CYBER+INFRASTRUCTURE
–
Public Venue Bag Search
Procedures Guide
Commercial Facilities Sector
June 2019
Commercial Facilities – Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide ii
Letter from the Assistant Director
Across the United States, people should expect that they will be safe and secure
as they cheer on a favorite team at a sporting event, go shopping, attend a
house of worship, study in school, dine out with family and friends, or any of a
myriad of activities that bring them to public places.
The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency (CISA) works closely with public and private sector partners
to mitigate risk to protect our infrastructure. This mission includes working
to secure public venues in partnership with the private sector owners and
operators of these facilities, which are represented by the Commercial Facilities
Sector Coordinating Council.
The Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide you are about read is the result of a joint eort to update
public-private sector security recommendations to meet ever-evolving threats. This document updates
and expands upon the Sports Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide published in 2012. The intent of
this product is to incorporate changes in bag search measures applicable to the Commercial Facilities
Sector. Addressing the sector’s diversity in developing the guide, the Public Venues Working Group was
formed with Government Coordinating Council and Sector Coordinating Council members to include
representatives from the Sports Leagues, Public Assembly, and Outdoors Events Subsectors who
provided expert input based on industry priorities, concerns, and best practices.
The procedures described in this guide are presented as options for consideration; they are not
denitive, applicable in all circumstances, or required by any regulation or legislation. A facility’s owner,
operations manager, or security director may at their discretion implement any or all of these options as
deemed applicable.
This guide represents a clear example of the value of public and private collaboration eorts towards
enhancing the security and resilience of our nation’s critical infrastructure.
Sincerely,
Brian Harrell
Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security
Commercial Facilities – Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide 1
Table of Contents
1 Introduction & Purpose 2
2 Training
3
3 Pre-Event Communication and Secondary Perimeters
5
4 Bag Searches
7
4
.1 Bag Search Locations 7
4.2
Item Descriptions 9
4.3
Bag Search Lines and Stang 11
4.4
Conducting a Bag Search 12
4
.5 Bag Search Findings 15
5 Additional Resources
18
6 Acknowledgements
19
Commercial Facilities – Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide 2
1 Introduction & Purpose
This guide provides suggestions for developing and implementing bag search procedures at public
assembly venues hosting a variety of events, which may include sporting events, concerts, family festivals,
or other public gatherings. Venue owners, operators, and event organizers may also choose to use
additional resources (e.g., consult law enforcement) to supplement the procedures outlined in this guide.
Bag search procedures are meant to control items that are hand-carried into a venue and may be a part
of a venue’s overall security plan. This document provides guidance on how to:
Prepare and plan for bag search procedures in advance of an event;
Deter individuals from bringing illegal, prohibited, or unusual items into the venue;
Interact with individuals who are having their bag(s) searched;
Conduct a bag search and identify items of interest (i.e., illegal, prohibited, or unusual); and
Respond when items of interest are discovered during a bag search.
The bag search procedures outlined in this document are for guidance purposes only; they are
not required under any regulation or legislation. In addition, due to the wide variation in the types, sizes,
and locations of public assembly venues and the types of events held in these venues, not all suggested
procedures will be relevant or applicable.
Commercial Facilities – Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide 3
2 Training
All venue personnel should be made aware of bag search procedures and available training, regardless
of position or job title. Individuals whose duty it is to conduct the bag searches should be trained in the
actual bag search procedures, the equipment needed, item identication, and the appropriate response
when discovering items that fall into the three categories—illegal, prohibited, or unusual—described in
further detail in Section 4.2: Item Descriptions.
Public venue management should consider providing venue employees, contractors, and event sta with
training in general bag search procedures, items not allowed in the venue, and how the bag searches t into
layers of security at the venue.
The training provided may cover topics such as how to:
O
Identify suspicious behavior, including
potential coordinated attempts by ticket
holders to get around security
O
Coordinate unusual item identication
among bag search stations, bag search
supervisors, the venue’s command post, or
law enforcement
O
Identify harmful substances (e.g., explosives
are especially important with respect
to bomb-making materials) and other
substances/items that pose a threat to sta
and other ticket holders
Examples of harmful items may be
outlined in the venue’s security plan.
