High Stakes, Huge Crowds: Policing Mega Events

High Stakes, Huge Crowds: Policing Mega Events

ANZPAA Chief Executive Officer Carl McLennan convened an international panel featuring representatives from Australia, France and Dubai to unpack the realities of policing major and mega events at the ANZPAA Police Conference 2025. Mr Graham Coleman APM (Queensland Police Service), Chief Superintendent David O’Donovan (South Australia Police), Mr Grégory Cornillon (Police Attaché, Embassy of France to Australia) and Ms Alreem Hussain (Dubai Police) explored the intricate demands of planning, co-ordination and execution required to deliver security, maintain public trust and manage risks at events of immense scale and complexity.

Mega events such as the Olympics or COP conferences, span multiple venues, extend over several days or weeks and involve a broader geographic and operational footprint. These events are also described as ‘mega disruption events,’ due to the extensive impact they have on communities, infrastructure and government agencies. The complexity is further heightened by the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including local, national and international agencies, as well as private sector partners.

Planning for such events often begins years in advance, with panellists noting that anticipation and early engagement are critical. The Paris Olympics, for example, saw preparations commence six years prior to the opening ceremony. Early planning allows for the development of detailed operational frameworks, the establishment of relationships among stakeholders and the identification of potential logistical and legal challenges.

The importance of relationships was emphasised repeatedly, with panellists agreeing that strong, collaborative relationships between agencies—locally, nationally and internationally—are essential for effective event management. “If there’s one key message about mega-event planning, it’s making sure that you focus on establishing the relationships which will see you through the hard times,” noted Graham Coleman. These relationships facilitate information sharing, help align expectations and provide mechanisms for resolving disagreements or adapting to unforeseen circumstances.

Stakeholder management emerged as a central concern, particularly in balancing the expectations of domestic and international partners. In Australia, jurisdictional police agencies typically lead security operations, which allows for a clear benchmark and accountability. However, international events require co-ordination with foreign agencies, each with their own standards and expectations. The French experience with the Paris Olympics underscored the need for clear communication and legal frameworks, especially when integrating foreign police officers and private sector partners into security operations.

Logistical challenges were identified as a significant risk factor. The supply of accommodation, transport and other resources is often insufficient to meet the demands of mega events. For instance, the Brisbane Olympics is projected to require tens of thousands of hotel rooms and extensive transportation arrangements for both security personnel and event participants. Previous events, such as the G20 in Brisbane, provided lessons in the importance of controlling logistics, with agencies adapting by training their own personnel to fill critical roles, such as bus drivers, when commercial solutions proved inadequate. The military may provide support in certain areas, but reliance on defence resources is limited by their primary responsibilities and the need to maintain appropriate public perceptions.

The integration of technology is also transforming event security. Dubai Police shared their use of advanced AI platforms for predictive analysis, real-time visualisation and rapid response, including the deployment of drones as first responders. These technologies enhance situational awareness and decision-making but also require legal frameworks to govern their use. The French experience highlighted the necessity of legislative changes to permit the use of drones and algorithmic CCTV during the Olympics, illustrating the tension between technological capability and regulatory readiness.

Protest management was another area of focus. The panel noted a shift in the protest environment, with contemporary demonstrations often involving a convergence of multiple issues and groups. Both the Olympics and COP events are expected to attract protests, necessitating proactive engagement with issue-motivated groups. The approach in Australia emphasises facilitating peaceful protest while preparing for the possibility of unlawful or disruptive actions. Lessons from previous events, such as COP26 in Glasgow, inform strategies for balancing the rights of protesters with the need to maintain public order.

Training and readiness were identified as critical components of a strategic security framework. Regular exercises, scenario-based drills and inter-agency co-ordination are used to test and refine operational plans. These activities help identify gaps, enhance skills and build confidence among personnel. The Dubai experience includes a permanent event security committee that brings together government and private sector stakeholders to plan and co-ordinate security efforts, aligning strategies with national visions and priorities.

The experiences shared by the panellists provided valuable insights for agencies tasked with delivering safe and secure environments at large-scale events, both in Australia and internationally.

This editorial draws directly from the ANZPAA Police Conference 2025 panel presentation.

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