NATO Members:
In regard to the tragic shootings at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, NATO issued the following statement:
"On behalf of all the members and staff of the National Association of Theatre Owners, our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this despicable act and their families. We are grateful for the quick and effective response by police and emergency personnel. Guest safety is, and will continue to be a priority for theater owners. NATO members are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures."
In addition, we are attaching a Dpartment of Homeland Security checklist below:
DHS Checklist
Considerations for Private Sector
§ Confirm that emergency plans are current and up to date
§ Confirm that all staff members including security and front of house staff under the signs of surveillance. Staff personnel change throughout the year and management should confirm that new team members have been properly trained for emergency situations.
§ Confirm that parking of cars/vehicles near entry points or around a facility is understood and the process to report vehicles is current. Consider contracting with a towing company to manage the towing of vehicles to a safe area.
§ Confirm that reporting of suspicious activity is understood to local law enforcement (
www.XXXXX.GOV <
www.XXXXX.GOV> - suspicious behavior)
§ Outreach to neighboring properties should be confirmed to discuss potential for advising the theater or public assembly property
§ Confirm that all security systems are operating effectively and are being reviewed to identify any potential suspicious behavior
§ Confirm that all fire and life safety systems are operational and permits are current
§ Confirm that all property team members to include security and front of house personnel have been trained for first aid
Considerations for Law Enforcement Partners
§ Confirm summer release and performance schedules for events to be alert to potential for large assembly of crowds
§ Confirm with local theatres and public assembly facilities any changes in management, contracts services (security, janitorial, vending, etc.) which might be able to provide information for suspicious behavior
§ Consider attending a weekly, monthly or special staff meeting for theatre personnel to discuss roles and responsibilities
§ Confirm that all contact information is current and up to date regarding key personnel (facility manager, security manager, etc.) for quick outreach
§ Confirm with theatre/public assembly facility management the name of towing company responsible for towing of vehicles. Confirm that contact information is current between towing firm and law enforcement to leverage knowledge and awareness
§ Confirm that all sensitive areas within the facility are properly secured and access is limited to individuals properly approved to be these areas
§ Confirm that ALL personnel understand the roles and duties for abandoned /unattended packages with in a theatre or within public areas of the facility
§ Conduct a "Red XXXX" review of the property to identify potential areas where an individual might observe and develop operational plans to assail property at a later time; Depending on outcomes create opportunity to make sure theatre/public assembly personnel are connected and aware of potential "Red XXXX"
§ In mixed use or retail setting environments confirm with security personnel that routines are varied and don't allow for and individual to assess routines
§ Confirm that theatre and public assembly personnel have or understand the procedures for packages and bags being carried into a theatre /public assembly facility (
www.suspicious <
www.suspicious> baggage search.gov)
§ Confirm with security personnel that all CCTV and video systems are operating effectively and have been properly directed to track specific weak points
Patrick Corcoran
NATO
Director of Media & Research,
California Operations Chief
818-506-1778
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