Senior police officials from 24 countries recently participated in a hands-on training course in order to prepare for some of the biggest challenges in securing major sporting events.
With criminal groups looking to capitalize on increased border traffic and large crowds, violence and terrorism are just some of the risks associated with hosting such events.
The April 17-20 scenario-based Risk Management Challenges for Major International Sporting Events Training Course was developed and co-organized by INTERPOL’s Project Stadia and the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4). It allowed participants to study concrete case examples on crisis and crowd management, violence and terrorism, followed by peer-to-peer review and exchange of best practice.
This session is the second of six modules leading to the International Sport Safety and Security Professional Certificate. A first of its kind in the realm of major event security, the courses can also be delivered to national police forces in INTERPOL member countries upon request.
Opening the event, Falah Al Dosari, Senior Manager, Project Stadia announced that in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, Qatar would be the first country to benefit from the module at national level. “This accredited training course is essential in allowing senior law enforcement officials from around the world to learn from their counterparts and develop the appropriate methodology in safeguarding major national and international sporting events,” said Al Dosari.
