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.
