Operational Plans

An overarching security-focused operational plan is crucial for establishing a safe environment for any facility or event. Event organizers and property owners are constantly faced with the possibility of a variety of standard risks and external threats that can negatively impact their staff and guests. Proving that public safety is a priority requires that owners and organizers properly document and act upon their respective safety and security plans. 

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Documentation

The importance of proper plan development cannot be understated. First and foremost, it proves that each potential security concern is properly identified, considered and addressed. Working with external stakeholder and building partnerships in the development stages will also establish credibility with the community, partner agencies, support services and staff.

​Plans should indicate a foundational background upon which it is based and be properly structured so it outlines all the necessary information in an easy to comprehend format.  It is not a requirement of the property owner or event organizer to assume full responsibility for every eventuality, but they must have a strategy on how each risk is being addressed or mitigated. Every event is different from all others, so an operational plan should be event specific and must never be recycled. Plans may be similar to previous annual event plans, but like a facility emergency plan, they should be subject to review to incorporate any updates.

A comprehensive final product will also act as a template for training and briefings, ensuring all supports are aware of their roles and responsibilities. For larger agencies, a comprehensive plan will instill a level of confidence at the command levels that all safety concerns have been addressed and it will withstand any inquiry or review.