Cops prepping for danger at concerts

By Kathryn Reed

From New York to Lake Tahoe, the suicide bombing that killed 22 people in Manchester, England, last month at an Ariana Grande concert got the attention of law enforcement

“In the wake of many large gathering terrorist events, starting with Nice, France, but including Germany, London and elsewhere, we have made adjustments to our operations plans – even last year – for SnowGlobe and New Year’s Eve. We are sensitive to the possibility and plan accordingly within our means,” South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News.

Locally, even the smaller venues like Lakeview Commons and Heavenly Village are a concern.

In Douglas County with concert venues mostly on private property security is the responsibility of the permit holder.

“We do supply officers on a limited basis, but that is typically very minimal and at the request of the promoter,” Undersheriff Paul Howell told Lake Tahoe News.

The first outdoor concert of the season at Harveys is coming up on June 25.

“On large events, like celebrity golf, where we are primarily responsible for security, we do use a variety of measures to enhance security. Increased bag checks, reduced allowance of bags/containers, multiple screening locations, and electronic and plainclothes surveillance,” Howell said. “Since 9-11 we have increased our interaction with our state and federal partners and we routinely meet and asses threat analysis with the Nevada Threat Analysis Center on large events like celebrity golf and New Year’s Eve.”

Specific tactical procedures aren’t released to the public so potential perpetrators don’t have a head start.

Waxing philosophical, Uhler went on to say, “Should we all withdraw for fear of attacks when crowds gather? Are we still vulnerable given limited means to effectively thwart all possible means of attack? Should government move toward more draconian methods of control at the expense of freedoms? I don’t have the answers to these questions. Clearly, there will be fears perpetuated by the attacks which could be viewed by terrorists as a measure of success.”