SEAR is a framework designed to evaluate the potential security needs of special events across the United States. It was established through interagency collaboration via the Special Events Working Group (SEWG).

This risk-based system helps federal, state and local authorities prioritize and coordinate efforts to ensure public safety during these events.

Numerical Rating

SEAR assigns a relative risk ranking and the associated SEAR level to more than 90k events annually. The SEAR methodology seeks to remove as much subjectivity as possible by focusing on threat, vulnerability and consequence aspects within the ranking process.

• Significance (e.g., national or international importance)
• Attendance (e.g., crowd size, number of officials attending)
• Risk assessment (e.g., potential threats to public safety)
• Infrastructure impact (e.g., potential impact on critical infrastructure or services)
• Visibility (e.g., level of media attention)

Based on an event’s assessment, it is given a score between 1 and 5.

• SEAR 1 includes events of significant national and/or international importance and may require extensive federal interagency support.
  • Examples: Super Bowl, major marathons (e.g., Boston), Rose Bowl.
• SEAR 2 includes events with national and/or international importance and may require some national level federal support.
  • Examples: Las Vegas New Year's Eve, Indianapolis 500, Kentucky Derby.
• SEAR 3 includes events of national and/or international importance and requires only limited federal support.
  • Examples: National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Master Golf Tournament, Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
• SEAR 4 includes events of limited national importance and are handled at the state and local level.
  • Examples: State fairs, festivals and markets.
• SEAR 5 includes events that may be nationally recognized but generally have only state and local importance. Support is normally handled at the local level.
  • Examples: Varsity baseball home games, craft shows and other local events.

HSI's Role in SEAR Events

Due to their ratings, SEAR 1 and 2 events require federal security oversight and coordination. HSI's unique expertise and capabilities in counterterrorism and criminal investigations along with its state, local, tribal and international partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of these events.

Federal Coordinator

HSI has supported every role within the Federal Coordination Team, including:

• Federal coordinator (FC)
• Deputy FC
• Alternate Deputy FC

As federal coordinator for SEAR events, HSI is responsible for managing and leading coordination efforts between all law enforcement partners, emergency services, private sector stakeholders and event organizers.

Threat Assessment and Intelligence Gathering

HSI conducts threat assessments to identify and mitigate risks related to terrorism, cyberattacks, organized crime and more. We work closely with the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, FBI and other intelligence organizations to monitor and respond to real-time threats.

Comprehensive Security Operations

Together, HSI and its partners work together to:

• Detect and disrupt potential terrorist plots.
• Combat human trafficking and child exploitation operations, rescue victims, apprehend perpetrators and raise public awareness to detect and report signs of trafficking.
• Ensure the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, event communications, ticketing systems and other digital platforms.
• Enforce law against the production and distribution of counterfeit goods, including fake merchandise, tickets and illegal goods being sold in and around the event venue.
• Deploy special agents, analysts and special response teams to provide operational support.

By working closely with our interagency partners, HSI works collaboratively to ensure these events are safe for all participants and attendees.