HOW MERIDIAN IS SECURING CROWDS FROM USA TO AUSTRALIA

With so many people, competitors and spectators, out in the city during a marathon, it has to be the highest priority for event organizers to secure safe car-free zones.”— Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO

PASADENA, CA, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2024 – Meridian Rapid Defense Group is continuing its rapid expansion across the United States, Canada and Australia as more organizations seek to protect crowds securely with the highly regarded Archer 1200 mobile barrier system.

Recently, over 60 Archer barriers and one of Meridian’s Archer Rapid Gates were used to create a citywide safe zone for the more than 42,000 runners in the Melbourne marathon, the largest event of its kind in Australia.

“With so many people, competitors and spectators, out in the city during a marathon, it has to be the highest priority for event organizers to secure safe car-free zones,” said Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO. “Planners are finding the extraordinary mobility of the Archer barriers, compared to other more cumbersome systems, to be the perfect solution for keeping all those people safe.”

Mr. Whitford also spoke about a recent winning bid to supply Archer barriers to a large city fire department. “The department called for bids from six defense equipment companies. They were looking for a barrier system which was, of course, first and foremost effective in securing locations. They also took into account mobility and ease of setting up and I am proud to say Meridian came in with a 98% score. The next closest competitor scored 82%.”

Throughout the U.S., cities and in particular their police and fire departments are using the Archer barrier systems on a regular basis to secure city events. The main component is the Archer 1200 mobile barrier. It is made of 700lbs of U.S. made steel but can be rolled into position quickly by just one person. The barrier bears the red insignia of approval from the Department of Homeland Security.

Just last month another police department joined the hundreds of others putting their trust in Meridian. The Elk Grove Police Department in California is now equipped with a set of Archer 1200 barriers and trailer. The city made the purchase demonstrating their leadership in the growing demand for safer public spaces.

Meridian equipment was also present at the much-loved Highwood Pumpkin Festival in Illinois. A large number of street closures were needed for three days of live music and contests. Both barriers and the rapid gate system were deployed to ensure a safe and secure environment for the thousands of attendees.

MERIDIAN PART OF MAJOR SECURITY UPGRADE AT KANSAS STATE FAIR

IT’S ALL ABOUT SAFETY FOR EVERYONE ON THE GROUNDS

The Kansas State Fair is a classic case where large crowds and close moving vehicles pose potential safety issues for event organizers.”— Eric Alms, Meridian President

HUTCHINSON, KS, UNITED STATES, September 13, 2024 — With expected crowds of more than 340,000 attending this year’s Kansas State Fair, organizers have brought in Meridian Rapid Defense Group to ensure a safer experience.

Meridian’s highly rated Archer Rapid Gates are being used at the fair for the first time and are part of $4 million in updates at the historic fairgrounds.

Bryan Schulz, general manager of the Kansas State Fair, told the Hutchison News that his staff and the fair board has been looking at ways to keep people on the ground safe for years and they chose Meridian Rapid Defense Group to be involved.

“It’s all about safety on the grounds,” Schulz said.

Eric Alms, Meridian President said, “The Kansas State Fair is a classic case where large crowds and close moving vehicles pose potential safety issues for event organizers. Our products, in this case the Archer Rapid Gates, allow for only approved vehicles to enter the pedestrian zones.”

He explained that the added benefit of the Rapid Gate is that it can be placed anywhere on the fairgrounds because it needs no electrical power or hydraulics to operate. Furthermore, it can be erected by one or two people in less than 20 minutes.

The organizers pointed out that the safety of fairgoers is of utmost importance, particularly as the number of visitors at state fairs around the country are increasing beyond even pre-COVID numbers.

“State fairs throughout the U.S. are seeing record numbers right now and I think we will, too,” said Holly Lofton, director of the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau, and member of the board who represents the travel and tourism industry.

The Meridian gate system was installed at the two busiest entrances to the fair.

Meridian’s Mr. Alms said, “We work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ensure our products are up to and beyond their accepted standards. Ongoing crash testing and continual introduction of new safety products is part of the DNA at Meridian.”

Mr. Schultz explained one reason why they decided to go with Meridian. “You never know when somebody might be coming up Poplar Street and having a medical condition and lose control of their vehicle.”