Guidelines for identication, retention,
transfer of ownership, and disposal should
be provided if applicable.
O
Respond appropriately and in compliance
with law enforcement protocols in the event of
adverse reactions from a bag owner
O
Answer common questions and concerns
about the venue’s bag search procedures
O
Interact with ticket holders to create a
positive “wait” experience by engaging in
upbeat conversations with ticket holders
and indirectly questioning people who may
appear or act suspiciously
O
Coordinate with bag search supervisors
or others monitoring the length of the bag
search lines to respond to a large number
of ticket holders or encourage ticket holders
to spread out between lines or use other
entrances to the venue
O
Respond safely and quickly to an active
assailant
Bag search procedure training should be conducted prior to every event, particularly for individuals who
will be conducting the searches. Bag search procedures may change from event to event at the same
venue, underscoring how important it is to discuss and practice the appropriate bag search procedures
prior to each event.
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 4
Training should include venue sta, with supplemental support from law enforcement or others, and
observation by supervisory sta.
As part of a training exercise, restricted items may be intentionally placed in bags to assess bag
searchers’ eectiveness in consistently conducting the bag search regardless of the type of event, items
encountered, or the number of ticket holders entering the venue. Any deciencies in the bag search
procedures can then be corrected prior to the event itself.
Federal training courses are available online through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s
Emergency Management Institute at http://training.fema.gov/.
Additional training on protective measures awareness and bombing prevention are available through the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security at http://www.dhs.gov/bombing-prevention-training-courses. The
following courses are suggested for physical security ocers, supervisors, security personnel, and bag
searchers at public events.
Figure 1. Suggested Trainings
Training
Title/
Position
WBT AWR-341
IED Awareness
and Safety
Procedures
VILT AWR-335
Response to
Suspicious Behaviors
and items for Bombing
Prevention
VILT AWR-348
IED Explosive
Eects Mitigation
Res-Non-Res MGT-
451
Bomb Threat
Management
Planning Course
(BTM)
Res/Non-Res
PER-339
IED Search
Procedures Course
Facility
(Physical
Security)
Ocers
Supervisors
Security
Personnel
Bag
Searchers
Commercial Facilities – Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide 5
3 Pre-Event Communication
and Secondary Perimeters
A public awareness program prior to an event
can help familiarize ticket holders with the venue’s
bag limitations and search procedures before
they arrive.
The following key information should be
communicated directly to ticket holders, mass
transit system operators, and parking lot operators:
O
Bag search procedures, including items not
permitted (i.e., illegal or prohibited) in the
venue
O
Any limitations or criteria that ticket holders
may need to consider (e.g., limit of one bag
per ticket holder, size limitations for bags,
requirement that bags contain only one
compartment)
O
Other advice about timing (e.g., arriving earlier
than planned to allow time for the bag search
or wait time if there are lines)
A variety of methods can be used to share this information and increase public awareness, including:
O
Mailings (both electronic and traditional) to ticket holders
O
Team and/or venue websites
O
Policies printed on the reverse side of tickets
O
Social media and/or mobile apps
O
Radio and television
Bag search information communicated prior to the event or on the day of the event should be provided in
the predominant languages of expected ticket holders.
At the venue, if space permits, organizers should establish secondary perimeters—designated areas
surrounding the venue through which ticket holders must pass before they reach the screening area—
Figure 2. Prohibited items (Cleveland Browns)
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 6
that allow observation, additional screening (as
identied in the venue security procedures), and
an extended security perimeter. There are several
ways to communicate bag criteria and search
procedures at secondary perimeters, including:
O
Posting signs and distributing leaets at mass
transit pick-up points, parking lots, and highly
traveled areas approaching the venue and
close to bag search areas. This may include:
Park-and-ride locations
Shuttle pick-up points
Parking lots
Other mass transportation locations
O
Using visuals to complement written
guidance.
O
Visuals could include pictures of permitted
and prohibited items.
Such visuals can make it easier for bag
search procedures to be understood
by all attendees, including those whose
language is not included in the written
instructions.
Venues may also consider looping
announcements over a public address system, if
available, and posting multilingual employees at
key locations to provide information concerning
bag search locations and items not permitted in
the venue.
