Chapter 8 Security Hostile Attacks

Abstract

Attacks on people at events and crowds in general are found around the world. It has completely changed the security at events, and event planning as a whole. From cement bollards to bag checks, it is an irritant to every event attendee. The extra security cost of events has risen so high that many events have been cancelled. The celebratory element of the event has been diminished. However it is not the new phenomena that the media seems to assume. Many countries have lived with political/social inspired attacks for years. If a country has hostile neighbours, terror attacks will occur. Regardless of the statistical evidence and the probability of an attack, people are so worried that the sound of a sharp crack in a crowded place can cause panic and a stampede. This chapter describes some of the attacks on crowds at events, and what the security agencies and governments require from those who manage the crowded spaces. It is well to remember that no matter what is written here or in government recommendations, the attackers are ‘free agents’ and can adapt their actions to the conditions trying to prevent them.