The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) hosted the National Intercollegiate Athletics Safety and Security Forum at Duke University Jan. 28-29.

According to the announcement, more than 150 safety and security professionals from across the country representing all areas of Intercollegiate Athletics attended the forum. The event brought together collegiate athletics, security, emergency management, and emergency medical leaders to address pressing challenges and share innovative solutions for ensuring safe environments in intercollegiate sports.

“The NCS4 works closely with the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee to drive meaningful content that is important and relevant to intercollegiate athletics programs,” said Lauren Cranford, director of operations,  NCS4. “We were excited to bring leaders in from universities nationwide for a sold-out event. The forum also helps us collect pertinent information to update the NCS4 Best Practices that are available as a free resource to industry practitioners.” 

The Forum featured keynote speakers, expert panel discussions and moderated discussions to review the NCS4 Best Practices for Intercollegiate Athletics.

Topics included:

• Extreme Weather Preparedness 
• Crowd Management and Control 
• Communications 
• Event Staff Management 
• Perimeter Security and Access Control 
• Incident Reporting and Documentation 

General sessions covered effective procedures for medical emergencies, addressing unique security challenges of collegiate venues, building teams for operational success, evolving as a leader, and campus security and First Amendment rights in balancing protests. 

"Attending the NCS4 Intercollegiate Forum is more than just an event — it's an opportunity to connect, learn and lead in the evolving world of sports safety and security,” said Joe Monroe, CSSP, University of Kentucky chief of police and NCS4 National Advisory Board member. “From networking with industry experts and colleagues to gaining cutting-edge insights, the benefits extend far beyond the forum, equipping attendees with the knowledge and connections needed to shape the future of intercollegiate sports security.”

The Forum would not be possible without the center’s Solution Partners. Special thanks were given to presenting partners: ASSA ABLOY and BEST Crowd Management Inc.; Reception Partners: CSA360 Software and Guidepost Solutions; and Signature Partners: Accredit Solutions, AeroDefense, AirSight Inc., CEIA USA, Concentric Security, SafeZone by CriticalArc, Flying Aces Enterprises and Consulting LLC, Hanwha Vision, MCA, Meridian Rapid Defense Group, North American Rescue, Rave Mobile Safety – a Motorola Solutions company, SkySafe and Veoci.