First, there is the local police department. They generally want to handle traffic direction, pedestrian flow, bus and truck parking, vendor activities (from the corner hot-dog guy to the souveneir T-shirt salesman) and VIP escorts. (We arranged for the artist's busses and limos to have a motorcycle escort- pretty impressive!) Arranging proper barricades and crowd control policies is key to an uneventful concert, so if you are going to be doing advance work for the artist or assisting the promoter this is topic number one. In addition, there must be adequate pathways to the public restrooms and other common areas. Be aware of potential hazards such as monuments, fountains or fences. People have a natural tendency to climb or scale man-made structures, and darkness adds another dimension to the danger. (Remember, in many outdoor venues the only houselight is the moon.) Beyond the crowd and traffic direction, the police will also be enforcing the laws, such as public drinking, open drug use, and disturbing the peace. Most police agencies will set up a command post on site, and having radio communications with their commander could save time and errors if an incident occurs. As you will see as this article progresses, advance planning will provide cooperation with all departments involved.

Second, there is the local fire department. The omnipresent Fire Marshal who does the inspections of your stage area is just one member, although he is the most visible. Will the entertainment be using fireworks? fog and smoke? lasers? flying effects? Make sure that all permits have been filed and approved, or the show may come to a sudden halt. Again, audience placement and vendors must be examined by the Fire Chief. In many cases, the stage itself and the scaffolding towers that support lights and sound must meet local standards. Speaking of audio and illumination, long cable runs are subject to protection by cable mats or bridges, and grounding must be provided for protection of the performers and the attendees. And, as with the police there will often be engine companies and a command unit assigned to the event location during the show- they need pathways for emergency response without creating panic. At our shows in New Haven, the Fire Department provided medics on bikes to be the first-in units at any medical call.

Speaking of "ER", the local ambulance provider is the third agency who will be actively involved at a concert. Will there be a first-aid tent? Have arrangements been made with the nearest hospital in case any concert patrons need to be transported? Are you providing a nurse or EMT backstage for your own staff and the musicians? How are lost children (or lost adults, for that matter) going to be handled? Are there special attendees such as wheelchair users? Once again, the local EMS service will usually station units on site, and adequate access must be arranged for the responders.

Lastly for this introductory article, who is providing the on-site security at the event? This is not a job for amateurs, because any action taken reflects the promoter, the sponsor and the crew as well as the musicians. Once again, pre-planning is required. Who will monitor the guest list? The VIP attendees? The backstage area? The vehicles? The dressing room? The front of stage moat? There are many contractors with professional experience in this vital job, and I recommend that you rely on their suggestions. Some promoters use off-duty police officers, while others rely on contract guard companies. To repeat, communications is paramount. Use radios and cell phones to defuse problems in their early stages or call in reinforcements if the situation escalates. Customer service is still the primary task of the security team at any event.

In summary, the more advance planning that occurs, the less chance of any unexpected challenges by the attendees, the entertainment or even the public safety staff. Be flexible and understand that each town has its own requirements for seating, stage design, special effects and minuimum police or fire manpower. Make sure that the security crew is aware of the law enforcement needs, and that EMS and fire supervisors are able to provide enough equipment based on anticpated attendance. Licenses and permits are critical to allow a smooth event, so be kind to the Fire Marshal. Of course, keeping the promoter and the concert staff updated and "in the loop" avoids frustration and potential legal action if there are any complications. Think ahead-think safety-think "why can't we all get along?" and think of your role in making the show a success!

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