Emmys Saw Unprecedented Security at 70th Awards Show
This year’s awards show and related parties saw an increase and evolution in security, including the use of drones.
- By Jessica Davis
- Sep 18, 2018
The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards took place last night at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California. This year’s awards show and related parties saw an increase and evolution in security, including the use of drones.
Deadline Hollywood spoke to Los Angeles Police Department officials Friday prior to the show about the security methods in place for the event. The awards show had not received any credible or verifiable threats, according to Officer Drake Madison of the LAPD Media Relations Division, but they were prepared for anything.
“We don’t give specifics for tactical reasons, but we are more than prepared,” Officer Tony Im said. “We will as always make sure the citizens of Los Angeles and attendees at the event are safe.”
There was a “near-invisible” shield of police officers and security stations on site at the Emmys, according to an unnamed law enforcement source. The same source also mentioned the use of drones last night.
“New technology offers new opportunities and we plan to utilize drones in a greater capacity this year that ever before for Monday’s ceremony,” the unnamed law enforcement source said. “As security concerns evolve, multiple eyes in the sky enhance our established protocols to allow the creation and maintenance of a tighter perimeter around the venue, performers and guests.”
Drones have been on the minds of many in the security world, according to Kent Moyer, President and CEO of the World Protection Group, whose firm was involved with security at one of the parties Monday night. “One thing we’re thinking about this year that we didn’t a year ago at the Emmys is the use of drones,” Moyer said.
When deployed within minutes of an incident, a drone could potentially scout out a shooter’s location and assist officials in handling a situation with the proper defenses, as well as monitor rival drones in the airspace to see if they are armed. Moyer said last week he would be offering drone protection to his own clients for last night’s events.
Before the awards last night, Officer Madison emphasized the importance of people calling attention to anything they see as a potential security risk.
“As with all special events, we plan for the worst and hope for the best and will have plenty of security to ensure everyone is safe and enjoys the show,” Madison. “With that said, ‘See Something, Say Something’ should always be in the forefront of everyone’s mind. If you see something suspicious in nature, law enforcement should be notified.”