Pre-Event Communications and Secondary Perimeters
Figure 3. Perimeter signage (U.S. Tennis Assn.)
Figure 4. Lines prior to security gate (MetLife Stadium)
Commercial Facilities – Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide 7
4 Bag Searches
Bag searches (and possible magnetometer screening
where appropriate) are recommended for everyone
entering the venue, regardless of whether it is an
event or non-event day. This includes employees,
contractors, team players and sta, performers, media
and ocial guests, and ticket holders.
Venue bag search policies should be enforced
throughout the entire event, from gate opening to gate
closing after the event. Any inux of guests should not
cause deviations in standard bag search procedures,
and it is strongly recommended that bag searches be
conducted regardless of wait time.
The potential threat to the venue should determine
the setup of bag search locations and lines for bag
searches, the bag search procedures, and the level
of search detail—from a simple glance into the
bag to emptying the contents of the bag. Options
for nding or removing items should be based on
what is appropriate for the threat to the venue, the
type of event, venue, any existing venue pre-event
evaluation procedures, expected attendance, and
number of individuals supporting the bag searches.
Trained bag search sta and bag search supervisors
should perform the bag searches in the safest
manner possible so that they identify and respond
appropriately to items not permitted in the venue.
4.1 Bag Search Locations
Bag search locations are recommended at all open
venue entrances. Venue management may also
choose to conduct bag searches on personnel as
they exit the venue to prevent theft.
The venue should allow sucient room for crowd
movement, providing an appropriate number of bag
search lines, tables, and bag search sta at each of
the venue entrances that is commensurate with the
anticipated ow of attendees, possibly predicted
through ticket sales.
Figure 5. Event Searches (Major League Baseball)
Figure 6. Bag search location (MetLife Stadium)
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 8
The venue should consider the following when
setting up bag search locations:
O
Where will bag search lines or crowds not
impede foot trac around the entrances?
O
Where will tickets be checked or scanned, and
where will credentialing for venue personnel or
event sta (e.g., media, players or performers) be
conducted? Is there room near these locations?
O
Where are other security activities (e.g., personal
searches) taking place? Can the bag search
location be set up separate and prior to these
eorts?
The following materials or supplies are
recommended for each location where bag searches
will be conducted:
O
Signage identifying prohibited and permissible
items may be posted at each bag search
location.
O
Templates that show the permissible bag size or
allow ticket holders to check the size of their bags
should be at the beginning of the bag search lines
so that ticket holders can quickly determine whether
their bags are permissible or not.
O
Bicycle rack-type barriers or portable fencing
may be used to separate individual bag search
areas and direct lines. This can help guide
individuals and groups into manageable lines
and prevent individuals from moving from one
area to another in an eort to avoid the bag
search process.
O
Lighting may be used in the bag search locations; this is particularly important for evening events.
O
The bag search locations may be covered to guard against inclement weather.
O
Trash cans or amnesty boxes may be setup (see Section 4.5.4: Amnesty Boxes) for individuals to
remove or dispose of items prior to lining up or while in line, as appropriate.
If a specic entrance is provided for individuals with special needs, ensure that the location is accessible
to those with access and functional needs (e.g., using crutches or other means of assistance, including a
wheelchair or walker).
Figure 7. Entrance to bag searches (U.S. Tennis Assn.)
Figure 8. Bag search lines with barriers (Contemporary
Services Corporation)
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 9
To expedite processing and avoid backups at an
entrance prior to credentialing or ticket scanning,
venues may consider a separate line without bag
searches for any individuals not carrying bags. These
individuals should be directed through security and
to the ticket scanning or credentialing area. This
arrangement may streamline the inspection process
and improve the processing times. Before employing
a separate line for people without bags, there are a
few factors to consider:
O
In general, a bag search line is always
recommended for all individuals entering the
venue. Venues may defer to the pre-event
evaluation threat assessment to determine
whether non-bag search lines are appropriate.
O
If non-bag search lines are used, bag search sta and security personnel should be aware and alert
for “pocket stung,” or ticket holders attempting to avoid bag search lines by placing bags or items
in their pockets. Sta should also be alert for people potentially concealing prohibited items through
“pocket stung.”
If bag search lines prevent an easy exit, a separate exit line may be appropriate for ticket holders who
wish to leave the venue or remove themselves from the bag search process.
