CBRN and Hazmat Incidents at Major Public Events: Planning and Response

SCENARIO B

Screening People, Vehicles, and Goods

BACKGROUND

As discussed in Chapter 7, screening people and things coming into a major-event venue is an important component of a balanced, layered approach to security. The effectiveness of screening measures in preventing, deterring, or discovering CBRN threats will depend both on policy and technology. One of the most effective CBRN security measures is to enact and enforce a liquid ban, similar to those in effect on commercial-airline flights. Such bans can be controversial and may be difficult to put into practice.

Tradeoffs need to be made in security screening. Speed and efficiency need to be balanced by thoroughness, and a different balance is struck at every major event. One purpose behind this scenario is to provoke a useful discussion of where that balance should be set.

It is important to remember that searching venues and screening entering goods and personnel are countermeasures against an internal release inside the event perimeter. These measures do not deter or prevent external releases. By no means am I suggesting that there is no value in conducting searches and screenings. Because an internal release generally requires less material than an external release, deterring internal releases makes the terrorists' job harder.

THE SCENARIO

You are responsible for CBRN and HAZMAT planning and response for a high-visibility sporting event that is being held at a stadium in your city. A crowd of 72,000 people is expected ...