T 1.12 Problems caused by big public events

Large events of all kinds can lead to disruptions of the normal operation of a government agency or company. Such events include street festivals, concerts, sporting events, labour disputes, or demonstrations, among others. Rioting in the vicinity of such events can have additional side-effects ranging from intimidation of the organisation's personnel to the use of violence against personnel or the building.

Examples:

• During the hot summer months, a demonstration was held in the vicinity of a computer centre. The situation escalated and led to violence. One window of the computer centre facing a side street was still open. A demonstrator entered through the window and took the opportunity to steal IT hardware which contained important information.
• An electrical power line was cut accidentally while setting up a large circus. This lead to a power failure in the computer centre supplied with power by this line, although the centre's emergency power system was able to take over and provide power.