4.2 Item Descriptions
Items that are not permitted in the venue can be
classied two ways: illegal or prohibited. Other
items may be considered unusual but may still be
permitted in the venue.
O
Illegal items are any items that are illegal at
the city, county, state, or federal level (e.g.,
explosives, narcotics, or drug paraphernalia). A
government entity usually species illegal items.
O
Prohibited items are items that may be legal to
possess outside of the venue but are specically
prohibited within the venue either because of the
item itself, its size, or its function (e.g., rearms
or knives, razor blades, glass bottles, alcohol,
hard coolers, umbrellas, backpacks and multi-pocketed bags over a specied size, pepper spray
containers, or air horns).
Venue management may also identify prohibited items based on safety or their experience with
dierent types of events.
Bag Searches
Figure 9. Permitted and not permitted item signage
(MetLife Stadium)
Figure 10. Unusual Items (DHS)
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 10
Venue management may also consider
when exceptions to the prohibited items
list may be made (e.g., allowing syringes,
inhalers, or certain types of coolers for
medical reasons, or diaper bags or other
supplies for babies).
O
Unusual items are items that are generally
permitted or legal within the venue but may
be considered unusual due to the quantity of
the item or the uniqueness of the item (e.g., a
large roll of wire, a large quantity of batteries,
a screwdriver, an alarm clock, an odd-smelling
item, etc.). In general, these items usually have
no legitimate use by a ticket holder entering
the venue.
Additional factors to consider include the
weight of the item or any unusual alteration
of the item.
Personnel should be alert to unusual items
that may not seem harmful at rst glance,
but when combined with other items could
produce an illegal item (e.g., disassembled
gun parts, or electrical tape, crimpers, or
wire cutters that could be used with other
components for assembling an improvised
explosive device).
Venue management may determine that
items classied as prohibited or unusual
during an event may be allowed during non-event days (e.g., multi-pocket bags, small coolers,
computers, or food). A posting with a list of items that are not permitted during non-event days is
recommended at personnel entrances.
Recommended procedures for what to do if any of these types of items are found during a bag search
are outlined in Section 4.5: Bag Search Findings. In addition, the list of these items as well as example
items should be considered for incorporation into pre-event training and bag search procedures. It is
recommended that venue management prepare a list of illegal and prohibited items for distribution (via
leaet or email) to employees, contractors, event sta, and ticket holders before the event. The list should
also be posted on signs to ensure everyone is aware of items not permitted in the venue.
It is recommended that bag searchers
or other event sta remain alert
of suspicious activities by ticket
holders (e.g., not making eye contact
when spoken to by bag searcher(s),
acting extremely nervous, or making
attempts to avoid security), along with
concealing items underneath their
clothing. These behaviors may warrant
a one-on-one discussion with that
individual and event security sta or
law enforcement.
Figure 11. Law enforcement placement in front of
ticket collection (DHS)
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 11
4.3 Bag Search Lines and Stang
Proper stang for bag search lines is of critical importance. When determining which sta to have on hand,
venue management may consider a mix of supervisors, bag search sta, law enforcement personnel, and
sta who direct and answer questions from ticket holders. These stang decisions can be based on the
pre-event evaluation of the threat, the anticipated number and ow of attendees, venue-specic security
procedures, and the resources available for event security. To ensure eective stang, venue management
may also consider:
O
Rotating bag search sta to dierent lines or roles to avoid complacency in bag searches.
O
Stang to help direct ticket holders to less crowded lines or entrances, troubleshoot any issues, and
ll in if needed to keep congested lines moving.
O
Locating uniformed law enforcement between the bag search locations and the ticket scanning
areas, if law enforcement is onsite.
This positioning may allow the uniformed ocer(s) to observe the bag search procedures and the
in-processing of the ticket holders while still maintaining an eective presence.
As mentioned in Section 4.1: Bag Search Locations, where a bag search is done is important to ensuring
eciency and ow. Along the same lines, the number, location, and purpose of bag search lines can also
improve the eciency and eectiveness of bag searches.
