A recent trip to Qatar by Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux and three other officials has raised some questions since the trip was paid in full by the emirate. We don’t know the full story of the planning and logistics here, but the trip appears to align with the city’s Code of Ethics. And to be clear, this trip had to happen: Security for the 2026 World Cup is paramount, and the police chief had a responsibility to go.
Comeaux and his team visited Qatar’s capital, Doha, in August to learn about security strategies during the 2022 World Cup. That is a valuable experience that can provide insights to our local public safety officials about what to expect during next year’s World Cup. The Dallas area will host nine matches, and the city will be home to FIFA’s International Broadcast Center in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
According to a letter obtained by The News, a Qatari official who was in charge of safety and security operations for the 2022 World Cup invited Dallas officials in July. The trip’s purpose was a “comprehensive review” of security strategies and included a visit to Lusail Stadium and a “live anti-drone scenario.”
There are stark cultural and geographical differences between Qatar and North Texas, but that does not mean the Qatari experience is irrelevant. Handling tens of thousands of visitors in a tiny country in a geopolitical hot zone like the Middle East is an achievement, and understanding how the Qataris succeeded is essential. Meanwhile, this isn’t just about potential attacks. Handling rowdy crowds and the summer heat are top concerns, too. Officials should take every opportunity to prepare for those.
Opinion
The North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee already includes top security and emergency response experts. Rick Burkhead, a former FBI critical incident and counterterrorism supervisor, is their Regional Safety and Security Liaison, and Rocky Vaz, the capable former director of emergency management in Dallas, is their director of City Services and International Broadcast Center.
Handling soccer crowds can be problematic. The 2024 Copa America Final in Miami unraveled when hundreds of fans without tickets forced their way into the stadium. FIFA did not organize that tournament, but there should be some lessons.
Guiding crowds to checkpoints and making sure they stay hydrated are public safety tasks that North Texas has to get right during the World Cup.
Arlington, Dallas and Frisco are all going to see huge crowds. The event is expected to bring $1.5 billion and over 100,000 daily visitors to the region.
It’s a great opportunity to celebrate different nations and cultures. Sadly, we also know that any celebration now represents an opportunity for those who would engage in terrorism.
Comeaux’s trip is essential to reviewing and adopting the highest public safety protocols. We hope the learning continues in all areas of public safety.
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