Digital Ally was the winner of the 2019 Golden Eagle Award, presented last week at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition, in New Orleans, La. The company was one of three finalists, whose case studies were presented to conference attendees who then voted for the winner.

Digital Ally’s solution included body-worn cameras on the security team members at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The cameras allow stadium security to capture clear video evidence of interactions between staff and patrons. The goals of the deployment were to improve accountability and transparency for security, reduce civil liability and to have a tool to help de-escalate volatile situations.

The Golden Eagle Award was created by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) to recognize outstanding security projects executed in sporting venues. The Award, which is sponsored by SDM, recognizes excellence in the safety and security aspects of sporting venues by their designers, builders, integrators and security directors. It honors the best project among all entrants and finalists each year. Because the University of Southern Mississippi is home to NCS4 (www.ncs4.com/home) and the Golden Eagles, the Award takes its name from that. The naming of the Award also recognizes the commitment and work that the University does in contributing to safety and security in the global spectator sports industry. The Golden Eagle Award is very unique, because there are not many award programs for excellence in security design for an end-use facility — and it is the only security award for sports venues.

“As security professionals get involved in the details of their daily operations, it’s sometimes easy to miss the bigger picture, which is the mission bestowed upon them to protect assets, properties and, most importantly, lives. The Golden Eagle Award brings that mission right into focus. Behind this award is proof of excellence in technological design at some of the most well-attended sporting facilities and events in the world ― designs that have been implemented to enhance public safety, prevent loss, and perhaps to avert a tragedy,” said SDM Editor Laura Stepanek, when presenting the Award. “It is the ultimate goal of security professionals, and it is the essence of the Golden Eagle Award.”

The solution Digital Ally provided utilizes First Vu HD cameras on the security team members at MetLife Stadium, which allows them to capture clear video evidence of interactions between staff and patrons. The cameras are lightweight and compact, and the technology is simple to use. The training time averages 5 to 10 minutes for a deployment team of 30 to 60 security officers, a factor that was very important to MetLife. Offloading of the video at the end of the event is instantaneous.

For more information visit, www.sdmmag.com/articles/96799-meet-the-seventh-annual-ncs4-golden-eagle-award-finalists.