California Police Prepare Security Plan for Coachella

California Police Prepare Security Plan for Coachella

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Apr 15, 2016

When someone thinks about Coachella, the popular music festival set over two weekends in Indio, California, security usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Music, dancing and fashion are big topics of the event but mass notification and access control usually are not at the forefront of the minds of the attendees. For police, however, they’ve been thinking about Coachella security for over six months.

Due to recent world events in Paris, Brussels and even closer to home in San Bernardino, Indio police are taking extra precautions to ensure that the attendees are at no more of a threat while at the event than any other place they would normally be.

The event sells over 100,000 tickets for shows spanning over a two-weekend time period, so big crowds are unavoidable. Police say they aren’t worried about the amount of people attending, in fact, they believe that because of the crowds the event will be easier to secure.

“In some ways, bigger events are protected better because they occur at a particular time at a particular place,” director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino, Brian Levin said. “That allows authorities to allocate personnel at key times.”

The Indio Police Department will be teaming up with other local law enforcement to remain adequately staffed for the event. They will be patrolling the perimeter of the event as well as placing themselves within the event to look out for suspicious activity. They will also be patrolling shuttle stations, local hotels and even throughout the city.

This year, police will be implementing a mass notification system via smartphone texting. Authorities will be able to send text alerts to festival-attendees and the general public in the area containing important information about traffic, safety, weather and emergency situations. Users of the app, Nixle, can text “Coachella” to 888777 to sign up for the service.

“We really want everyone to get in tune with the pulse of what’s going on,” said Sgt. Dan Marshall, Indio Police spokesman. “Our number one concern is public safety.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • 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

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.