NCS4/INTERPOL Training Course Addresses Challenges for Major International Sporting Events

LYON, France – Senior police officials from 24 countries are participating in a hands-on training course this week 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.

Taking place on April 17-20, the three-day scenario-based Risk Management Challenges for Major International Sporting Events Training Course has been developed and co-organized The University of Southern Mississippi's National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) and INTERPOL's Project Stadia. It will allow participants to study concrete case examples on crisis and crowd management, violence and terrorism. These will be followed by peer to peer review and exchange of best practices.

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 Mr Al Dosari.

NCS4 Director Lou Marciani emphasized this point, adding: “Police capacity building and training play a key role in INTERPOL's overall mission to enhance international police cooperation. In order to meet this goal, this certification has been established to assure the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of senior law enforcement officials have been acquired for managing safety and security at major international events.”

Risk identification, analysis and evaluation were key factors throughout the session, as was the provision of appropriate resources for strategic, operational and tactical levels of command.

Maximizing the use of technology was also high on the agenda, with several private sector partners presenting examples of how police can benefit from the latest innovations to ensure major event security. These corporations include Axis Communications, Babel Street, CEIA, Dell EMC, Johnson Controls, Microsoft, Idemia, and NEC Corporation of America.

For more information on the course, visit https://www.ncs4.com/trainingportal/international/interpol

For more information on INTERPOL Project STADIA, visit https://www.interpol.int/INTERPOL-expertise/Stadia/Project-Stadia.

For more information on the products/services offered by the private sector strategic partners, visit https://www.ncs4.com/trainingportal/international/strategic-partners.