Share Your Thoughts on Training Topics
The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) is assessing the current need for advanced risk management training. To assist our team in evaluating and prioritizing topics for future curricula, please take the time to complete a short survey by clicking the button below.
As a thank you for completing the survey, you will be entered into a drawing for complimentary access to an NCS⁴ eLearning course of your choice. Your feedback will help prioritize training initiatives and assist the NCS⁴ in providing learning experiences that enhance the safety and security of sports, special events, and mass gatherings. If you have any questions, concerns, or require technical support, please reach out to our training team at NCS4Train@usm.edu. Thank you for all you do!
Stadium Spotlight: Connected Devices and Integrated Security Considerations Available
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is pleased to announce the release of a new product titled, Stadium Spotlight: Connected Devices and Integrated Security Considerations. CISA, in collaboration with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴), created this product to provide stadium owner operators and security professionals with a snapshot of the connected stadium environment, key vulnerabilities and consequences, and recommended enterprise- and asset-level risk mitigations. This product also points stakeholders to relevant CISA and NCS⁴ tools and resources.
This product presents resources and recommendations that stadiums can leverage to better secure their connected assets and augment their overall security and resilience. To access the product, click the button below.
In addition to reviewing the Stadium Spotlight: Connected Devices and Integrated Security Considerations, CISA also encourages critical infrastructure executives and senior leaders to review our “Shields Up” webpage at www.cisa.gov/shields-up. Also, organizations should share information on incidents and unusual activity to CISA 24/7 Operations Center at report@cisa.gov or (888) 282-0870 and/or to the FBI via your local FBI field office or the FBI’s 24/7 CyWatch at (855) 292-3937 or CyWatch@fbi.gov.
Now Scheduling New DHS/FEMA Crowd Management Course
The Crowd Management for Sport and Special Events (MGT-475) course will provide participants with tools and techniques for conducting crowd management and crowd control. Participants will engage in scenario-based activities designed to expand their ability to resolve risks related to crowd management and crowd control. The training is applicable across the United States regardless of the venue size, capacity, or type of event. Those who successfully complete this course should be able to use this training to develop or improve crowd management and crowd control programs for any sport or special event.
This course represents a cooperative effort between The University of Southern Mississippi’s National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (USM/NCS⁴) and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s National Emergency Response and Recovery Training Center (TEEX/NERRTC), a member of the Texas A&M University System.
If you are interested in attending or hosting a training course, please email us at NCS4train@usm.edu.
That's a Wrap: 2022 Conference a Success
The NCS⁴ is proud to announce the successful completion of their 13th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition. The conference brought together leaders of our industry who are making an impact on a daily basis. Conference attendance included nearly 500 game-changers comprised of speakers, attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. Shout out to Akmal Ali and inOrbit, Title Sponsor of the event.
The conference provided an opportunity to discuss industry challenges, emerging threats, proven solutions, and technology advancements. Experienced professionals presented on topics of leadership, crowd management, cybersecurity, SAFETY Act, intelligence gathering, countering UAS, securing public spaces, and the importance of a trained workforce.
In addition to keynote speakers, an awards luncheon, interactive panel discussions, and breakout sessions, attendees explored emerging technologies and networked with peers during the conference.
Planning for the 2023 Annual Conference is underway with details to be released later this fall. The event will be held June 27-29, 2022, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS FOR MAKING THE EVENT POSSIBLE!
Please email Sara Priebe at sara.priebe@usm.edu to be contacted about the 2023 Conference scheduled for June 27-29 in San Antonio.
NCS⁴ In the News
An article submitted by Daniel Ward, NCS⁴ Director of Training and Exercise, recently appeared on the Total Security Advisor and Facilities Management Advisor websites. Click the button below to read the full article.
NCS⁴ Staff Appreciation Spotlight – July: Jonathan Ruffin
Each month, the NCS⁴ recognizes staff members for their contributions to the NCS⁴ mission. Center accomplishments require exploration, initiative, teamwork, and versatility — we celebrate their hard work and tireless efforts.
This month’s staff spotlight is Jonathan Ruffin, Training Manager.
