Outdoor Event Security Best Practices

Outdoor events like music festivals require unique security planning due to their temporary nature and changing layouts. Key strategies include:

1. Dynamic Risk Assessments – Start 90-120 days in advance, update regularly, and adapt to crowd behavior (e.g., drug use at EDM festivals, heavy drinking at country events).

2. Collaboration – Work with police, fire departments, and local agencies in a joint command center for faster emergency response.

3. Tiered Incident Response – Prioritize threats (Tier 1: active shooter; Tier 3: minor injuries) using risk matrices to allocate resources efficiently.

4. Balancing Safety & Experience – Communicate security rules early (via websites, signage) and provide solutions like lockers for prohibited items.

The goal is flexible, proactive security that protects attendees without disrupting their experience.