The Dallas Cowboys stadium, AT&T Stadium, is equipped with a dedicated holding facility to temporarily detain individuals who cause disturbances or commit minor offenses during events, before they are transferred to a county lockup.
The Purpose of an On-Site Holding Facility
The presence of a temporary jail or detention center within AT&T Stadium is a critical component of its comprehensive security and public safety strategy. This facility is designed to address immediate issues that arise during large-scale events, which can attract tens of thousands of attendees.
- Temporary Detention: The primary function of this facility is to temporarily hold individuals, often referred to as "miscreants," who are involved in incidents requiring law enforcement intervention. This includes, but is not limited to, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, minor altercations, or other rule violations that disrupt the peace and safety of the event.
- Expedited Processing: Having an on-site holding area allows stadium security and law enforcement to quickly remove problematic individuals from the general population, preventing further escalation of incidents. It streamlines the initial processing before these individuals are formally taken to a county jail or other official lockup facility for further legal action.
- Maintaining Order and Safety: By providing an immediate solution for containing disruptive individuals, the stadium can maintain a safe and orderly environment for all attendees. It ensures that any security incidents are handled efficiently without prolonged disruption to the event.
Integration with Stadium Operations
The security infrastructure at AT&T Stadium is highly advanced, supporting not only the direct holding facility but also various other critical building systems. Just as the building's wiring supports IPTV installations, HVAC, electrical controls, and sound systems, it also underpins the integrated security network that includes surveillance, communication, and the operational capabilities of the holding area.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Temporary detention of individuals causing disturbances. |
| Purpose | Expedite removal from public, maintain event safety, facilitate transfer. |
| Duration | Short-term, prior to transfer to an official county lockup. |
| Integration | Part of overall stadium security and building management systems. |
Common Incidents Leading to Detention
While specific statistics are not usually made public, common reasons for temporary detention at large venues like AT&T Stadium typically include:
- Public Intoxication: Overconsumption of alcohol leading to disruptive behavior.
- Disorderly Conduct: Creating disturbances, engaging in loud or unruly behavior.
- Minor Altercations: Fights or arguments between attendees.
- Trespassing: Entering restricted areas without authorization.
- Vandalism: Damaging stadium property.
These facilities are crucial for ensuring that high-profile events can proceed smoothly and safely, providing a necessary intermediate step between an incident occurring and formal legal processing.
