Module 7:

Access Control and Credentialing


Learning Objectives

•Identify the basic concepts of access control and 
credentialing for major special events.
•Recognize available methods and technologies 
for controlling access to major special events.
•List available methods and technologies for 
credentialing at major special events.



Purpose of Access Control

•Grant access to people who are authorized to enter 
(ticket holders, performers, staff)
•Ensure that they are not bringing in contraband 
(weapons, drugs)
•Exclude persons who are not authorized to enter



Key Questions

•Do we have clearly specified perimeters: inner, middle, 
outer?
•Do we have adequate and appropriate security for each 
perimeter?
•Do we have enough technical equipment for effective and 
efficient screening?



Key Questions (continued)

•Do we have enough staff for timely screening?
•Do we have staff trained and experienced in 
screening?
•Do we have proper screening protocols?
•Are screening regulations clearly posted for all 
participants to read?



Security Perimeters = Rings of Protection



Outer Perimeter

Example: NFL Best Practices for Stadium Security:

•Establish a secure outer perimeter 100 ft from stadium.
•Use barricades (Jersey barriers, concrete planters, 
bollards, trucks, buses) to protect areas vulnerable to 
forced entry by vehicles.
•Close roads and streets adjacent to the facility, 
where feasible.


Purpose: Deter vehicles, not pedestrians


Middle Perimeter

•First level of access control for personsand their 
possessions
•No one without a pass/ticket or credential may enter 




Middle Perimeter Methods

Screening persons:

•Inspect visually
•Require person to open outer clothing
•Pat down outer clothing
•Use magnetometer wands to scan clothing
•X-ray all coats and jackets
•Post uniformed officer at each gate to observe suspicious 
behavior and to back up screeners



Middle Perimeter Methods

Screening objects:

•Prohibit large objects—coolers, backpacks, large 
bags—that could conceal explosives or weapons.
•Inspect and search handbags, binocular cases, 
briefcases, etc.
•Use magnetometers to scan all handbags, binocular 
cases, briefcases, etc.



Publicize List of Prohibited Items

•Send notices to season ticket holders.
•Post signage and distribute leaflets at the event site, 
satellite parking areas, and logical transit sites.
•Use loop announcements and staff at key locations to 
provide information on allowable and prohibited items.
•For major events, ask the media to help publicize what 
items are allowed and prohibited.



Rose Bowl Search Levels (Based on Threat)

•Level A: visual inspection of purses at small events 
(e.g., swap meets)
•Level B: inspection of coats, plus Level A measures
•Level C: pat-down searches, plus Level A and 
Level B measures



Other Screening and Access Factors

•Time:Arrange enough screening capacity to keep 
lines short.
•Supervision:Use police officers to supervise 
private security screeners and provide help in case 
of trouble.
•Trouble desk:Establish a place where access 
problems can be resolved.



Other Screening and Access Factors

(continued)

•Reentry policy:Decide whether patrons may exit 
and reenter.
•Parking inside middle perimeter:Decide on 
vehicle screening measures.
•Remember the tow truck!



Inner Perimeter

•For VIPs, performers, players, and their guests
•Identification and permission required
•Area made safe, then kept safe
•Bodyguard issues



Other Tools and Concerns

•Video cameras for both security and logistical support
•Personal observation from high points
•Delivery screening (off-site and on-site)
•Limo drivers and truck rentals
•Mail and package screening
•Facilities inspection
•Cash security



Credentialing


The mission of major events credentialing is to design

and produce badge identification:

•To ensure the greatest possible level of security for 
personnel and property, and
•To enhance the ability of law enforcement to control 
access to secure areas, facilities, and events.


--U.S. Secret Service


Ticket .Credential


NASCAR Credential:

Card plus stickers



Key Questions Regarding Credentials

•Do we have a plan and process to produce 
credentials?
•Do we have adequate technology to produce 
credentials?
•Do we have the database to produce credentials?
•If we cannot produce credentials in-house, what 
agency can we partner with to help us?
•Who will be credentialed?



Key Questions Regarding Credentials(continued)

•Which credentialed persons require background 
records checks?
•Who will conduct the records checks?
•What criteria will be used to exclude people from 
receiving badges?
•How and when will credentials be distributed?
•Where will the credentialing center be located 
(must be open before and during the event)?



Color Coding Badges

Badges may be color-coded to:

•Grant access past specific perimeters (e.g.,
purple may pass middle perimeter) and zones 
within perimeters
•Designate personnel functions (e.g., orange = VIPs)



Credentialing Costs

•Background checks
•Credentialing technology



Additional Tips

•Provide adequate information on badges to verify 
wearers’identity and level of access
•Make codes easy for security personnel to interpret
•Include enough security features to prevent 
counterfeiting and assist in credential verification



Conclusion



Tabletop Exercise:

Continuation of Module 1 Tabletop Exercise,

“Pre-Planning for Major Events”


BREAK