The Las Vegas mass shooting took place a little over six months ago and now we’re headed into the spring festival season. Coachella starts this weekend. While the majority of spring festivals are not as large as Coachella (it’s expecting a crowd of 250,000), many of its security measures can be applied to smaller gatherings.

Drones. Drones are a new addition to Coachella security operations. They will help analyze parking issues and crowd control. If a disturbance occurs, a drone’s real-time cameras can assist security to pinpoint and neutralize the situation. Monitored, well-placed security cameras can offer similar benefits.

Metal Detectors. Metal detectors are not a common sight at festivals, but they will be at Coachella. Although they slow entry, metal detectors and bag searches are ways to keep weapons out of festivals.

Traffic Patterns. People jammed together trying to move from one location to another can cause stress among patrons. Patience can run out and tempers can flare. Coachella management has devised a simple solution: its layout has been changed so there are wider pass-through areas.

Security Command Center. Security guards and law enforcement should go over festival security issues beforehand and have a joint presence in an on-site command center. That way, if an incident occurs, the response will be well coordinated.

Guests Come First. A security guard’s number one priority is the safety and security of festival guests. In addition, guards must conduct themselves in a way that will enhance the guest experience—by being professional at all times yet pleasant, helpful and courteous.

Photo credit: Malcolm Murdock