“A secondary reason for the Archer Rapid Gate system,” he told the News, “is to prevent injuries in the case of intentional harm to others, something that he said he has discussed with other fair executives as part of a safety and security team with the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions.”

“There was a Christmas event in Wisconsin, where an individual just decided he was going to be nasty and started mowing down some people (in his car),” Mr. Schulz said.

As of now, Schulz said nothing like that event has happened at one of these gates at the Kansas State Fair and he hopes nothing ever will, but he would rather be proactive to make sure people near those gates, including those working at the gates selling and scanning tickets, are safe.

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

MERIDIAN BARRIERS IN ACTION AT DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

CHICAGO POLICE ROLL OUT MERIDIAN BARRIERS TO CREATE SAFE PEDESTRIAN ZONES

The city is up to the challenge to create a secure event. We are also making sure that everyone is safe in our neighborhoods and our businesses are protected.”— Chicago Police Superintendent, Larry Snelling

CHICAGO, IL, US, August 22, 2024 — Large crowds and the threat of ongoing demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention called for Chicago Police to create an unprecedented and wide-ranging security plan. As part of that, the department rolled out its extensive supply of Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers which have been strategically placed around the city.

The convention has brought more than 50,000 visitors to Chicago. Along with the delegates, the police are prepared for large demonstrations in and around the United Center, where the convention is being held.

Chicago Police Superintendent, Larry Snelling said, “The city is up to the challenge to create a secure event. We are also making sure that everyone is safe in our neighborhoods and our businesses are protected.”

Meridian Rapid Defense Group’s Archer 1200 Barriers, are mobile and can be quickly moved from one location to the next. More than 150 are spread around the Chicago city center, and while they have the strength to stop a car or truck at speed, they are also rapidly deployable in sets of 8 in under 10 minutes.

“In these highly crowded locations this is the perfect role for the Archer 1200 Barrier,” said Peter Whitford, CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group. “While the large fences around the city are designed to stop demonstrators, our barriers work as a sort of filter system. allowing people into approved areas but keeping out vehicles and creating a very safe pedestrian experience.”

Meridian Archer barriers and beam gates have become the go-to solution for police departments and cities preparing for large, crowded events across the US. The barriers have repeatedly proven their effectiveness. In one incident during the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California earlier this year, a woman tried to drive her vehicle into a crowd watching at an intersection. The Archer 1200 Barriers effectively stopped the car, and the woman was immediately arrested.

Similarly, in Chicago this week, police, who have been working on the convention security plan for more than a year, set out to create areas where protestors could have their say in areas made safe for them to demonstrate.

“These people have a right to be heard and to have their say,” said Superintendent Snelling. “But we are not going to tolerate violence and vandalism in our city. And we’re ready and willing to take on the challenge.”

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

Eric Alms
Meridian Rapid Defense Group
+1 213-400-9811
email us here

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MERIDIAN PUSHING INNOVATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL

With the Archer-Guard we are one of the very few viable alternatives to the truck mounted attenuator, the TMA.”— Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, April 19, 2024 — Meridian Rapid Defense Group is proud to announce that its latest breakthrough product, the Archer-Guard, has been nominated for a prestigious industry award.

A judging panel of industry experts chose Meridian’s Archer-Guard from 75 entries as a finalist in the Inspiration Award category at the Intertraffic Amsterdam Conference, which is acknowledged worldwide as the leading global gathering for the traffic technology and mobility sector.

Leading Meridian’s team this week in Amsterdam, Peter Whitford, founder and CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group said, “With the Archer-Guard we are one of the very few viable alternatives to the truck mounted attenuator, the TMA. So many here at the convention are telling us they’re very impressed with the ease of use of the Archer-Guard. They like how it is new technology and how it is mobile, it’s fast and how it can be rapidly deployed on streets or highways.”

The Archer-Guard protects people, workers, drivers, and equipment with a truly modular solution that can fit any road work situation. The system is ideal for protecting a flagger or a team of workers operating close to moving traffic. To add to its acknowledged effectiveness, it is a purely mobile product. Wheels attached to the Archer-Guard make it easy to move from location to location in only a matter of minutes.

“Here in Amsterdam, they’re telling us the Archer-Guard is ideal for streets that are too narrow to have a TMA and there are plenty around this city. In places where workers are currently protected by cones and flimsy Type 2 barricades, this new technology will ensure that those workers can now be looked after with the same security that the TMA’s provide,” said Mr. Whitford.

