Our View

Our View

Sorting through RiverPAC security issues

Here of late there has been some more discussion among members of the West Memphis Advertising and Promotions Commission regarding security fees for events at the city’s RiverPAC auditorium, an issue that seems to be generating more questions than answers.

During a recent A& P meeting, Councilman James Pulliaum feels the varying charges and security requirements in the current policy is cause for what he says is preconceived inequities.

Back in July, commissioners charged RiverPAC Director Joe Beasley with the responsibility of developing a revamped security policy in conjunction with the city’s police department.

Pulliaum questioned the low-level security requirements at certain church functions and prohibitively higher fees and staffing for certain music events and events aimed at teenagers.

Well Councilman Pulliaum, it would seem to us that specific concern can be easily explained and understood by realizing that typically church events are a low security risk, non-confrontational, peaceful, and involves people of faith gathering for the sole purpose of exercising faith and worship.

Now then, on the other hand, concerts that cater to young people for the purpose of socializing, celebration, and jumping up and down to the beat of their favorite band or singer are entirely reason for additional security measures and staffing. That means, Councilman Pulliaum, the need to pay the salaries of more off-duty police officers and possibly working longer hours.

Naturally, some of these concerts are prone to create unacceptable behavior, attract unlawful use of drugs and alcohol which lead to confrontations among members of the audience.

We’re sure Councilman Pulliaum is familiar with dance recitals, youth debate events, community-oriented gatherings and even musical productions.

Anyone with some understanding about these type of gatherings know they are low-security risks and the chances of something unlawful or unruly occurring are nil to none. With that said, we would suspect that the police department’s security requirements for these gathering would be minimal at best, which means the expenses would be far less than the requirements necessary for, let’s say, a teen rap concert.

What Councilman Pulliaum needs to also understand is that law enforcement professional also focus on other factors when determining the security level in dealing with public events such as a history of a particular group or gathering and if there is any record of misconduct in the past. Such information will determine the level of security that should be taken into consideration when applying charges to event promoters.

Sure there is an inequity here, Mr. Pulliaum, but, the fact of the matter is that based on the nature of the beast it is absolutely necessary to understand not every event or venue is the same and as such must be carefully treated accordingly.

We hope that if Councilman Pulliaum hasn’t already come to this realization that this explanation helps him understand.