After New Orleans attack, Lincoln security expert talks challenges of big event security – KLKN

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LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A New Year’s celebration in New Orleans turned deadly early Wednesday when authorities say a man intentionally drove through a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring dozens of others.
In Lincoln, local security experts said there isn’t a 100% foolproof way to prevent something like that from happening.
“If some somebody wants to do something, they’re going to find a way,” said Terrickeo Watson, a security consultant for A.M Security.
But they do a lot of planning whenever large crowds are expected, like during football, volleyball and basketball games.
“With crowd management, the first thing that’s important is to let the crowd know that there is security nearby,” Watson said.
He said guards stand by entrances, conducting pat-downs and checking IDs if it’s required.
But if it’s an all-age event, that can be a little trickier because some people look younger than they actually ar — and they could be armed.
A.M Security has been working in Lincoln for seven years for private events, schools and sporting events, and even offering personal security services.
Watson said he has to be on high alert at big events. Certain crowds can be a little rowdy.
“Some of the biggest emotions is, ‘Am I going to make it home tonight?’ There’s several events in the past that I worked that ended in shootings,” Watson said. “You know everything is good, but you get that certain group, the minute you see them and the way they carry themselves, you just know it’s going to be problems.”
He also said violence in crowds usually happens just outside the perimeter because there’s not as much as security there.
Experts say public awareness is also a key part of keeping crowds safe.
Simple reminders such as to stay calm and follow the exits can make a world of a difference when panic sets in.

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