The Inspiration Award recognizes companies which have developed essential solutions while pushing innovation to the next level. Whether it be through enhanced performance, improved safety or greater efficiency, these new solutions are enabling government authorities and system integrators to set the standard for future mobility, while also empowering cooperation with an ever-growing network of stakeholders.

The Archer-Guard is one of several widely used products developed by Meridian’s team of design specialists. The Archer 1200 mobile barrier and the Archer Beam Gate are familiar sights at crowded events across the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.

At the NFL Super Bowl in Las Vegas, Meridian’s barriers and beam gates were used to protect crowds. At the 2024 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Archer 1200 Barriers stopped a certain disaster when a woman rammed the barriers trying to drive onto the parade route. Several hundred people were in the area at the time and were full of praise for the lifesaving security the Archer barriers provided.

“It is so satisfying to see that a new product like the Archer-Guard that we proudly developed from scratch and is a proven lifesaver, has gained such extraordinary recognition by real experts in the traffic industry,” said Mr. Whitford.

The 2024 Intertraffic Amsterdam had 900 public and private organizations exhibiting in 13 halls. Thirty-five thousand industry professionals and representatives from cities and regions from more than a 140 countries attended.

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities, and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION GUARDED BY MERIDIAN

INGLEWOD, CA, USA, March 1, 2024 – Meridian Rapid Defense Group was side by side with the City of Inglewood this past weekend guaranteeing the safety of the thousands of people attending the “Celebration of Black History Month” street fair.

To help create a safe and enjoyable space for everyone, 80 Meridian Archer mobile barriers were placed at every intersection along the streets where the Family Fair took place. That created a pedestrian plaza allowing for stalls, food trucks and two working stages to be set up inside the secure zone.

Eric Alms, Meridian President said; “You’d be surprised at how much planning goes on before the event to ensure it goes off without a hitch. Our barriers, being SAFETY Actcertified by the Department of Homeland Security, also come with a Meridian certified deployment plan. It ensures that if there is a threat from a vehicle getting into a designated pedestrian zone our barriers will stop that from happening.”

Lee A. Denmon, Parks and Recreations Commissioner said, “I think these barriers are good because they’re very easy to move. The old concrete ones were stationary, and we couldn’t move them easily to where we wanted them. These Archer barriers, we just put them out quickly whenever we have an event, and they make sure that the event is safe. I thank the city for spending a little money so that people coming to our events are safe.”

Inglewood is like many cities around the U.S. which have purchased Archer mobile barriers to stop vehicles form penetrating protected spaces, whether on purpose or by accident. In this case because of the size of the event, Meridian brought in extra barriers through a rental program to supplement those already owned by teh City of Inglewood.

The decision by the city to continue to go the extra mile to secure these events brought in praise from those attending.

Seimone Loupe, a stall holder specializing in African imports said, “I know that there are a lot of events where there’s no safety and these barriers make me feel like there’s no way now that a car can ram through. I know in other cities there have been several situations where people get injured, like a truck driving through and lives taken unnecessarily. So, I’m very happy these barriers are here.”

The ease of deployment is a big attraction for event organizers. Each barrier, although being 700 lbs. of U.S. made steel, is very easy to move because of its unique design. The mobile barriers also take the place of the unsightly long concrete barriers so often used in the past.

Inglewood Councilor Henry Brown said, “It is so meaningful to have these barriers to stop people from driving through and injuring people. Mayor Butts had a vision, and a lot of times people didn’t see the vision. They said, ‘Why are you putting up these barriers?’ Now every day you see on the news these tragedies happening. We want all our residents to be safe and the barriers do that.”

Meridian Rapid Defense Group has also become the go-to organization for securing big events such as the Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas, the Orlando marathon and the NFL Super Bowl.

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

Mass Casualties Averted at America’s Largest New Year’s Event

PASADENA, CA, USA, January 3, 2024 — Police, parade officials and members of the public have heaped praise on Meridian Rapid Defense Group’s Archer barriers for preventing a disaster when a woman tried to drive into crowds watching the Rose Parade

The driver intended to break through the barriers on one of the blocks that Meridian had set up on every cross street of the five-and-a-half-mile parade. She ignored pleas to stop and ran head-on into one of the Archer 1200 Barriers. It stopped her immediately. She then reversed and tried again, but by then, two off-duty police officers saw what was happening. They reached in, turned off the car, and pulled her from the vehicle. 

