Professor Priscilla Berry

GEB 5212
Section 044C

Business Proposal
Alex Ruehling
Emily Pickhardt
Lenny Guevara
Loren Reinstrom
Trevor Hartog
Xiaolu Sun

To: Lynda Reinhart, Director, Stephen C. OConnell Center

From: DMI Consulting
Date: November 14, 2016
Subject: Audit Recommendations on Security for the Stephen C. OConnell Center

Executive Summary
Basketball is one of the most popular sporting events that are held at the University of Florida.
Typically, twenty home games are held each season. The large concentration of people at each
game is a potential target for an attack. The large crowds of people demand highly efficient and
effective security procedures. With the recent increase in attacks on civilians at entertainment
events such as the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing and the 2015 attack at the Bataclan
Theater in Paris, an increase in security measures is crucial. Although the Stephen C. OConnell
Center currently employs some effective methods, our audit has led us to recommend the
following additions to the current system.

Walk-through metal detectors

Texting system to supplement on Gator Safe App
Contract with a private security company
Security staff training

These additions will bring a higher level of security and safety to both the fans and the workers
at each event. The post 9/11 environment we have seen an increased threat of terrorism, which
could take place at sporting events held at the University of Floridas large-scale events. At the
moment, sporting and other large scale events are suspended due to the renovations of the
OConnell Center. The suspension has created an opportune time to increase safety technology
and training in a cost effective manner as it allows for installation without impeding events.

Opportunity
Our teams audit recognized specific opportunities regarding the security of the Stephen C.
OConnell Center. Recent high-profile attacks in places such as Paris and Orlando have shown
the need for effective security at large venues. Attacks can occur in many forms, the most
common of which are bombings and armed attacks, as shown in figure 1 (Statista, 2011).

Figure 1
In addition to the threat of a covert bombing, The United States also has the highest level of gun
violence - assault with a firearm or small arm, in any developed country, as seen in Figure 2.

Figure 2
Furthermore, Florida has some of the highest incidences of mass shootings in the United
States, as seen in Figure 3.

Figure 3

While there is much debate about how to combat this issue, one of the most effective methods
to prevent further bombings or shootings is the use of enhanced security technology and
training.
The building is undergoing renovations to upgrade seating, video boards, and the overall
aesthetics. Improved technology is at the forefront of the new improvements to the arena
according to Jeremy Cynkar, Director of Operations, Stephen C. OConnell Center (November
14, 2016). We know that this is a cost-effective time to update security measures throughout the
building because of the current renovations. The OConnell Center
employs part-time security guards and police officers checking bags
Security technology,
visually. While these measures work well, it also leaves room for
while useful, does
human error. By increasing the use of metal detectors we will work
to increase detection. In addition, we will expand on the success of
not replace human
the Gator Safe App by installing a texting system to report
intuition.
suspicious behavior. The system will allow patrons to actively
participate in making OConnell Center events safer.
Security technology, while useful, does not replace human intuition. Additional training for
current security staff will equip the individuals to act efficiently and effectively in the event of a
security threat. The increased technology, used in conjunction with an increased amount of
private security contractors, will allow event operational staff to successfully manage crowds
and possible security threats.

Concept
We propose that the University of Florida update their current security system by adding the
following new protocols and updating their old ones. Below are specifics on each security
addition.

Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Walk-through metal detectors would be placed each of the three gates. There would be eight
detectors at the main lobby gate and four detectors at the other two gates. This extra precaution
will be most effective in preventing knives, guns, and other weapons from entering the arena.
Mobile Phone Systems
A texting messaging system and the Gator Safe app are a highly
efficient way to manage guest needs and respond quickly to any
problems they might have. Fans are able to text or ping their
location and report any activity directly to security and police.
The report is then sent to the security authorities and they
handle the complaint. The text messaging system is already in
use at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the Gator Safe app is
widely available online so it would be simple to implement it at

Improved technology
is at the forefront of
the new improvements
to the arena

the OConnell Center. Both mobile phone applications perfectly align with the campus-wide
motto See Something, Say Something.
Private Security Company
Private security company such as CSC and S.A.F.E. Management will provide additional
support for large events and extra measures of security before and after events. The University
of Florida already uses S.A.F.E. when they need extra support during the holidays. Utilizing
private security companies proves to be essential for larger events such as basketball games.
Security Training Program
A security training program would ensure event staff is fully prepared for any situation that might
occur. Studies have shown that 62 percent of people in charge of Football Bowl Subdivision
schools do not have any kind of formal training in security management (Keating, 2011). A welltrained security staff is able to act quickly and efficiently which is critical when dealing with the
masses of spirited fans in an enclosed space.

