Award Show Security at an All Time High

Award Show Security at an All Time High

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Feb 26, 2016

Those in attendance of the Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb. 28 will be seeing more than just celebrities and paparazzi; they’ll be seeing hundreds of law enforcement officers. This year’s Oscars will be the first since the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and Paris and while there isn’t a specific threat relative to the show, the security surrounding the event will be intense.

On top of the hundreds of law enforcement officers patrolling the event, there will be SWAT team members with bulletproof vests and tactical gear, bomb-sniffing dogs and sophisticated surveillance equipment. There will be metal detectors and every car entering into the Hollywood & Highland park facility will be swept.

Security researchers predict that the show will not just hire anyone to the security team for the awards show. They will only bring on those who are off-duty police officers or security guards with whom they’ve had a long history with.

There are two phases to the security for the event. The first occurs during the days before the red carpet is rolled out. Security will sweep the facilities to ensure they are safe and set up surveillance and security posts. The day of the event is when phase two is set to begin, and while specifics of the plan have not been released, it will most likely include the sweeping of entering cars, detection of unauthorized items and the supervision of those attending.

LAPD assistant commanding officer, Horace Frank, said there will be a sophisticated video surveillance system, some that will not be visible to the public. The cameras will be supplied by Axis Communications, which has been providing the LAPD with camera surveillance for about five years. The cameras will be broadcasting the Oscars in 720P (HDTV quality) and some of the cameras will be about as small as the tip of a ballpoint pen.

The video footage will be able to be seen at the command station. Frank explained the ability to view the footage in real-time provides the security team with situational awareness not just for the officers working the event by also the commanding officers who are watching from the command station.

The security team has thought of everything, including the tons of adoring fans who will show up at the Dolby Theatre just to see their favorite idols. There will be a perimeter set up to show where the public is allowed to be and cameras that will look over the areas.

While the team is setting up perimeters to keep the general public out, they are also asking for their help. While they are standing by searching for their favorite celebrities, they ask them to be aware of suspicious activity.

“If you see something, say something,” Frank said.

Attendees are encouraged to download the app IWATCHLA, which allows users to submit tips and photos anonymously to LAPD.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.