Understanding the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) System

Large-scale events, from sporting championships to festivals, require significant security planning. The Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) system, developed through interagency collaboration, provides a standardized framework for evaluating potential security risks and coordinating protective measures. This system helps federal, state, and local authorities prioritize resources and ensure public safety at events across the United States.

What is the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR)?

SEAR is a risk-based system designed to assess the security needs of special events. Established by the Special Events Working Group (SEWG), it assigns a relative risk ranking to over 90,000 events annually . The methodology focuses on threat, vulnerability, and consequence to minimize subjectivity in the assessment process.

How Does SEAR Work?

The SEAR methodology considers several key factors when assigning a rating:

• Significance: The national or international importance of the event.
• Attendance: The expected crowd size and number of officials present.
• Risk Assessment: Potential threats to public safety.
• Infrastructure Impact: The event’s potential impact on critical infrastructure and services.
• Visibility: The level of media attention the event is likely to receive.

SEAR Levels and Examples

Events are assigned a score between 1 and 5, with 1 representing the highest risk and 5 the lowest. Here’s a breakdown of each level:

SEAR 1

Events of significant national and/or international importance that may require extensive federal interagency support. Examples include the Super Bowl, major marathons like the Boston Marathon, and the Rose Bowl .

SEAR 2

Events with national and/or international importance that may require some national-level federal support. Examples include Las Vegas New Year’s Eve, the Indianapolis 500, and the Kentucky Derby .

SEAR 3

Events of national and/or international importance requiring limited federal support. Examples include the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, the Masters Golf Tournament, and the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon .

SEAR 4

Events of limited national importance, typically handled at the state and local level. Examples include state fairs, festivals, and markets .

SEAR 5

Events that may be nationally recognized but generally have only state and local importance, with support handled at the local level. Examples include varsity baseball home games and craft shows.

HSI’s Role in SEAR Events

Due to their risk ratings, SEAR 1 and 2 events require federal security oversight and coordination. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) plays a crucial role in these events, leveraging its expertise in counterterrorism and criminal investigations, alongside partnerships with state, local, tribal, and international agencies . HSI can fill roles within the Federal Coordination Team, including Federal Coordinator (FC) and Deputy FC. Notably, HSI is currently filling both the FC and Deputy FC roles for Super Bowl LIX.

As the federal coordinator, HSI manages and leads coordination efforts between law enforcement, emergency services, private sector stakeholders, and event organizers. This includes conducting threat assessments to mitigate risks related to terrorism, cyberattacks, and organized crime, as well as working with intelligence organizations to monitor and respond to real-time threats. HSI and its partners also work to detect and disrupt terrorist plots, combat human trafficking, ensure cybersecurity, and enforce laws against counterfeit goods.

Looking Ahead

The SEAR system remains a vital component of national security, providing a consistent and adaptable framework for protecting large-scale events. As the threat landscape evolves, ongoing collaboration and refinement of the SEAR methodology will be essential to ensuring the safety and success of events across the country.