4.3.1 Consent and Right to Refuse
Bag searches of ticket holders are voluntary. However, venue management may consider including
explicit language in any communication so that individuals are made aware before purchasing tickets or
arriving at the venue that a) their bags will be searched at the venue prior to entry, and b) failure to allow
a bag search will result in denial of entry.
As discussed in Section 3: Pre-Event Communication and Secondary Perimeters, this information should
be broadly distributed by the venue ahead of an event and posted the day of the event.
Ticket holders who refuse a bag search may have the option, if appropriate and available, to take
unauthorized bags or prohibited items back to their vehicle, check the item(s) at a temporary storage
facility, or dispose of the item(s). (See Section 4.5.3: Temporary Storage Area or 4.5.4: Amnesty Boxes for
further information about temporary storage or disposal of items.)
Prospective employees and contractors should be made aware that bag searches are mandatory and
may be conducted when entering or exiting the venue.
4.3.2 Addressing Adverse Mindset and Threatening Statements
There is often a degree of impatience among ticket holders as they enter an event. Bag search personnel
must maintain control at bag search locations and eectively manage the queue lines without feeling
pressured to rush through their bag search responsibilities.
As mentioned in prior sections, communicating information about bag search procedures, proh’ibited items, and
expected wait times can help ticket holders prepare for bag search lines. Developing a list of frequently asked
questions and appropriate answers can inform ticket holders ahead of an event and equip bag search personnel
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 12
and supervisors to address ticket holder concerns, justify the venue’s bag search procedures with a consistent
message, and potentially diuse any animosity.
If a ticket holder makes threatening statements (e.g., “I have a bomb”), they should be taken
seriously. Bag search personnel should be certain of what the ticket holder said by asking the ticket
holder to repeat the statements. The ticket holder should be informed that the statements are taken
seriously. The bag searcher should immediately notify event security, supervisors, and law enforcement of
such statements.
4.3.3 Refusal of Bag Search
If a ticket holder refuses to comply with the bag search, bag search personnel should contact the bag
search supervisor to reinforce that the bag search procedure is a requirement for entry into the venue.
This process should be conducted in a non-combative manner by asking the ticket holder to stand aside
from the bag search line to allow others to pass through while waiting for the supervisor to arrive.
An exit lane should be available to allow ticket holders who do not wish to have their bags searched to
leave the venue.
4.4 Conducting a Bag Search
Bag searches should be performed only on bags that meet the size and construction criteria. Ticket
holders with oversized bags or bags that do not meet construction criteria (e.g., the venue only allows
plastic bags or single-compartment bags) should be asked to return their bag to their vehicle or check
the bag at the temporary storage area, if available (see Section 4.5.3: Temporary Storage Area). The
following steps should be employed by bag search personnel when they conduct a bag search:
O
Greet the ticket holder and make eye contact;
remain courteous to the ticket holder at all times.
O
Ask the bag owner whether it is okay for their
bag to be searched.
If they refuse, inform them of the venue’s bag
search policy.
If they still refuse, they should be directed away
from the venue through a separate exit line.
It is recommended that a supervisor be notied
if a bag holder is directed to exit the facility.
O
Have the ticket holder place the bag on the
inspection table.
O
Conduct an inspection of the outside of the bag:
Pick up the bag. Notice whether the weight
of the bag is consistent with the size and
contents of the bag.
Hold the bottom of the bag to help determine
whether heavy or cylindrical items are
present inside the bag.
Figure 12. Bag search in process (MetLife Stadium)
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 13
Feel the top, sides, and bottom of the outside
of the bag for any signs that the exterior of
the bag has been altered to create a hidden
compartment.
– Does the bag have a false bottom?
– Does the bag have rigid sides when they
should be exible?
– If it is a “soft” bag, feel the outside.
– Are there any out-of-the-ordinary bulges
or bumps?
Notice whether the construction of the bag
has been altered.
Look for any signs that could indicate the bag
has been tampered with (e.g., mismatched
hardware, resewn or glued seams).
O
Check inside the bag:
Ask the ticket holder to please open the bag
and any compartments so the inside can be
inspected.
– Ticket holders must hold their bag open
and keep it open for visual inspection.
– Avoid handling items directly unless
the items are unique or of questionable
purpose.
Ask the ticket holder to unwrap any wrapped
items for inspection.
