With large crowds expected, Airshow security prioritizing safety of attendees

Safety is a major concern whenever a large crowd of people gathers in one area. This is true of the California International Airshow as well.

Security staff will be on the lookout for suspicious activity as thousands are expected to walk through the gate leading into the Airshow.

“Private security companies are here with specific assignments along with police who are deployed for rehearsal and our two day show,” says Director of Security, Donald Cline. “With the local fire department we are trying to integrate each agency to make this show as safe as possible.”

Cline is a former police officer and is adding that element of emergency management to the Airshow.

He says emergency plans for events like the airshow are generally discussed year-round, with much of the fine-tuning taking place the final few days before the big event.

This fine-tuning taking place this year in the middle of the chaos of setting up where planes and equipment are supposed to go before the event begins Saturday morning.

The safety of the people, however, is the main concern as with every year.

“We employ the ‘see something, say something’ method. It’s the responsibility of every director, chairperson and volunteer to make sure this event is as safe as possible,” says Cline. “We empower volunteers to be able to do just that.”

Cline says the hundreds of volunteers combined with police and security have prepared for the worst in case any sort of criminal activity takes place at the Airshow venue.