The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is home to some of the nation’s largest events, from the Kennedy Center Honors to the Mark Twain Prize and high-caliber theatrical and symphonic performances. The Kennedy Center is also home to a mature security program that works in tandem with federal law enforcement, large corporations, and more to secure the variety of events the Center hosts. The security team at the Kennedy Center coordinates both official and off-the-record presidential visits; partners with a wide range of awards, performing arts, and corporate organizations to host events; and works to keep their attendees — with nightly crowds in the thousands — safe during their visit. In this webinar, Karles Jackson, Director of Safety and Security at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, dives into the importance of partnering with law enforcement and event stakeholders to bolster security through scenario-based training, pre-event planning, and ensuring the safety of high-profile public events.

Photo courtesy of Ron Blunt

Karles Jackson, serves as the Director of Safety and Security for The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In this role, he is responsible for the safety and security of the Kennedy Center’s staff, patrons, visitors, employees, and contractors, including several high-profile events and performances. Karles has served in this role for over twenty years as the Deputy and Director. He spent twenty years in the United States Army, serving as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Military Policeman and Investigator, and serving as the Provost Sergeant for the Fort Myer, and Fort McNair military installations in Virginia and Washington D.C. before retiring in 2001. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Administrative Justice from Bluefield College in Bluefield, Virginia.