Use a non-metallic/non-magnetic stick or
tool to move items around the inside of the
bag for a clearer view.
– Refrain from putting your hands in a
ticket holder’s bag.
– There may be potentially harmful items
in the bag and the searcher should avoid
being accused of theft.
Examine the interior and contents of the bag
from top to bottom, layer-by-layer, clearing
each area before continuing, in a systematic
manner that ensures a complete search.
Systematic search patterns reduce the risk of
missing critical observations about the bag
and its contents.
– Create a search method (e.g., going
clockwise or counterclockwise
throughout the bag), beginning with the
pockets on the outside, then the pockets
on the inside, then the space(s) in the
middle of the bag.
– Check the side, top, and bottom walls and
seams of the bag to ensure that item(s)
are not concealed.
– Heavy items tend to be in the lowest
portion of the bag. Items may be
concealed in places such as within rolled
clothing (e.g., sweatshirts or ponchos)
or cases designed for other items
(e.g., cameras or eyeglasses). Stued
or padded items could prevent a bag
searcher from detecting a concealed
item. Bag searchers must also rely on the
weight of an object to determine whether
any prohibited item(s) is concealed.
Ask the ticket holder to remove large items:
– Ask the ticket holder to unfold and shake
out any blankets, towels, and hand-carried
clothing (e.g., jackets) in plain sight.
– Bag search sta should pat down the
clothing pockets of carried clothing.
Do not make comments regarding the ticket
holder’s property or bag contents.
Pay attention to odd odors that may bring
attention to a particular bag.
– Odd odors may imply potential hazards,
so care should be taken when conducting
a thorough search of that bag.
– Bag handlers should not sni bag
contents or open containers to directly
inhale the content.
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 14
Additional guidelines and special circumstances:
O
Provide accommodations for ticket holders who have special needs, including:
Inspect bags attached to wheelchairs. If the ticket holder is able to stand, the ticket holder should
be asked to stand so that the seat of the wheelchair may be visibly searched.
Describe the bag search process as it is occurring to a visually impaired ticket holder.
Provide pre-printed cards outlining the bag search procedures to ticket holders who are hearing
impaired.
O
Arrange for a multiple bag search process for special events, such as sporting events, that require
multiple bags.
Arrangements with the team(s) and event organizer should be made ahead of the bags’ arrival to
ensure that all parties are aware of the process.
4.4.1 Bag Search Equipment
There are several pieces of equipment that should be on hand for sta to use to safeguard themselves
while conducting an eective bag search. Venue management should consider making the following
equipment available to bag search sta at all bag search locations:
Stick/Rod: to move items around inside the bag without making physical contact with the items
in the bag or to tap the bottom and sides of the bag to help determine whether there is a false
bottom or compartment. A ruler, paint stirrer, or other similar item could also be used.
Flashlight: to better illuminate the interior of the bag, regardless of the time of day. A longer
ashlight may also be used in place of a stick to view inside bag compartments.
Disposable rubber gloves: to protect bag search personnel when manipulating items inside
of a bag. Consider providing an appropriate range of sizes, as well as types of material that
accommodate potential allergies (e.g., non-latex disposable gloves).
Containers/Bins: to conne and sort items if items must be removed from a package or bag.
Template/Bin: to alert the ticket holder of the permissible size of a bag.
Communication equipment (e.g., cell phones, radios): to allow bag search sta and
supervisors to communicate. Megaphones may also be useful for supervisory sta to make
operational announcements.
Tables: to help support bags and provide a surface on which to conduct the search.
Checklists: on a clipboard, lanyard, or pocket-sized card provide an easy reference to a
description of item types, the steps for bag search procedures, or steps to take for specic bag
search ndings.
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 15
4.5 Bag Search Findings
It is recommended that venues establish clear procedures in the event that bag search personnel or
event security sta nd an illegal, prohibited, or unusual item during a bag search. How the item is
disposed of and the level of law enforcement involvement will depend upon the category of the item
discovered, the venue’s security procedures, and law enforcement’s participation in a venue’s security.
If an illegal or prohibited item is found:
O
Immediately notify supervisors, security sta, and law enforcement as detailed in the venue’s
bag search procedures.
O
Do not leave the illegal or prohibited item unattended at the bag search area.
