The primary role of the Public Safety department is to ensure that attendees are safe and hydrated.
We also check for wristbands/badges, to ensure that only registered attendees get in.
This is a peaceful role. It helps to know how to defend yourself though. People can be crazy. This is not a "bouncer" position or a security guard role. If someone is becoming combative, aggressive, or hostile, call 911 or find an on-site officer.
For serious and life-threatening emergencies, dial 911 and/or flag down an officer who is on-site.
Do not directly engage with violent or aggressive people.
In a nutshell:
The goal here is to provide a "gentle nudge" in the direction of safety and peace. Attendees also have an individual responsibilty towards their health and safety. We just help oil the machine and keep things running smoothly.
Nearly all of our events will have paid off-duty police officers present.
Here's a breakdown of the main areas we will be covering.
Walk around the park, say hi to people, and ask if everything is OK.
Keep an eye on things and watch out for odd behavior. Check for signs of stalking, intimidation, or anything that is disturbing the peace and safety of others. Report any possible issues to staff.
If you find someone who looks uncomfortable with a social situation, just walk up and say hi to everyone. Make small talk. Ask how their day is going, if they're having fun, etc. Use your intuition to gather details and see if everyone is OK.
Please view our public Conflict Resolution guidelines to understand our "two strikes and you're out" process.
Anime in the Park has developed a 3-stage system for handling accusations of harassment, bullying, or stalking.
If someone is accused of inappropriate behavior, our first response is to talk to accused. Gauge the situation. Try to determine whether they are just social inept, or if they have malicious intentions. This is obviously a gray area. Just do your best to be a decent and supportive human being, and try to understand them as best as possible.
Be honest and direct. Tell them what they have been accused of. For example, "An attendee stated that you took pictures of them without their consent, and they would like those pictures deleted immediately. If we have to ask you a second time, you will be ejected from the event."
If you don't feel comfortable confronting people like this, please ask a staff member to handle it. We want 100% raw and unfiltered interactions. These should be seen as learning experiences for them. All too often, people tend to walk on eggshells around serious topics. We are honest and up front. Tell them exactly what the situation is, and make suggestions on how they can do better.
Sometimes this will feel uncomfortable, and it may feel like we're being too mean. For example, you may need to tell someone who appears to be socially awkward and clueless, "You have made some of our guests feel uncomfortable by standing too close to them. Please be mindful of everyone's space." It's simple and direct, and honestly they've probably never had anyone be this up front with them. In our opinion, it's better to just let them know exactly what the reality of the situation is. It's more cruel to keep them in the dark. It may hurt at first, but the band-aid has to come off eventually.
Inform the accused of how their behavior has been interpreted.
If we have to approach someone about their behavior a second time, we remove them from the event.
Their name will be added to a ban list that is relayed to Registration.
Two strikes and they're out.
Anyone who returns from an ejection will be met by police.
If the issue is serious and involves threats or acts of violence, immediately call 911 and search for an on-site officer. These situations are obviously grounds for immediate ejection and possibly arrest.
Do not confront violent aggressors. Report serious issues to the on-duty police officer, or call 911.
Ask people if they're drinking enough water.
Remind them to drink more water.
Offer them a free water bottle from our volunteer stash if they appear to be dehydrated.
Checking for wristbands/badges is extremely important. We aim to build safe environments where every attendee is accounted for. Even free events require registration. This is so we can know exactly who is present, and so everyone can have a little more accountability.
Just walk around and casually check for wristbands/badges.
If you see someone without one, smile, and ask something natural like, "Oh, do you need a wristband?" You can point to yours or something. Keep it cool. Be nice. Assume the best, but prepare for the worst.
Guide them to the Registration booth if they still need to scan their tickets in.
Let them scan the QR code on your badge if they need to buy tickets. They will still need to head to Registration to check in though.
If they become agressive or combative, again, find an officer or dial 911 if the situation demands that level of escalation.
In most cases this role will be very chill. You just go around enjoying the show and talking to people, making sure that everyone's having a good time. This is something that many of us do naturally, especially people who signed up for this role. Those familiar with music festival environments have likely heard the term "Rave Mom" or "Rave Dad" given to the responsible and caring members of friend groups who inevitably take on a leadership role. Public Safety is just a slightly more structured version of that. Just do what comes natural to you, within the boundaries listed above, and during the time slot you signed up for. You are welcome to continue providing support outside of your scheduled shift, but it's not required. Enjoy your shift. We do this for the love of our community, and to provide mutual support.
You can cosplay during your shift too. It doesn't matter. We're here for a good time.