Costs
The costs of implementing the proposed security measures are relatively small compared to the
safety and security of the patrons visiting the Stephen C. OConnell Center. Acquiring and
installing metal detectors come at a cost of $5,000 per unit with a total of $80,000 for all sixteen
units (Walk-Through Metal Detectors for Personnel). The $80,000 total is all-inclusive and would
cover the cost of installation. The text messaging system would be a contract extension with In
Stadium Solutions, the company who provides them at the football games. The cost of running
the text messaging system are to be negotiated for smaller scale events, like mens basketball.
Finally, for private security, we suggest using non-armed guards which cost an average of $16
an hour per guard.

Conclusion
Additional security measures need to be implemented now because of
the cost benefits during the renovations. The cost would be roughly
$90,000 in order to guarantee the safety and comfort of guests at the
University of Florida OConnell center. As renovations are being
completed this year, the window of time is now to update and implement
the security procedures to provide a safer environment. Providing walkthrough metal detectors, a texting system to supplement on Gator Safe,
contract security companies, and efficient security training will make the
OConnell Center a safer atmosphere for all guests.

The cost would

$90,000 to guarantee
safety.

Works Cited
Borden, S. (2015, November 19). Arena Security Reviewed After Paris Terror Attacks.
Retrieved November 11, 2016, from
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/19/sports/soccer/arena-security-reviewed-afterparis-terror-attacks.html?_r=0
Horsey, D. (2015, June 9). TSA's 95% failure rate shows airport security is a charade.
Retrieved November 11, 2016, from
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-tsa-airport-securitycharade-20150608-story.html
How Much Does a Security Guard Cost? (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2016, from
http://smallbusiness.costhelper.com/security-guard.html
Keating, Peter. (2011, September 11). The Industry of Fear. Retrieved November 11,
2016, from http://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/6936819/stadiums-increase-budgetsheighten-security-measures-protect-fans-espn-magazine

Laboratory Assessment Report. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2016, from

https://www.ncs4.com/sites/default/files/attachments/isssnapshot_0.pdf
Moskvitch 19 May 2015, K. (2015, May 19). The new tech changing airport security.
Retrieved November 11, 2016, from http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150519how-airport-security-is-changing
New, J. (2015, December 7). Colleges increase security at football stadiums, basketball
arenas. Retrieved November 11, 2016, from
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/12/07/colleges-increase-securityfootball-stadiums-basketball-arenas
Schneier, B. (2015, April 15). Metal Detectors at Sports Stadiums. Retrieved November
11, 2016, from
https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2015/04/metal_detectors.html
Sports, B. S. (2013, May 02). USA TODAY Sports investigation: Holes in stadium
security. Retrieved November 11, 2016, from
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2013/05/02/stadium-security-bostonmarathon-kentucky-derby/2130875/

Stadiums - Modern Fire and Security Systems, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11,
2016, from http://www.modernfireandsecurity.com/projects/stadiums/
Statistica. (June 2012). Primary attack types used in acts of terrorism worldwide in
2011. Retrieved November 14, 2016 from
https://www.statista.com/statistics/202443/primary-terrorism-attack-types/
Walk-Through Metal Detectors for Personnel. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2016,
from https://www.ncjrs.gov/school/ch3a_5.html
We care about football. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2016, from
http://www.uefa.org/newsfiles/551778.pdf
Willingham, A. (2016, June 21). A visual guide: Mass shootings in America. Retrieved
November 11, 2016, from http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/13/health/massshootings-in-america-in-charts-and-graphs-trnd/index.html