O
Switch out the search sta member that discovered the item with other bag search sta to
continue the bag search process for other ticket holders.
O
Have event security relocate the bag owner and the bag searcher to a separate location to
further investigate the discovered illegal or prohibited item.
O
Remove unnecessary or high levels of attention toward the suspect bag or item(s).
O
Use a duress word when a suspicious item is found.
O
Monitor the activities of the owner of the item until it can be determined that the item does not
pose a threat.
O
If a ticket holder refuses to surrender items, they should be refused entry. If law enforcement
are on site, ask them to assist. Law enforcement can also provide additional guidance and
information to the ticket holder regarding their property and the bag search procedures.
4.5.1 Item Handling Procedures
It is recommended that the venue’s bag search procedures:
O
Clearly identify actions to take if an illegal, prohibited, or unusual item is discovered.
O
Be developed in coordination with law enforcement and incorporate industry best practices.
The procedures may also detail how items should be handled immediately following discovery;
communication with supervisors, event security sta, and law enforcement; and whether an item can be
temporarily stored or disposed of so that a ticket holder may enter the venue.
The bag search personnel’s primary mission is to prevent illegal and prohibited items from entering
the venue. Illegal and prohibited items that need to be investigated further should be retained by law
enforcement ocials for nal disposition. Unless there is an unusual circumstance, law enforcement may
not normally need to be involved with preventing prohibited items from the facility.
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 16
4.5.1.1 Illegal Items
It is recommended that the venue’s bag search procedures specify that the discovery of illegal items
result in immediate notication of supervisors, the security sta responsible for the event, and law
enforcement. The specic notication procedure may vary depending on whether law enforcement is or
is not present at the venue.
O
If law enforcement is present at the venue, they will likely take the lead in determining the proper
disposition of the illegal item(s).
O
If law enforcement is osite, venue management should consider how to handle illegal items in
accordance with guidance provided by law enforcement ocials. This may include having event
security sta escort the ticket holder with the illegal item(s) away from the bag search area to a
secure location until law enforcement arrives.
4.5.1.2 Prohibited Items
Bag search personnel who identify prohibited items may accompany the ticket holder and the item(s)
to the bag search supervisor and law enforcement, if appropriate, for disposal or storage of the item(s).
Options may include the use of an amnesty box, checking the item(s) into a temporary storage area, or
returning the item(s) to the ticket holder’s vehicle. (See Section 4.5.3: Temporary Storage Area or 4.5.4:
Amnesty Boxes for further information about temporary storage or disposal of items.)
The venue’s security sta should ensure that all prohibited items, if disposed of, are disposed of properly
and not left unattended or placed in the trash.
4.5.1.3 Unusual Items
The disposal of unusual items will depend on the item(s) discovered. For safety purposes, it is
recommended that a supervisor, event security, and law enforcement be contacted when unusual items
are discovered. In specic instances, law enforcement may consider conscating unusual items.
It is recommended that venue management coordinate between dierent bag search locations to
determine whether other unusual items have been identied, which could be combined with other items
discovered and used in a harmful way.
If it is determined there is an unusual item present—through observation or some suspicious activity
on the part of the ticket holder—that may be used to cause harm at the event, it may be necessary to
dispose of the item(s) by using an amnesty box, check the item(s) in a temporary storage facility, or return
the item(s) to the ticket holder’s vehicle. (See Section 4.5.3: Temporary Storage Area or 4.5.4: Amnesty
Boxes for further information about temporary storage or disposal of items.)
4.5.2 Notifying Supervisor/Law Enforcement
If bag searchers discover an illegal, prohibited, or unusual item during the bag search, bag search
personnel should take the following steps based on their venue’s bag search procedures:
O
Immediate verbal notication to supervisors, event security, and law enforcement.
Use caution and know when to use and not use mobile communication devices such as handheld
radios or cellular phones to notify supervisors.
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venues Bag Search Procedures Guide 17
Certain devices (e.g., improvised explosive devices) can be triggered by radio frequencies.
Maintain a 50-foot stando distance for radios and cellphones.
O
Coordinate between bag search locations around the venue to determine whether unusual items
have been identied that may complement or be used in some harmful way with other items
discovered.
