Protest Security Solutions Available from AFIMAC

Protest security is just one of the elements of holding protestors and demonstrators accountable for their actions. Small towns and major cities across North America continue to experience increased political activism, with select groups targeting government buildings, high-traffic public spaces, and even major highways. Risk mitigation during these challenging times is best accomplished alongside a qualified security company that can lend its expertise, help government agencies navigate legal complexities, and hold bad actors accountable for their actions. In today’s age of activism, the rules surrounding political protest continue to be bent and broken, forcing governments to explore every option available.

Government entities at all levels of the political system remain in a difficult spot when attempting to manage the security risks that come with this new public interest in political activism. While everyone has the right to peaceful protest, some demonstrators can step over the line. At times, protestors may intentionally try to intimidate locals as a means of drawing attention to their efforts, intentionally trying to create fear among the general public.  

Protest Security and Anti-Government Demonstrations and Political Buildings

Many governments, both municipal and federal, continue to experience a number of protests located directly at their offices and other buildings. Major federal-level governments have been accustomed to this, but local and municipal governments may be caught off guard by a political demonstration that can erupt in a matter of minutes. 

With the rise of social media, these protestors can organize quickly, creating security risks to government workers, the building itself, and the general public when left unchecked. In some cases, tempers may run high, and demonstrators may clash with the public or government staff. In these cases, should anyone be injured on government property or at a political building, the government entity is likely to face legal troubles related to personal injury.

Protest Security for Public Spaces

One recent trend in political activism is for demonstrators to take their efforts away from political buildings and target high-traffic areas, including malls, hospitals, highways, subway stations, transit hubs, and large public spaces. In other cases, protests have also occurred at safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, including theaters and halls, and in small rural downtown cores and prominent meeting spaces.

These types of demonstrations can create several risks to public property and the general public. Should the public engage with these protestors, there is a security risk for these political demonstrations to turn violent. Governments have a moral and legal obligation to protect the general public from the backlash of such political protests, creating a legal challenge should someone suddenly become injured on public property. 

In other cases, protestors may attempt to vandalize public spaces by defacing art installations, parks, and local landmarks, all in an effort to draw attention to their cause. Some groups may even block traffic on major highways, border crossings, or downtown cores. Not only can it create a traffic nightmare, but also tension among the general public.

Protest Security and Accountability

One of the best ways to hold protestors accountable for their actions is through intelligence gathering. Physical security guards can work to keep the peace when a heated demonstration breaks out, but your efforts should not stop there. Surveillance and intelligence gathering offered on behalf of AFIMAC can closely monitor the movements of protestors and carefully log every instance of misbehavior. Such information can be used later if legal issues arise and help a government entity demonstrate the efforts it took to manage security risks during the protest. The simple presence of a video camera at the site of a demonstration can communicate to activists that every one of their moves is being monitored, subtly suggesting that there will be consequences for their actions.

Protest Security by AFIMAC

Regardless of the political cause, activism in North America has made a troubling turn in a post-pandemic era. People continue to protest against government mandates and restrictions, while others target specific groups. 

Work to protect people and property alongside the global leaders in strike and protest security. AFIMAC is keenly aware of the challenges facing government agencies in 2023, ready and able to help protect government buildings and public spaces, even on short notice.

Should your government be concerned about the rise of political activism, contact Jim Rovers of AFIMAC directly at jrovers@afimaccan.com to begin exploring options such as intelligence gathering, social listening, physical security resources, and so much more.