Why large events require smarter, long-term security investments

As cities and states prepare for a wave of major public events across the U.S., security planning is becoming more complex. Upcoming events, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, as well as the recently concluded World Cup, require agencies to think well beyond the walls of a stadium or event venue.

For state and local leaders, the challenge is not only securing the immediate event footprint. It is understanding what is happening across a broader environment, from transit corridors and parking areas to nearby streets, hotels, fan zones and surrounding neighborhoods. A potential threat may not emerge at the gate. It may begin blocks away, before law enforcement or public safety teams have direct visibility into what is unfolding.

That reality is pushing agencies to evaluate how their existing security infrastructure supports large-scale, distributed operations. Many organizations are moving beyond fragmented monitoring systems and exploring technologies such as smart cameras, object detection, mobile sensor platforms and cyber intelligence tools to improve situational awareness across wider event environments.

The most effective investments will not be one-time deployments used only for a single event. Instead, they will be technologies and services that help agencies strengthen event security today while creating capabilities that can support public safety, emergency management and city operations long after the crowds leave.

Seeing Beyond the Venue

Large public events create a unique visibility challenge. Public safety teams may be responsible for monitoring crowded venues, surrounding perimeters and adjacent city blocks, all while coordinating across local, state and federal partners. Relying on manual monitoring alone is not enough when teams are managing large volumes of information from cameras, sensors, emergency calls, field personnel and intelligence sources.

Smart cameras and object recognition capabilities can help agencies identify risks earlier and more precisely. Rather than only monitoring activity at the entrance to a venue, agencies can use expanded camera infrastructure to detect suspicious behavior or objects several blocks away. 

If an individual exits a vehicle with what appears to be a weapon, or if an unattended object is detected in a high-traffic area, public safety teams can receive faster alerts and respond before a situation escalates. These capabilities are not intended to replace trained personnel or human decision-making. Instead, they help focus attention where it is needed most.

Mobile sensing platforms are also becoming an important part of large-event security operations. These systems can integrate multiple data feeds, including chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear sensors deployed throughout a venue and the surrounding area. When used effectively, they can help agencies detect potential hazards, identify where a risk may be developing and share that information quickly with field teams.

Cyber intelligence is increasingly connected to physical security as well. Large events can attract online threats, disinformation, coordinated disruption attempts and chatter across social media, dark web forums and other digital channels. Tools that analyze online sentiment, public posts, or dark web discussions can surface warning signs that may not yet have reached traditional emergency channels. 

When connected to physical security operations, that intelligence gives agencies a more complete view of the threat environment and helps them coordinate a faster response.

Building Infrastructure that Lasts Beyond the Event

For state and local IT leaders, major events should be viewed not just as short-term security challenges, but as opportunities to strengthen long-term public safety infrastructure. The technologies deployed for event security should be evaluated based on how well they can support broader operational needs after the event ends.

• Prioritize Interoperability: Smart cameras, sensors, cyber intelligence tools and emergency communications systems are most effective when they contribute to a shared operating picture. Agencies should avoid creating new silos and instead look for platforms that can integrate data across departments, jurisdictions and response teams.
• Leverage Private-Public Collaboration: Many state and local teams are already stretched thin, and large events often come with tight timelines. Industry-supported models can help agencies deploy advanced capabilities without requiring internal teams to build, manage and maintain every component themselves.
• Plan for Post-Event Use Cases: The same infrastructure used to secure a stadium district often can support daily public safety operations. Defining those use cases early can help agencies ensure investments continue delivering value.
• Establish Clear Governance for Responsible Use: Technologies such as smart cameras, object detection and online monitoring can provide significant public safety benefits, but they must be implemented in ways that protect public trust. Policies around data retention, access, cybersecurity and transparency should be part of the planning process from the start.

Major events will continue to test the readiness of state and local governments. But with the right strategy, they can also accelerate smarter, more connected security infrastructure. By investing in interoperable technologies, agencies can strengthen event security while building lasting capabilities for the communities they serve.

John Evans is chief technology officer for state and local government at World Wide Technology.