Project STADIA concludes final training course on event security and threat management

LYON, France – Law enforcement face significant security challenges at major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup tournaments and Olympic Games.

Not only do such events take place in large and dispersed locations, such events can attract a wide range of criminal activities from violence and disorder to cyberattacks and even terrorism in certain cases.

The serious threat of cybercrime was clearly evident at sporting events like the FIFA World Cup in Africa in 2010 as well as the 2018 Beijing Olympics and 2014 World Cup in Brazil. During these events cyberattacks ranged from malicious messages to phishing attacks and malware.

Such threats pose an inherent risk to event organizers and host countries as they try to provide a smooth-running and successful event while keeping participants and spectators safe and secure.

In this context, INTERPOL’s Project STADIA held a four-day course on “Advanced Safety and Security Management for Major International Sporting Events,” between 10-13 May. STADIA held the training at INTERPOL’s General Secretariat headquarters in Lyon.

Bringing together Law Enforcement Officials involved in policing and securing major international events. This course focused on issues such as threat assessment and risk management planning; event management planning and contingencies; crowd management and crowd control planning as well as protective action planning.

International experts conclude training on security in sporting events

Experts discuss key ways to ensure security at sporting events

Law enforcement and STADIA officials collaborate as part of security training

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Final course in the Safety and Security Training Programme for Major International Sporting Events

This sixth course marks the final stage in a series of training aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of police commanders and incident management leaders who are responsible for policing and managing safety and security at major international events. In total, 165 participants from 70 countries and INTERPOL attended the full programme.

INTERPOL in conjunction with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, NCS4, will offer the International Professional Certificate for Major International Sporting Events’ Safety and Security to attest that the trainee has successfully completed the required six courses. This initiative will enhance knowledge, encourage innovation, and at the same time turn training into operational practice for international sporting events.

“The NCS4/INTERPOL partnership brings together top officials to engage in innovative training with highly qualified instructors to promote safe and secure venues and events worldwide. Gaining new knowledge, building skills, and learning best practices will help address current and emerging policing challenges,” said Stacey A. Hall, Executive Director, NCS4 at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Project Stadia Senior Manager Falah Al Dosari further underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening member countries capacity to handle potential threats to venue security. Specifically, he noted that the skills acquired would enable senior police officials to better respond to security threats and develop counter-measures for protecting participants and spectators.