GdP state chairman: Expansion of video technology in stadiums

Revamping Soccer Security in Lower Saxony: GdP Advocates Tech and Training

In response to escalating on-field disturbances and referee disagreements leading to violence during Lower Saxony soccer matches, the GdP (Police Union) is advocating for investments in video technology and augmented security personnel training to boost stadium safety.

GdP state chairman, Kevin Komolka, spearheaded this campaign, emphasizing clubs' responsibility for maintaining a secure stadium environment. In an interview with the "Braunschweiger-Zeitung," Komolka suggested measures like limiting ultra blocks or enforcing alcohol bans.

During the Lower Saxony derby on November 6th, featuring Hannover 96 and Eintracht Braunschweig, a police officer sustained severe injuries from a scuffle in the home stand. Over 2,000 officers were needed to restore order, leading Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) to convene a meeting with club representatives, focusing on addressing soccer violence.

Enhancing Stadium Defense

Incorporating advancements in video technology and training can proactively prevent incidents, safeguard fans, and maintain order during soccer matches. This can involve:

1. Monitoring spectator behavior by implementing advanced video surveillance systems:
2. Utilizing AI to analyze real-time situations and identify potential dangers.
3. Employing AI systems to evaluate threats, examining online content and social media to flag potential troublemakers.
4. Harvesting data-driven crowd analytics to enhance crowd management, minimizing congestion and reducing the chance of incidents.
5. Preparing law enforcement teams with rigorous training programs, which include scenarion-based simulations and non-violent deterrence exercises.
6. Cultivating cooperation between security teams and law enforcement through seamless syncing of video intelligence solutions with existing security architectures.
7. Conducting thorough post-incident evaluations and investigations using CCTV footage to identify culprits, uncover suspicious activities, and improve future security measures.
8. Implement creative public awareness and warning tactics to discourage unwanted conduct.

By integrating these features, Germany's Lower Saxony football stadiums can foster a safer atmosphere for spectators, deliver comprehensive protection, and prevent potential incidents at soccer matches.

Elevating Stadium Security: Strategies for Tech and Crowd Management

Employing cutting-edge technology and strategies can significantly minimize on-field disturbances and referee disagreements, reducing the likelihood of violence. Below are some innovative tactics focusing on video technology and spectator management:

Video Technology

1. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT):
2. Utilizing VAR to decipher officiating mistakes and enhance transparency can reduce arguments on the field, boosting game flow.
3. Implementing SAOT can improve offside decisions' speed and efficiency, reducing criticism and congestion.
4. Advanced Decision-Making Tools:
5. Introducing AI and machine learning to bolster security.
6. Adopting goal-line technology for impartial judgments.

Crowd Management Approaches

1. People Counters and Crowd Monitoring:
2. Installing people counters can manage crowd densities, preventing hazards.
3. Biometric Identification and Ticketing Systems:
4. Integrating biometric identification with ticketing systems to streamline entry processes.
5. Autonomous Security Robots:
6. Deploying autonomous patrolling robots for proactive monitoring and threat-alert notifications.
7. Risk Assessment and Training:
8. Conducting comprehensive venue risk assessments to mitigate hazards and providing yearly operational training for security teams and referees.

By integrating these technologies and strategic measures, Lower Saxony's soccer matches can meaningfully lessen on-field trouble and officiating disputes, ultimately reducing the risk of violence.