National Special Security Event (NSSE)

An NSSE is a national or international event that has the potential to attract terrorists or other criminals. The upcoming visit of Pope Francis is such an event, as are presidential conventions and inaugurations, the Super Bowl, and other such activities. What does this have to do with you? Well, if you live or work in the region of such an event, your life and business can be impacted by things like traffic restrictions and security precautions. If you live or work in or near Philadelphia, New York or Washington, DC, it would be smart to start thinking about how your organization could be affected. And take the time to find out whether other NSSEs or just any major events in the upcoming year might require some planning on your part.

The scope of the operations for the pope's visit addresses everything from crowd control, crisis response, air-space safety, fire and life safety, hazardous materials response to terrorism threats on down to first aid and heat exhaustion. (Item #1)     Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia in September 2015, his first to the U.S. as pontiff, is expected to generate $418 million in economic benefits to the region. (Item #2)     The 2016 Republican National Convention will transform Cleveland and disrupt the everyday life of the city. (Item #3)    

When Pope Francis comes to town in September, will Philadelphians still be able to make and receive calls on their cell phones? (Item #4)     Wisconsin businesses have experienced the impact of protestors twice in the past several years. (Item #5)     This UK guide to the risk of protests has good tips for everyone. (Item #6)    

As always, I look forward to hearing about your concerns with regard to business continuity. If there are any topics that you'd like to see covered, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Pope Francis U.S. security: Every possible eventuality taken into account

The task now falls on officials in the United States who have been working for months drafting and implementing a security plan to keep one of the world's most popular men safe. The security plan - which falls under the purview of the U.S. Homeland Security Department, with the Secret Service taking the lead - is taking into account every eventuality. For an event expected to draw 2 million people, providing security for Francis during his Philadelphia stop would seem almost impossible.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/05
/pope_francis_philadelphia_visi_6.html

2. How Pope Francis may pack a bigger economic punch than the Super Bowl

Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia in September 2015, his first to the U.S. as pontiff, is expected to generate $418 million in economic benefits to the region, well in excess of the economic power that economists attributed to the Super Bowl. The pope's visit has been designated as a National Special Security event by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which means that there will be "multi-jurisdictional funding" for security.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-pope-francis-may-pack-a-bigger-economic-punch-than-the-super-bowl/

3. Republican National Convention to transform and disrupt Cleveland: By the Numbers

Jon Pinney, general counsel and treasurer of the Cleveland 2016 RNC Host Committee, recently put into context the magnitude of the convention during a panel presentation to several hundred attorneys at Cleveland State University's law school. He advised them to avoid the city during the two-week event, which will close the Q arena for six weeks, attract more than 5,000 protesters and 50,000 attendees, and bring in $400 million in economic impact.
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2014/12
/republican_national_convention.html

4. Pope Visit Could Challenge Philly Phone System

As many as 2 million pilgrims will flood the city to see the pope celebrate mass on the parkway. Philly's telecommunication system isn't prepared to handle quite that additional load - yet. "We know that this is a once in a lifetime experience," says AT&T spokeswoman. "And we know that such memorable experiences mean that there's a need to boost network capacity."
http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/02/23/pope-visit-challenge-philly-phone-system/

5. Downtown businesses sound off on potential protests

With at least two rallies against right-to-work legislation scheduled this week, downtown businesses have been put on alert. Union leaders held a press conference at the capitol Monday to address their opposition to the bill. While there are two scheduled rallies to be held during hearings for the legislation this week, the group declined to answer whether they anticipate the protests will reach the size seen four years ago.
http://www.channel3000.com/news/downtown-business-sound-off-on-potential-protests/31434512

6. Security for businesses: Managing the risk from protests

Freedom of speech and legitimate protest is of course the right of every individual in the UK, but at the same time many businesses will be understandably concerned about the disruptive effect that protests and demonstrations can have on their company, and about the potential dangers that they can face when demonstrators decide to escalate their protest beyond what is legally allowed. Businesses in areas that are at risk therefore need to plan and know how to react to any potential disruption from protestors.
http://www.kingdom.co.uk/articles/business-security-managing-risk-from-protests.aspx