Guest Editorial by Peter Evans, CEO of Patriot One, the Newest Double-Entry Competitor in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program

As organizations continue to get back to “normal” with restrictions easing amidst a decline in serious COVID-19 cases, patrons are excited to get back to sporting and entertainment events.

However, not everything has reverted back to pre-COVID times.

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) recently released its annual Venue Security Director Survey report, in which it asked 40 venue directors across professional sports leagues about their thoughts on the fan experience, security and technology, and more.

The survey, which was conducted earlier this year, found that fan behavior is worse than it was pre-COVID-19 – with nearly 2/3 of respondents saying they have experienced increased tension between patrons and staff, with new COVID-19 restrictions (i.e., mask mandates) being one of the reasons.

(Police are investigating a reported disturbance during the Wiz Khalifa and Logic concert Friday night at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Three people were reportedly injured. Courtesy of FOX59 News and YouTube. Posted on Aug 27, 2022.)

Here, we’ll look at a few aspects of the report and what these findings mean for the security industry.

Securing venues and combatting fan misbehavior

Fan misbehavior – i.e., alcohol abuse, fighting, property destruction, weapons, etc. – is a serious security risk that needs to be addressed as soon as it happens (or before, whenever possible).

The most efficient way to do that is through a mixture of technology and people.

Nearly half of the respondents in the NCS⁴ report said that they were most concerned about weapons in the venue – showcasing the need to take measures to keep them out.

Mass casualty events continue to be in the headlines, so organizations have taken it upon themselves to protect patrons using modern physical security technology.

The right solutions can keep weapons out of venues and protect patrons from events that happen inside – like fights in the crowd that can quickly spiral out of control – while simultaneously improving the overall fan experience.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology can spot these kinds of security incidents and alert security personnel with details on the situation so that they can respond rapidly and appropriately. This can also be effective in addressing medical emergencies quickly.

(See Patriot One’s secure, fast, frictionless, touch-less screening in action at FirstEnergy Stadium, and say goodbye to metal detectors and invasive pat downs. Patriot One’s unobtrusive patron screening system allows large facilities and locations with high security requirements to facilitate faster entry security screening while enhancing safety beyond the capabilities of any other existing solution. Courtesy of Patriot One Technologies and YouTube.)

Covert, frictionless technology to neutralize threats

Having some kind of entry scanner in place is commonsense and commonplace nowadays – but the kind of technology used makes a huge difference – in efficiency and patron satisfaction.

In the NCS⁴’s report, 87.5% of respondents said they mostly use walk-through metal detectors, but that they cause lines to form outside.

This creates two issues:

• Walk-through metal detectors create a security risk in and of itself since unprotected crowds outside can be seen as a “soft target” for people looking to cause harm; and

• Walk-through metal detectors cause patrons to have a negative experience before they even enter the facility.

  • In fact, nearly 1/3 of respondents said they have experienced security incidents between patrons waiting in line to enter.

  • However, venues can mitigate this problem through today’s fast, frictionless, AI-based entry screening technology – which can scan patrons for weapons without them needing to stop, which eliminates patron lines and improves the overall patron experience.

Addressing the staffing shortage

According to the NCS⁴’s report, nearly all respondents (95%) said they experienced staffing shortages in the last two years – COVID-19 being the primary reason.

This obviously can be a security vulnerability, if there are not enough guards per number of patrons.

Especially at live events, guards are needed to perform a variety of roles – from monitoring lines and running the entry screening technology, to responding to incidents across the facility and everything in between.

These can best be mitigated with technology solutions that require fewer guards to operate and provides them with proactive insights to arm them with situational awareness in advance of incidents.

Requiring fewer guards at entry scanners, for example, allows the redeployment of additional guards to other higher-value tasks.

The state of venue security is changing as we know it – with both emerging threats as well as the technology solutions to effectively combat them.

The NCS⁴ is doing great work to understand the threat environment better, identify vulnerabilities, communicate risk-mitigation techniques, and close capability gaps within spectator events – and Patriot One is proud to be a member of its Technology Alliance to protect patrons, spectators, and staff.

About the Author

Peter Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of Patriot One Technologies, Inc. Patriot One makes a weapons-detection platform and provides a broad range of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, including AI-enhanced video.

(Learn More from Patriot One Technologies CEO Peter Evans, at the VenuesNow Conference 2021. Courtesy of Patriot One Technologies and YouTube.)

