Arkansas State Fair Sees Security Increased

Arkansas State Fair Sees Security Increased

The fair is expected to see nearly 30,000 attendees daily, and the Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) will be patrolling on and around the fairgrounds.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Oct 08, 2018

The 79th Arkansas State Fair will see an increase in security when it opens on Thursday, Oct. 11, including a visible law enforcement presence.

The fair is expected to see nearly 30,000 attendees daily, and the Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) will be patrolling on and around the fairgrounds.

“We will have several police out there throughout the day and evening until it opens and closes,” said Officer Eric Barnes, Public Affairs Liaison for the LRPD.  

Almost 100 armed guards and law enforcement officers will be present, with security provided by LRPD, the Arkansas State Police, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Fair Private Security Commission. Several of these law enforcement agencies will be hosted by a command center on fair grounds, which will also host Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services, the Pulaski County Emergency Management and the City of Little Rock’s Emergency Management Division.

The command center will also include the video surveillance that will monitor fairgoers entering and exiting the fairgrounds. Upon arrival, attendees will have to walk through a metal detector and be subject to a bag search.

“We don’t allow any guns even if you have a concealed and carry,” said Uriel Johnson, Chief of Security for the Arkansas State Fair. “If you try to bring something in we are going to catch it.”  

In addition to the police presence and entry searches, the fair is also offering ID bracelets for children. Parents are able to fill out their contact information on the bracelet and place it on their child’s wrist in case they should be separated.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.