When global attention is focused on a major sporting event, the safety and security of players, personnel and operations require highly agile and integrated security measures that extend beyond standard protocols.
Control Risks was approached by a global sporting body to provide a tailored threat assessment and monitoring service in the lead-up to, and during, several NFL International Series fixtures in London. The client needed to ensure the safety of players, key executives and personnel across a demanding programme.
The operating environment was complex. Fixtures took place across the Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur stadiums, while teams were accommodated at separate hotels, trained at multiple venues and participated in a range of promotional appearances throughout the capital. This dispersed footprint required agile, integrated security coverage across many locations.
An intelligence-led, multi-layered response
To meet the on-the-ground demands, Control Risks delivered multi-layered security measures comprising 24 expert security personnel, working in close coordination with the client's security team, London's Metropolitan Police and event stakeholders.
Our approach comprised:
- A Counter Surveillance capability, consisting of specialist operators who conducted proactive surveillance-detection around team hotels, training facilities and event venues. These teams identified vulnerabilities, hostile surveillance and potential threats before they could impact operations.
- A Protective Services capability, provided security support for all team movements, including airport transfers, hotels, training venues and game-day operations, ensuring the safe and secure movement of players, staff and VIP guests.
- A Behavioural Detection capability, operated around stadium perimeters, fan zones and key event locations, identifying behavioural indicators of concern and rapidly sharing intelligence with law enforcement and security partners to support early intervention and enhance public safety.
Together, these integrated capabilities provided a comprehensive security framework focused on threat detection, risk mitigation, secure movements and public safety.
Collaborative intelligence sharing
Working closely with security partners, Control Risks delivered a proactive protective intelligence capability. Our coordinated approach enabled the early identification of potential issues and the management of fan intrusion attempts at players' hotels and training facilities. Separately, our Behavioural Detection capability worked alongside London's Metropolitan Police to identify suspicious and criminal activity around event locations, including ticket touting and suspected drug dealing. This intelligence contributed directly to law enforcement interventions and arrests.
Anticipating the unforeseen
The client's events proceeded without a single incident escalating into a direct threat to its executives, personnel or players. Control Risks' agile approach enabled the rapid dissemination of intelligence, coordinated responses to emerging risks and seamless coverage across multiple locations. The result: a secure operating environment, minimal disruption and the confident delivery of world-class sporting events.