Ex-NYC Top Cop Bratton Joins Oak View Group Arena Security Firm

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-26/ex-nyc-top-cop-bratton-joins-oak-view-group-arena-security-firm

Ex-NYC Top Cop Bratton Joins Oak View Group Arena Security Firm

Scott Soshnick

October 26, 2016 — 8:00 AM EDT

Former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton will chair a new arena and stadium security company started by Oak View Group, which oversees an alliance of facilities that serve more than 65 million customers a year.

Bratton will also have an undisclosed equity stake in the company, which is called Prevent Advisors. Special Forces military officers Chris Robinette and Ben Tolle founded the firm in conjunction with OVG. Robinette will be the company’s chief executive officer, and Tolle its Chief Operating Officer.

Oak View co-founder Tim Leiweke, who previously helped transform Anschutz Entertainment Group into one of the biggest stadium owners and concert promoters, said he and Bratton have been talking for the past two years about the growing need for security at live events.

“What we’re trying to do is help our partners and the industry address the future,” Leiweke said. “This became my first priority. This one was important because it’s the world we live in. How do we make people feel safe?”

A year ago, terrorists killed more than 100 people in attacks across Paris, including at a nightclub and a soccer stadium where a game was being played. Robinette said securing venues requires collaboration between the private sector, public agencies and the leagues.