Patriot One’s Gateway solution is a next-generation weapons detection solution that is being used at high-traffic and ticketed facilities such as stadiums, casinos, and other entertainment venues for a secure and seamless patron entry experience.

Replacing traditional walk-through metal detectors, the Gateway from Patriot One does much more than just detect metal – it detects weapons to prevent mass casualty events.

The Patriot One Gateway solution is placed at the entrance to entertainment events, such as professional sports games, allowing patrons to complete security screenings by just walking through the pillars, without needing to divest of personal items.

By using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered enhanced target recognition and object position image sensors, the Gateway scans patrons for guns, knives and other prohibited items and weapons as they pass through the pillars, and then alerts security guards if a weapon is detected so action can be taken.

(Meet Patriot One’s newest Multi-Sensor Gateway, SmartGateway, designed specifically for stadiums and other large ticketed venues. SmartGateway provides a smoother, safer and more modern system to secure employee and patron entrances. Courtesy of Patriot One Technologies and YouTube.)

This next-generation security tool not only enhances physical security at an event, but elevates the patron and fan experience.

Fans hate waiting in long security lines to get inside a venue, and they hate intrusive screenings even more. With the Patriot One Gateway, fans don’t need to empty their pockets – they can just walk in.

That way, the vast majority of the people coming in who aren’t carrying weapons won’t need to stop at all, therefore increasing the throughput and decreasing the number of people waiting outside in lines.

Additionally, Patriot One Gateway performs better than traditional walk-through metal detectors. In multiple third-party assessments, it was found that the Gateway detected more weapons than traditional detectors, showing a more secure, and safer experience for fans, staff, and all who attend a large event.

Additionally, with the Great Resignation still leaving fewer security guards on job sites than before, it’s paramount to have a security solution that doesn’t require an abundance of guards or security personnel to operate.

That is the case with Patriot One Gateway – with only one to two guards needed to monitor two lanes of the Gateway, and with fewer people needed to staff the technology, any extra guards can be redeployed to other high-value tasks, such as responding to security incidents around the venue.

This optimizes staffing within these venues and gives guards actionable information, so their jobs are elevated.

Patriot One Gateway is also very customizable because the company recognizes different venues have unique security needs and requirements. A one-size-fits-all solution is not feasible across industries, so Patriot One works with the venue and safety directors to tailor the solution to fit these needs, even at the same venue.

A concert has a much different crowd than a sports game, for instance, so adjustments may need to be made to provide the safest experience to all.

One such venue using Patriot One Gateway is the Tachi Palace Casino Resort, in California. Before implementing Patriot One’s technology, the resort had several incidents with guns and frequently dealt with patrons trying to enter the facility carrying weapons.

Tachi now has the Gateway installed at all entrances to the facility, with plans to expand as they expand to new properties and venues.

The technology was so easy to use, that even the resort’s security personnel, who were admittedly not good with new technologies, were able to have a seamless transition to the new security system.

After just a couple of weeks post implementation, Tachi security personnel confiscated several weapons that otherwise may have made it inside the resort, compromising patron and staff safety.

To Learn More, please visit https://patriot1tech.com/.

Patriot One Nominated to Compete in First ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards highlight the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.

Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.

Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS), New Premier Sponsors Rajant Corporation, and guardDog AI, and returning Sponsors ATI Systems, Automatic Systems, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMatters

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in New York City!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification	Personal/Protective Equipment	Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System	Interagency Interdiction Operation	Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition	Body Worn Video Product	Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS	Mobile Technology	Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics	Disaster Preparedness	ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera	Mass Notification System	Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection	Rescue Operations	Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition	Detection Products	COVID Innovations
Workforce Management	Government Security Programs	And Many Others to Choose From!

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

In 2021 over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)

• Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

• The Federal Protective Service (FPS)

• Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

• DHS Science & Technology (S&T)

• The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH)

• The American Red Cross

• The InfraGard National Alliance

• The Metropolitan Police (MPD)

• The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)

• Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)

• The Federal Air Marshals Service

• The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, and Many More!

Register for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today

American Security Today is delighted to announce, that Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will be the opening keynote speaker at the much-anticipated 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon, on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

To take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to invite your team, guests, and clients, as well as show visitors to a gourmet, affordable, plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!

Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table. ***Limited space is available, so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.

Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East, where you can meet the world’s most innovative suppliers and cyber experts, immerse yourself in hands-on tech, and learn from world-renowned speakers and thought-leaders.

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local level as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)

To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

• For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
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