Executive Order

Executive Order  No. 583: Establishing the Massachusetts Large Venue Security Task Force

Date: 10/04/2018
Issuer: Governor Charlie Baker
Mass Register: No. 1376

Table of Contents

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth is fortunate to host a tremendous collection of large venues used for sports, entertainment, education and other purposes;

WHEREAS, these large venues, because of the concentration of people who attend events and the high profile of many of the events that take place there, present significant and unique public safety risks;

WHEREAS, recent tragic events in both the United States and abroad have highlighted the increased targeting of large venues by terrorists;

WHEREAS, the United States has not adopted national standards on large venue security;

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth has the opportunity to draw on the existing expertise of our large venue operators and facilitate a safer, more secure environment at our large venues and lead the way for other states that wish to adopt best practices in this area; and

WHEREAS, public safety officials and private venue operators have a shared responsibility to keep our citizens and visitors safe;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charles D. Baker, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution as Supreme Executive Magistrate, Part 2, c. 2, § 1, Art. 1, do hereby order as follows:

Section 1.  There is hereby established the Massachusetts Large Venue Security Task Force (the “Task Force”), which shall advise the Governor regarding large venue security issues, and is directed to propose for the Governor’s consideration a strategic plan to improve the safety and security of large venues across the Commonwealth.

Section 2.  The membership of the Task Force shall consist of six public safety professionals from outside the Administration appointed by the Governor and serving at his pleasure; five representatives of large venue operators who, by virtue of their professional training and experience, have expertise in large venue security issues, appointed by the Governor and serving at his pleasure; and the following individuals, or their designees, serving ex officio: the Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security; the Undersecretary of Homeland Security of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security; the Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard; and the Fire Marshal.

The Governor shall designate two members to serve as Co-Chairs of the Task Force, at least one of whom shall be a representative of a large venue operator.

Section 3.  The Task Force shall, by April 30, 2019, create and submit for the Governor’s consideration a strategic plan for large venue security.  In creating this plan,  the Task Force shall:

  1. Identify the safety and security risks facing large venues;
  2. Recommend standards for planning, training, intelligence gathering and sharing, and interoperable communications;
  3. Conduct a review of best practices around the world for public-private partnerships in ensuring large venue security; and
  4. Draft any recommended changes to statutes and regulations necessary to implement those best practices in Massachusetts. 

Section 4.  The Task Force shall meet as frequently as necessary to complete its charge. The Task Force may determine the procedures it deems appropriate for conducting its proceedings, including establishing working groups, and it is authorized to hold public and non-public meetings and listening sessions to solicit feedback from organizations in the fields of sports, entertainment, education, public safety, public health and any other area impacting the work of the Task Force. 

Section 5.  The Task Force shall terminate thirty days after presenting its Strategic Plan for the Governor’s consideration.

Given in Foxborough this 4th day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen and of the Independence of the United States of America two hundred forty-three.

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