITY TO MANAGE DIFFICULT AND DEMANDING SITUATIONS. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION CONCERNS ARRANGEMENT OF MEALS FOR DUTY PERSONNEL, PRE-EVENT INSPECTION, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHY, AND THE USE OF PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS. NO REFERENCES ARE GIVEN. (TWK).