In his role at the Center, he provides oversight for the training courses offered through NCS⁴. These duties include course and instructor scheduling, ensuring all targets are met, and maintaining the quality of each delivery. Prior to his current role, Ruffin served as Director of Internal Operations and Facilities at East Carolina University. In this role, he oversaw daily maintenance and management of multiple athletic venues and was the primary game manager for multiple sports. Prior to that, he was Director of Facilities and Events Management at the University of Louisiana Monroe. During his time in athletics, Ruffin has been part of several conference/regional tournaments and various on-campus special events.
The NCS⁴ Team Welcomes New Staffer, Traci Johnson
Traci Johnson is the Instructional Design Specialist for the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴). Her role is to design, develop, and deploy engaging learning activities and compelling course content for traditional classroom and eLearning training delivery programs. She collaborates with subject matter experts, instructors, and other design team members to ensure the accuracy and validity of the training design and methodology.
Before joining NCS⁴, Johnson was a Mississippi public school educator, having taught English and Language Arts in the Hattiesburg Public School District, as well as the Harrison County Public School District. Additionally, Johnson taught elementary and secondary Music abroad at International Schools located in both Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Jeju Island, South Korea, where she was heavily or solely involved in establishing, developing, and designing curriculum, instructional materials, and instructional methods for a variety of music classes within each school’s respective music department.
Johnson received her Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She also completed her certificate in Instructional Design from the IDOL courses Academy.
Farewell to NCS⁴ Staffer, Michael Finley
Michael Finley, NCS⁴ Curriculum Manager has accepted a new role as the Director of Learning and Development for the Mississippi State Personnel Board (MSPB), overseeing training for all state agencies and employees. Congratulations, Michael!
Read the Summer 2022 issue of GAMEDAY SECURITY
This issue covers topics at the forefront of our industry, including crowd management challenges and planning strategies, staff recruitment, training and retention, and the impact of legalized sports gambling on safety and security.
Upcoming Events Scheduled
Please mark your calendar and make plans to join us! Details coming soon.
2023 Annual Conference Dates Announced
The 14th annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition will take place June 27-29, 2023, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas. The gathering of top safety and security professionals across multiple disciplines provides a versatile and intimate environment dedicated to innovative technologies, products, services and educational programming. Please mark your calendar and make plans to join us! Full conference details will be released later this year.
North Carolina Little League teams pull out of tournament after gunfire erupts during game
Little League teams in North Carolina have pulled out of their state championship tournament after gunshots were heard nearby at a game on Sunday. The Wilmington Little League and South Durham Little League announced the withdrawal from the tournament on Monday for Wilmington's 8U team and South Durham's 8U and 9U teams. Read more
Man found dead in artificial lake outside of SoFi Stadium
The body of an unidentified 45-year-old man was recovered from an artificial lake outside of SoFi Stadium on Wednesday after firefighter and dive teams responded to reports of a person jumping into the water. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the man entered SoFi Stadium's parking lot at 6:01 a.m. local time before entering the water and advancing towards the middle of the lake. Read more
Crowds storm barricades as Canadian rap festival gets out-of-control
Was this past weekend’s Metro Metro festival a success? The answer may depend on who you ask. While surprise performances by rap superstars like Drake and 50 Cent certainly helped to elevate the Montreal festival’s status, simultaneously creating a buzz around town, footage of dangerous behaviour by concertgoers has been making waves online. Read more
Major security effort planned for World Athletics Championships
The countdown is on for the World Athletics Championships. In one week, people from all over the world will be in the Eugene area to watch the events at Hayward Field. And with an influx of people comes a major effort for security. Read more
Before July 4th mass shooting, federal officials warned of 'heightened threat environment'
In the weeks before a mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in a Chicago suburb, federal law enforcement officials had again been on alert because of a "heightened threat environment" fueled in part, they said, by domestic extremists and social upheaval. Read more
2 Philadelphia-area officers released from hospital after being shot during July 4 celebration, concert
The attack took place as tens of thousands of people gathered in the city's Fairmount-Art Museum district for live music and fireworks. Two Philadelphia-area law enforcement officers were injured in a shooting that took place as tens of thousands of people celebrated July Fourth by congregating for fireworks and live music Monday, authorities said. Read more