NCJ Number
107840
Journal
Security Volume: 24 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1987) Pages: 44-48
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article, through an interview with Disney World's security director, reviews the approaches security takes to protect Disney World from crime, injury, and fire.
Abstract
Disney World's 28,000 Lake Buena Vista, Fl., site includes two theme parks, Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center. In addition to the two theme parks, the security force protects three hotels, two banks, four museums, a power plant, a shopping village, an office tower, a monorail, nightclubs, and restaurants. Security is characterized as an arm of public relations. The over 100,000 people who visit daily are protected by a police force blending with the park's image and providing a sense of security without causing alarm. For example, a dozen elderly men dressed as Wild West marshals act as hosts to guests. Disney World's most common crimes -- shoplifting, vandalism, break-ins, and credit card fraud -- are intercepted by undercover police who walk through the theme parks. They also intercept visitors entering the park who do not meet the proper attire and composure standards. Large crises such as evacuations due to hurricanes or cordoning off areas due to accidents or crimes are handled in the communications center by personnel who listen to park radio communications, receive emergency calls, watch weather monitors, and oversee a fire and intrusion management system. Canine patrols sniff for drug use in back areas and can target hidden explosives. Disney World's security has kept pace with steadily increasing attendance (a record 23 billion in 1986) with an automatic monitoring and control system (AMCS) which accommodates 3,600 fire and security alarm points and is on-line with the 2 fire stations and the communications center.