Police Call for Security Tower on Xfinity Center Lawn

MANSFIELD, MA — In the wake of a very difficult Summer Jame concert at the Xfinity Center, town official and police are renewing calls for new public safety measures at the concert venue.

Wednesday night, members of the Mansfield Police Department reiterated their request for a police tower on the lawn of the Xfinity Center. The request was made earlier this year towards the end of negotiation for this year’s entertainment license.

Town Manager Bill Ross said the venue agreed to install the tower on a handshake agreement, but as of Wednesday, the tower was not constructed.

“In the past, we’ve said these are items we need to be taken care of and they were. Lesson learned,” Ross said.

Lt. Francis Archer told the board that the lawn security detail is currently at eye level with the crowd, making it difficult to see problems in the distance. Sgt. Roy Bain, who manages the lawn detail, visited other venues in Florida that have the platform to learn how police at similar venues operate.

“The reason for the platform is officer safety and so Sgt. Bain can have an overview of the lawn. You may have a problem 30 feet away from you and you can’t see it,” Archer said.

Xfinity Center General Manager Jeff Mann said he tried to accommodate the request, but it was not well received by the Live Nation corporate office, who owns the Mansfield venue.

“Making police that high profile could make them a target. The reality is that it’s going to look like a prison. That’s not the message we want to send,” Mann said.

While there is no platform, cameras have been installed at the gate and on top of the roof, Mann said. The three cameras on the roof can cover the open air seating and lawn.

“With the cameras, you can see the faces, you can go into the crowd and grab them,” Mann said. “We have problem people no doubt about it, the cameras will take care of those people. We can follow them, we can record, we can get them out.”

While appreciative of the cameras, Archer doesn't see them as a solution or replacement for the platform.

“The fact of the matter is cameras do not replace the deterrent police provide. That does not replace a sergeant on the lawn making real-time decisions. It can be seen as an asset, but we’re not talking about one replacing the other,” Archer said.

Selectmen Chairman Jess Aptowitz implored both sides to continue to work together.