2022 MLB World Series
CASE STUDY:
2022 MLB WORLD SERIES
From the playoffs in early October to the final showdown in early November, the coordination and execution of hosting the Major League Baseball postseason and all related events is a massive effort for participating first responder agencies. With the Houston Astros winning the American League Division Series (ALDS), American League Championship Series (ALCS), and ultimately the 2022 MLB World Series, the City of Houston had to manage the safety and security of all participants with a highly dynamic operational environment.
OPERATION SUMMARY
The Houston Police Department planning personnel, along with the tactical assets of the Houston Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, were responsible for the planning and implementation of security operations to safely host each series and the associated events. Bridge 4 Public Safety was instrumental in the communications and collaboration amongst the tactical personnel tasked with planning, coordination, and execution of security operations during the MLB series in addition to their other assignments anp regular responsibilities.
HIGHLIGHTS
EVENT OVERVIEW
- 3 Championship Series
- Astros Championship Parade
- 7 home games in 3 weeks
- Increased VIPs | Dignitary Protection
- Tactical resources from 6 agencies
OPERATIONAL BENEFITS
- Improved coordination with:
1. All Tactical Resources
2. Command
3. Undercover Assets
- Enhanced situational awareness
- Reduced radio traffic
DEPARTMENT CONTACT
Thomas Calabro, SWAT Sergeant
Houston Police Department
Bridge4PS: ecalabro.tommy
Bridge4PS has been a proven communications app for our team, and we plan on using the same model for this upcoming 2023 NCAA Final Four HPD Tactical Response Plan.
CASE STUDY: 2022 MLB WORLD SERIES
As the Astros advanced through the series, staffing requirements increased. It is typical for host cities to rely on assistance from various other agencies for additional tactical resources and specialized equipment during events of this size. Unlike other championship sporting events where venues are selected sometimes years in advance, the details of the MLB World Series can change right up to the last game.Whether the World Series is won in 4, 5, or 7 games has major staffing implications. If the winner triumphs in their home city or their opponent’s also changes the operational landscape. The City of Houston and Houston Police Department (HPD) have extensive experience with these types of events and have come to rely heavily on Bridge4PS to improve coordination and information sharing internally and with partner agencies.
As the lead law enforcement agency, supervisors within the HPD SWAT Detail created and coordinated Bridge4PS channels for each playoff series, the World Series, and the Astros Parade in downtown Houston that followed their victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. HPD invited tactical resources from Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Pearland Police Department (PPD), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Houston Fire Department (HFD) to the channels allowing seamless dissemination of critical information for planning and coordination such as schedules, personnel assignments, team transports and VIP visits as well as real-time operational information about suspicious activity and persons, pedestrian traffic, and much more.
Bridge4PS was also utilized to collaborate across law enforcement functions. Tactical, intel and command channels allowed information to be contained within the particular units but easily shareable across functions as necessary. The flexibility of keeping information private while also being able to efficiently share across functions and agencies was essential to efficient information sharing during such a large and dynamic operation.