NFL Stadium, Hard Rock part of unique hands-on experience for NIA participants
The National Public Safety Innovation Academy offers participants a truly unique experience.
In addition to learning from nationally renowned subject matter experts over the eight-week executive-level STEM-based program, participants take part in specially curated, hands-on experiences. On March 7, the first cohort traveled to Tampa for a behind-the-scenes look at Raymond James Stadium and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
During their trip to Raymond James Stadium, the home of the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, participants learned about security procedures and how threats are mitigated at NFL games. Brandon Flynn, Security and Parking Manager for the Tampa Sports Authority, led the tour.
“Being able to understand everything that law enforcement does in conjunction with the security staff was pretty fascinating,” said Capt. Rian Shea, a 24-year law enforcement veteran with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. “Seeing what they can do with their security systems was pretty remarkable.”
Between law enforcement, security staff, and medical personnel, a regular season NFL game has about 1,000 people on hand just for safety purposes. During the tour, participants also learned about drone detection software, extensive security measures, and the collaboration between law enforcement and security.
“I found it interesting how they deal with drones,” said Sgt. Travis Carpenter of the Eustis Police Department. “Four-hundred and forty security cameras to operate – that’s a large system to keep up with and monitor. It’s pretty impressive.”
Participants also learned how traffic and message boards are managed on gameday. During the in-depth tour, they also saw the holding cells and team locker rooms. They were able to step foot on the playing field and the Buccaneers’ famous pirate ship behind the north end zone.
“I found it interesting that if someone is arrested, they do all the processing there,” Carpenter added. “It seems pretty efficient. The amount of security needed is unbelievable.”
Following Raymond James Stadium, participants finished the day at Hard Rock where they learned about investigative security systems. The participants, led by Hard Rock staff, broke into three groups to get an in-depth look at the casino’s security practices and measures.
The tours helped participants understand advanced security measures and technology for combating threats. NIA gives law enforcement and corrections leaders the skills and knowledge to craft innovative policies and procedures to address and direct high-liability situations that agencies encounter in today’s climate. As technology changes, NIA curriculum will evolve to stay at the forefront of the ever-changing world of criminal justice.
“The whole program has been pretty awesome,” Carpenter added. “These tours were fascinating. They definitely gave me a lot to think about.”
The National Public Safety Innovation Academy is a partnership between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk State College to offer executive-level training to law enforcement and corrections leaders from across the country. The next cohort begins on Sept. 18. More information and registration are available at www.polk.edu/NIA