School safety, security, and violence prevention resource

This statement comes from Jim McGee, a former FBI agent who is now part of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Spectator Sports Security Management. According to him:

“It’s always in the back of my mind, even when I’m watching them on TV. You’re kind of looking at things. The thing is if I can sit there or any spectator can sit there, and think, ‘Hmmm, that doesn’t look right,’ that’s probably a little bit of a risk there.”

People who are concerned about this issue compare the importance placed on security when it comes to professional sports. They claim that college sporting events do not have enough security, which makes them soft targets. What are the implications of this?

Bill Flynn of the Homeland Security says:

“Stadiums and arenas are a concern, something that we want to pay attention to. Why? Because we’ve seen attacks overseas in resorts, hotels and arenas, so obviously while al-Qaida and the terrorists have attempted to hit hard targets like refineries, soft targets and commercial facilities become more of a target of opportunity.”

I think that McGee and Flynn are raising very valid points here. We all know that college sports is a huge part of our lives. Year in and year out, countless people flock to various stadiums all over the country to witness their teams play. This is especially true during the times of the year when the final games (of whatever sport) come around.

I am sure there would be some who would think that terrorists would not even think of targeting such “insignificant” events. Yet think about it, they know that after 911, the security in major locations throughout the country has been tightened, making it difficult for them to do anything. What would be their next step, if they indeed have one? The soft targets would be the logical answer.

Now I am not trying to incite fear – as I am sure McGee and Flynn are not. It’s just a matter of preventing possible scenarios from happening and not having regrets if they do occur. After all, we are all about keeping our schools safe – why not extracurricular activities such as big sporting events as well?

As things stand right now, though, the NCAA does not seem amenable to the suggestions. The big problem is money. This is where things come at a standstill. Let’s hope that something can be done to keep college stadiums and arenas safer in the coming year.

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