What really goes into planning security for some of the nation’s most high-profile events
Every event is unique in the preparation and planning that goes into it. But when it comes to high-profile, large-scale events like a major sporting event, a celebrity wedding or even the presidential inauguration, the security and staffing are crucial and the planning for these facets alone often takes months.
To find out what goes into it — and what you can get out of it — ES asked six security and staffing companies to tell us about a recent high-profile event they covered and give us a breakdown of what was involved. Here’s a look at the case studies for each event.
Josh Duhamel and Fergie Wedding
Security Provider: 360 Group International Inc.
Employees Utilized: Approx. 30 on the exterior perimeter, on rotating shifts.
What’s unique: A celebrity event brings challenges of dealing with access control, handling paparazzi, coordination with local agencies for air and ground traffic, and most importantly, protecting the clients’ privacy.
With celebrity events, it’s often as much about protecting stars’ privacy as it is their safety. This was the case with the wedding ceremony of actor Josh Duhamel and pop singer Fergie, who didn’t want any photos of the event besides those taken privately for them by their wedding photographer.
“To ensure this, we had guys on the perimeter as far as 24 hours in advance,” says Walt Hampton, a security specialist with 360 Group International and a 32-year veteran with the Los Angeles Police Department, who currently works as a detective in the special investigations division.
“We also had a drawing of the property, including an aerial view, which was incredibly helpful,” he says. “While we couldn’t restrict air space, we did touch base with air support from the L.A. County Sherriff’s department, and they were very helpful in shushing away the paparazzi in helicopters.”
Hampton says that for any event, an advance walk-through is critical, paying attention to access points and exits, and knowing how many people will be attending. He also recommends a good relationship between the security company and the event planner.
“If you have a good event planner, it makes security’s job easier too,” he says, emphasizing the importance of delegating responsibilities. “It’s important to know what jobs should be handled by security and what jobs are the event planner’s responsibility.”
Michael Jackson Memorabilia Auction
Security Provider: 360 Group International
Prep Time: Approximately three days to develop a plan following meetings and a walk-through with Julien’s Auctions representatives, city officials and the venue’s director of security.
What’s Unique: A large crowd, plus thousands of delicate items that could easily be touched and damaged — or worse, stolen — on top of the fact that some of Michael Jackson’s fan base poses a verifiable “fanatic threat.”
With the extreme popularity of performer Michael Jackson, and the massive crowds that his name automatically draws — even before his untimely death — planning for a large auction of his memorabilia required 360 Group International to assume a variety of responsibilities, including covering fire exits, establishing a security presence to deter theft, ensuring valuables were not tampered with, working with local police, money escorts, and dealing with large crowds and overzealous fans, among many other roles. Bill Kirkpatrick, 360 Group president and CEO, says the public exhibition featuring property from the life and career of Michael Jackson and Neverland Ranch went smoothly because his company worked so closely with the auction group handling the event.
“When you plan your event, carefully select a licensed, insured, experienced and professional security company,” he advises. “Every event has different elements that require a specific focus. This client in particular, Julien’s Auctions, was very open to suggestions and very flexible. Don’t handcuff the security team with pre-conceived notions about deployment based on your budget or previous events. Include security early in discussions and planning, and always disclose pertinent information regarding expectations for the event and security concerns.”
Contact:
360 Group International, Inc.
Email: info@360groupintl.com
9663 Santa Monica Blvd. #200
Beverly Hills, CA
Ph: +1-888-365-4360