The Tulsa State Fair is stepping up security with mobile security units equipped with AI-powered cameras and facial recognition, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for its one million attendees.
The Tulsa State Fair—Oklahoma’s largest event—attracts scores of families, friends, agricultural enthusiasts, and entertainment junkies each year for “11 Days of Awesome.” With over a million people expected to join the festivities, it’s a place for good food, fun rides, and lasting memories.
But, with such a massive crowd, the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) knows that keeping everyone safe can be a great undertaking. This year, the TCSO has stepped up its game by rolling out mobile security units with AI-powered cameras, ensuring the only thing visitors have to worry about is which ride to hit first or how many pickle dogs they can eat!
Popular events like the Tulsa State Fair can attract all kinds of trouble, including theft, altercations, lost children, and more serious threats like weapons or explosives being smuggled onto the premises. In 2023 alone, seven guns were confiscated and a 15-year-old was stabbed.
With crowds this large, safety is a big deal.
“Security's going to be paramount to the fair," said Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado. "We'd like to provide a safe and family-friendly fair as we have in the past."
This year, LiveView Technology’s (LVT) mobile security units will be deployed at the Fair. Equipped with advanced cameras and AI-driven analytics, these units enhance the TCSO’s ability to monitor large crowds quickly and effectively.
But these cameras do more than just watch; they can actually step in when things get too rowdy. With loudspeakers and smart analytics, the cameras can detect a dispute and trigger alarms with flashing lights. The units also speak to crowds, announcing, “Please disperse immediately. Law enforcement has been contacted.”
And those flashing blue lights at the top of the 22-foot mast? They’re no accident. People tend to relate blue lights with police. With three pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras capable of 32x zoom, these units can see up to 400 feet away, giving law enforcement "eyes" in areas they can’t physically cover at all times.
Thanks to facial recognition technology, the TCSO can identify individuals with firearms or people who may be on the radar for breaking the law, such as those with outstanding warrants. If someone tries to blend in with the massive crowds, there’s a good chance they’ll be spotted.
"If we have an individual who's wanted by the law and comes into our fair hoping to disappear amongst the million people that will attend the 11 days of awesomeness,” said Regalado, “we hopefully can lock in on that individual and place them in custody as well."
But facial recognition is not just about catching criminals. LVT’s software is also extremely helpful for reuniting lost kids with their parents. Parents can still pick up wristbands and fill out their contact information to help reunite them with their children if they get separated. But this year, parents are also encouraged to take a photo of their child before entering the fair, which can be used by law enforcement to help identify the child using facial recognition software if they become lost.
With over 100 children reported lost at last year’s fair, having AI on hand means quicker reunions and less panic for families.
The Tulsa State Fair is setting a new standard for event security. The combination of mobile security units and AI-powered facial recognition software means more fun and less worry. Powered by solar energy, these units provide constant monitoring, day and night, allowing law enforcement to cover more ground with fewer resources.
As Kevin Rabinowitz, regional director at LVT, pointed out, the presence of visible surveillance can discourage criminal behavior before it occurs. The flashing blue lights of the mobile security units, and the knowledge that facial recognition software is in place all act as strong deterrents to potential offenders.
"Anything we can do to keep people safe and let people have fun. The 1 million—1.5 million—people that are going to come here, probably from several different states, are coming here to have fun. All it takes is one bad actor to make that fun disappear and that's what we're trying to prevent," stated Rabinowitz.
While visitors will see the use of mobile security at the Tulsa State Fair, these technologies are by no means limited to fairs. Concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other large gatherings face similar challenges in maintaining security, and the mobile security units deployed in Tulsa can easily be adapted to other venues.
The TCSO’s philosophy is simple: The best way to keep the fair a fun, family-friendly event is by stopping trouble before it starts. With over a million attendees expected, the integration of surveillance, deterrence, and AI technology equips the TCSO with much-needed manpower to keep all fair-goers safe.
“We want people to have fun, but make no mistake, if you come out here for something otherwise, we will act very quickly,” said Regalado.
Tulsa’s approach to event security represents a significant step forward, setting a new standard for how technology can be leveraged to enhance public safety. Technology can help to fill the gaps where traditional security methods fall short.
"If there's technology that can make our job easier and more effective, and provide that safety that we're looking for, then we welcome it," said Regalado.
Learn how mobile security units protect your community events by contacting LVT for a free demo today.