4.5.2.1 Intervention by Venue Sta
In the event that law enforcement is not available, bag searchers should practice extreme caution when
dealing with suspect items. It is recommended that bag search personnel:
O
Remain calm at all times and present a professional demeanor with high regard for guest service.
O
Contact supervisor(s) personnel or the security sta responsible for the event. This should be done in
a way that will avoid unnecessary or high levels of attention toward the suspect bag or item(s).
4.5.3 Temporary Storage Area
Even with a public awareness program to educate
ticket holders about the venue’s bag search
procedures, prohibited or unusual items may be
brought to the bag search location. If appropriate,
the venue management may ask that the ticket
holder:
O
Return the item(s) or bag to their vehicle, or
O
Store the item(s) or bag in a temporary storage
area (either for free or for a fee).
Based on the potential threats identied during pre-event evaluation, venue management should decide
the types of items and bag that are allowed in this temporary storage area. The venue management
determines the level of inspection needed on items and bags stored. Depending on the type of venue
(e.g., outdoor or indoor), the temporary storage area may be located outdoors away from the venue, or
indoors in an area at least 300 feet away from the event.
4.5.4 Amnesty Boxes
Venue management should coordinate with law enforcement on whether the use of an amnesty box
is appropriate for the disposal of items voluntarily surrendered by ticket holders. Law enforcement
personnel may outline any instructions, including who is responsible for its use and its contents.
Information about amnesty boxes should be clearly communicated to ticket holders prior to an event and
are included in signs near heavily-traversed areas outlining bag search procedures. If an amnesty box is
used, training should include the policies and procedures on how to use it.
Figure 13. Temporary storage location (U.S. Tennis Assn.)
Bag Searches
Commercial Facilities – Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide 18
5 Additional Resources
DHS provides a number of websites, videos, guides, and other resources that may be useful for those
developing bag search procedures for public venues.
DHS Websites
Title Link
Active Shooter Preparedness Program https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
Homeland Security Information Network – Critical
Infrastructure (HSIN-CI)
https://www.dhs.gov/hsin-critical-infrastructure
Hometown Security Campaign
https://www.dhs.gov/hometown-security
If You See Something, Say Something® https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something
Suspicious Activity Reporting Tool https://www.dhs.gov/suspicious-activity-reporting-tool
DHS Videos
Title Link
Check It! – Bag Check Video https://www.dhs.gov/video/check-it-bag-check-video
No Reservations: Suspicious Behavior in Hotels
English: https://www.dhs.gov/video/no-reservations-suspicious-
behavior-hotels
Spanish: https://www.dhs.gov/video/sin-reservaciones-
comportamiento-sospechoso-en-los-hoteles
What's in Store: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Events
https://www.dhs.gov/video/whats-store-ordinary-people-extraordinary-
events
DHS Guides and Other Publications
Title Link
Commercial Facilities Sector-Specic Plan, An Annex
to the NIPP 2013
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/les/publications/nipp-ssp-
commercial-facilities-2015-508.pdf
Patron Screening Best Practices Guide
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/les/publications/patron-screening-
guide-03-16-508.pdf
Security of Soft Targets and Crowded Places—
Resource Guide
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/les/publications/19_0424_cisa_
soft-targets-and-crowded-places-resource-guide.pdf
Sports Venue Credentialing Guide
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/les/publications/sports-venue-
credentialing-guide-508.pdf
Other Best Practices
Safety and security best practices guides are also available from the National Center for Spectator Sports
Safety and Security (https://www.ncs4.com/knowledgeportal/best-practices).
Commercial Facilities – Public Venue Bag Search Procedures Guide 19
6 Acknowledgements
The guide was developed by the Commercial Facilities Sector Coordinating Council with representation
from Public Assembly, Outdoor Events, and Sports Leagues Subsectors.
The Right Stu Consulting, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Oce of Bombing Prevention,
and the Transportation Security Administration’s Security Procedures Branch also provided input.
Photos for this guide were generously provided by the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the Cleveland
Browns, Major League Baseball, Contemporary Services Corporation, and the United States Tennis
Association.
Please contact cfst[email protected] or visit www.dhs.gov/commercial-facilities-sector if you have
questions or to nd additional resources.
