Theme Parks Install Metal Detectors to Protect from Soft Target Attack

Theme Parks Install Metal Detectors to Protect from Soft Target Attack

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Dec 28, 2015

In a sign of how jittery the nation has become about terrorism and gun violence against soft targets, all three major Orlando theme parks have installed metal detectors at the front of their attractions.

Walt Disney World would not say how long its metal detectors would be in place, while SeaWorld said the devices were only in place through the holidays. Universal suggested that they would only be testing them at the Orlando theme park, they would decide late the permanence of the security measure.

The changes extend outside Orlando, with Disneyland and Universal Studios in Hollywood also installing the devices.

Security in general has been a big concern following recent attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., the federal Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin saying it was “especially concerned that terrorist-inspired individuals and homegrown violent extremist may be encouraged or inspired to target public events or places.”

Disney World, where a man was recently arrested for trying to get into the Magic Kingdom with a gun – is now discontinuing the sale of toy guns. They have also banned people who are 14 or older from wearing costumes. More deputies and security guards have been visible at the resort lately, and specially trained dogs have been patrolling key areas.

SeaWorld said they would be “enhancing security measures for the busy holiday season, including increased security presence both inside and outside the parks,” while Universal just wants “our guests to feel safe when they come here.”

Metal detectors have become more welcome for general security reasons. Travelers have walked through them at airport, stadiums and major events for years, creating a sense of familiarity.

 These parks are not the first to up security, however. Six Flags theme parks put up metal detectors after Sept. 11, 2001. In 2004 Disney World experimented with metal detectors at their entrances but ended up not making them permanent. Universal has metal detectors in front of certain rides to make sure that people don’t bring on certain items, such as cell phones.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

  • The Stage is Set

    The security industry spans the entire globe, with manufacturers, developers and suppliers on every continent (well, almost—sorry, Antarctica). That means when regulations pop up in one area, they often have a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. Recent data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and CPRA in California made waves when they first went into effect, forcing businesses to change the way they approach data collection and storage to continue operating in those markets. Even highly specific regulations like the U.S.’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can have international reverberations – and this growing volume of legislation has continued to affect global supply chains in a variety of different ways. Read Now

  • Access Control Technology

    As we move swiftly toward the end of 2024, the security industry is looking at the trends in play, what might be on the horizon, and how they will impact business opportunities and projections. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction. 3

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3