A Deeper Understanding of the Valentis Special Event Operation

1. Planning

Emergency Action Plan and Pre-Event Operational Planning

Valentis requires special event clients to have a current Emergency Action or Incident Action Plan that addresses the event's hazards. If a plan does not exist, then Valentis will create one. The planning phase will include one or more of the following tasks:

1. If a current plan exists, then review and update to include the Valentis operation
2. Facilitating all public safety meetings
3. Training to event and key staff
4. Threat Assessment and Event Security Plan defines protocols, measures, and risk mitigation. Threats and incidents can be natural such as weather or human-made, such as an active assailant

Working with Stakeholders

Valentis will contact local public safety agencies (law enforcement, fire, medical, and emergency management services) affected by the real-world event to establish a partnership. A partnership, in lockstep, will develop positive response times to emergent incidents. A private-public sector partnership will also enhance the mitigation of risk for our Client. If needed, Valentis will develop a pre-event exercise to test all agencies' capabilities working together, i.e., Tabletop Exercise (TTX).

Valentis will contact local public safety agencies (law enforcement, fire, medical, and Emergency Management Services) affected by the real-world event to establish a partnership. A partnership, in lockstep, will develop positive response times to emergent incidents. A private-public sector partnership will also enhance the mitigation of risk for our Client. If needed, Valentis will develop a pre-event exercise to test all agencies' capabilities working together, i.e., Tabletop Exercise (TTX).

Unified Command

Valentis utilizes and promotes a Unified Command for all large-scale special events. This concept of operation follows practices established through the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS). The Unified Command generally consists of law enforcement, emergency response, event organizer, local nonemergency government representative, and Valentis. Valentis will serve as the Incident Commander until an emergent incident occurs. When an incident occurs, a transfer of command occurs to the lead agency. Valentis represents the event organizer's interest when acting in the Incident Commander role. Smaller events that draw 3000 or less are designed similarly, except there is no unified command.

2. Resources

Valentis utilizes a combination of armed and unarmed personnel at special events. Personnel types are assigned according to risk areas outlined in the Valentis security plan. 

Valentis has additional resources to improve the security posture at the Client's events

Plainclothes personnel

Personnel assigned to plainclothes or low-profile detail is utilized to conduct counterterrorism operations. This resource is tasked with identifying acts of terrorism and crime designed to cause significant injury, death, and property damage during the event or in and around the venue. They will additionally assist Valentis personnel in lethal incidents. Plainclothes personnel have the flexibility to provide an enhanced layer of support to the special event operation because of their low-profile visibility. Plainclothes personnel are members of the Valentis High-Risk Protective Services Team.

High-Risk Protective Services Team

Valentis High-Risk Protective Services is comprised of the Protective Force, Special Response Team (SRT), and Canine Services. These teams can provide close personal protection to visiting performers and VIPs and their family members who attend a client's special event. The Principal Protection program allows the Principal to conduct their activities without overbearing security, provides protective measures against physical harm, including kinetic events such as assaults, assassinations, kidnappings, etc., and proactively safeguards against embarrassment stemming from political activism or other actions designed to disrupt the Principal's personal life.  

Canine Services (Explosive Detection and Patrol)

Valentis canines are used to support uniformed security personnel during special events/mass gathering and to assist law enforcement agencies when there are gaps or shortfalls in counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) resources. The canines are certified to indicating various explosive odors, both military and civilian constructed explosive devices. Canines are trained on 100% pure explosive odors to detect specifically on the odor of target material. Canines can alert on all weight of "target" materials, located inside, outside, and vehicle placed explosives.

Valentis canines will be tasked with a patrol function. The canine patrol is typically deployed as a deterrent when not conducting explosives detection.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (Drones)

UAS services can be used to conduct pre-event threat analysis, assist with locating missing adults/children, and track crowd movements as well as security breaches. The UAS is operated by a certified FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Remote Pilot. Licensing and permitting for use of the UAS is administered by Valentis.

Intelligence Services

Valentis intelligence services can be incorporated at special events to collect intel through deep scanning social media of potential threat actors, planned disturbances that may lead to civil disorder, and track the use of implied threat terms that may be used in conjunction to social media posts against the Client's event.

Mobile Units

Mobile units may include marked patrol vehicles, golf carts, and side-by-side vehicles (SXS). The decals on marked mobile units are highly reflective for enhanced visibility and safety. At certain sized events, Valentis may deploy its mobile command unit. The mobile command unit is a centralized location for all Valentis and partner operations and communications. If deployed, the command unit requires access to onsite electricity.

Radio Communications

Valentis provides its own cache of radios for their personnel. The event organizer is required to provide an event radio or the frequencies to Valentis. Valentis will work, independently, with each stakeholder to effectively establish interoperability.

3. Incident (Event) Real World Management

 Incident (Event) Management is required for a safe and secure event. Our incident management engages during the real-world operation and is completed with post event reporting.

Event Safety Coordinator

The Valentis Event Safety Coordinator (ESC) will act to safeguard the interests of the Client, oversee Valentis operations and personnel, ensure ongoing compliance related to the Valentis Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), and is the primary point of contact between the Client, Valentis, and public sector stakeholders. The ESC is tasked with facilitating daily operational briefs with public sector stakeholders and individuals that have a need to know.

Incident Communications using Group Text Messaging

We utilize group text messaging software that allows critical information to be shared with Client designated personnel, public safety key contacts, and other Valentis personnel as required.

 Adverse Weather Tracking

We will track weather patterns and developments that may affect an event's operation. As necessary, we will incorporate the National Weather Service (NWS) or other certified meteorologists to provide updates and share real-time potential damaging and disruptive weather patterns.

Real-Time Public Safety Activity Reporting

If Valentis stands up their mobile incident command post, then all calls for law enforcement, security, medical, and fire are tracked through our software. Depending on the event's locale, we will record all event-related public safety activities directly with the emergency management agency with jurisdiction. This process enables enhanced information sharing and situational awareness.

Public Information Plan (PIP)/Crisis Management

Public safety incidents that generate media attention require a Public Information Officer (PIO) or Official Spokesperson to address inquiries. It is the protocol of Valentis to defer official statements about public safety incidents to our Client or the appropriate public sector stakeholder. Clients have the opportunity to utilize the Valentis PIO. We will create an event-specific Public Information Plan (PIP). The PIP includes prepared written statements and answers for circulation and the official spokesperson who will represent both Valentis and the Client in person or phone media interviews. The PIP will assist with developing social media posts and other online messaging in response to the public safety incident.

Written Incident Reports

Clients are provided PDF incident reports through email that require documentation beyond a summary notification in our electronic report. These incidents include but not limited to physically removing someone from the footprint, detainment for breaches of the peace, and other incidents that generate law enforcement, medical, or fire response

Valentis deploys a three-step review process before the Client can receive the report. The process is as follows:

1. Security Guard writes report using one of our incident report forms
2. Supervisor reviews report and uploads to our online, secure, file sharing program
3. Valentis Administrator reviews report verifying all information is completed correctly, assigns report number, and submits the incident report to the Client, key Valentis personnel, and local law enforcement.

End of Event Report (After Action Report)

A final report called the After Action Report (AAR) is created and remitted to the Client following the special event's conclusion. The report provides the following information:

1. Review of any administrative tasks performed by Valentis in support of the Client's event
2. Review of Lessons Learned and what worked best
3. Incident Report Data Review
4. Recommended action steps for Client and Valentis to improve future events