NCS4 UPDATE

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr. Stacey A. Hall

GREETINGS, FELLOW SAFETY AND SECURITY PROFESSIONALS!

We are excited to present our fall edition of the Gameday Security Magazine. In this issue, you will learn about various topics/challenges at the forefront of our industry. Cybersecurity is a rising threat, and the rate of cybercrime has increased 300% since the COVID-19 outbreak. Conflict resolution is an area that requires more attention with the recent incidents of civil unrest and unruly fan behavior as we return to events. We can not underestimate the importance of crisis communications planning and sharing information with stakeholders and the general public in times of crisis. In addition, litigation issues are highlighted to prepare venue owners/operators and event organizers for unwanted legal action. The Center supports the sports and entertainment industries through innovative research, training, and outreach programs. I would like to take this opportunity to share our progress on a few items since the summer, including the following: • Hosted a train-the-trainer workshop, preparing 25 participants from across the U.S. to become DHS/FEMA-certified instructors for sports and special event courses. • Currently developing and conducting pilots for a new DHS/FEMA-funded Crowd

Management course. • Partnered with the DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to develop a Touchless Security Screening Annex for the Public Venue Security Screening Guide. • Provided a cybersecurity three-part webinar series in partnership with CISA and our

Technology Alliance members. • Partnered with Sports ETA to conduct a safety and security seminar for the sports tourism industry. • Published the first industry research report on spectator perceptions of safety and security practices and technologies. • Patron screening technology operational exercises and product reports are underway. • Virtual INTERPOL-Project Stadia training programs are scheduled this fall. • Annual Conference 2021 had the most exhibitors and sponsors in 12 years. • Welcomed a new co-chair of our National Advisory Board, Mr. Billy Langenstein,

Director of Security Services and Investigation, NFL. As we approach the season for giving thanks, the NCS4 team thanks our corporate, government agency, and professional association partners, as well as our extensive membership base. In addition, our National Advisory Board and Advisory Committees are a valuable asset to the Center, helping shape our future work priorities to meet the challenges and needs of our industry. At the timing of this magazine print, we will be hosting our 12th Annual Conference at the luxurious Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix — a conference filled with relevant content and renowned expert speakers, a full-capacity exhibit hall, and a relaxed environment to enjoy time with our colleagues. We are ready for 2022, and we hope you are too! l Kind Regards,

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dr. Stacey A. Hall Executive Director and Professor of Sport Management Lauren Cranford Director of Operations Daniel Ward Director of Training & Exercise

MANAGEMENT TEAM

William Adams Training Manager Michael Finley Curriculum Manager Brooke Graves Senior Training Manager Mayra Ordonez Instructional Design Specialist Sara Priebe Event and Membership Manager Jonathan Ruffin Training Manager Tymika Rushing Business Affairs Manager Dr. Joslyn Zale Senior Research Associate and CSSP Manager

STUDENT ASSOCIATES

Grace Gremillion Graduate Assistant

Andrew Hood Web Developer Ryan Kavanaugh Graduate Assistant

Jonathan Stanford Graduate Assistant