Following the near disaster, members of the public congratulated Meridian’s crews, saying, “The barriers saved us. There could have been mass casualties here. We were sitting with our backs to the barriers watching the parade and didn’t even see the car coming.” 

Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said, “The Meridian barriers probably saved lives. They did their job.” 

In the weeks leading up to the parade, which attracts upward of 800,000 people, Meridian worked with parade organizers to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan. Meridian CEO Peter Whitford explained how once the barriers are set, they are joined by cables, creating an impenetrable zone for members of the public. 

“No way,” he said “could any vehicle have gotten onto the parade route because of the cabling system. The Archer 1200 Barriers did exactly what they were designed to do. First, stop the moving vehicle so as not to injure the driver. I can’t emphasize enough just how important it is to have the right safety equipment at these large crowd events.” 

Each Archer 1200 Barrier is made of 700 lbs of American steel yet is highly mobile and can be moved into place by one person. They are a common sight guarding crowds at many events across the U.S. This week the Archer barriers were also used to protect crowds at New Year’s Eve events in the U.S., and in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. 

The driver of the car was a 21-year-old Pasadena woman who was arrested and is now facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon. 

Mr. Whitford said, “This was just another example of what can happen in the blink of an eye. Yes, incidents like this one are rare, but when they happen, there’s a real possibility of serious or fatal injuries.” 

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

MERIDIAN BARRIERS CONTRIBUTE TO THE SAFETY OF THE ROSE PARADE

PASADENA, CA, USA, December 28, 2023 — Meridian Rapid Defense Group, a renowned leader in mobile vehicle barrier technology, has once again assumed the responsibility of helping safeguard the upcoming 2024 Rose Parade and Game on New Year’s Day, with an anticipated turnout of nearly a million attendees. 

In collaboration with tournament organizers, local law enforcement, and fire departments, Meridian has meticulously coordinated efforts to establish a secure perimeter along the entire five-and-a-half-mile parade route. The strategic deployment involves over 600 Archer 1200 Barriers, along with their highly effective beam gates, effectively sealing off all intersecting streets. 

David Eads, Executive Director of the Tournament of Roses, emphasized, “Our topmost priority in all our events is the security of our guests, parade participants, volunteer staff, and all contributors to the success of the Rose Parade.” 

Replacing conventional water and concrete barriers, the Archer Barriers adhere to both US and European crash test standards and boast SAFETY Act certification from the Department of Homeland Security. Widely adopted by fire and police departments, as well as numerous sports venues, including NFL, MLS, and MLB stadiums, these barriers were recently instrumental in securing entrance zones for the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix in November. 

Eric Alms, CEO of Meridian Rental, highlighted the magnitude of this undertaking, stating, “Large rental jobs seldom come on a grander scale than this. With the unpredictability of a significant influx of people, the mobility of the barriers allows us to execute setup and breakdown swiftly, alleviating a major security concern for event organizers.” 

Considering recent tragic incidents involving vehicles breaching parade routes, event organizers now prioritize implementing comprehensive safety mitigation plans well in advance. Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris affirmed the preparedness of his officers, stating, “We prepare for the worst, expect the best. That is the way we are going to approach it.” 

The Archer 1200 Barriers have become a familiar presence on streets across the U.S., offering an ideal solution for securing parade routes. Their ease of maneuverability allows one person to swiftly wheel them into position within seconds. Once secured, these barriers permit pedestrian access while simultaneously forming an impervious steel barrier against vehicular threats. 

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities, and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

MAJOR AIRPORT CALLS IN MERIDIAN TO HELP STOP CAR THEFTS

DENVER, CO, US, December 19, 2023 — A rash of cars thefts from Denver International Airport had authorities looking for new ways to secure the parking lots. Along with increased patrols and more cameras, Archer 1200 Barriers, provided by Meridian Rapid Defense Group, joined the battle and already the plan is showing positive results.

Car thieves were breaking into cars and trucks, driving them out of the exits, and ramming through the gate arms. Most thefts were happening in the nighttime hours. Meridian’s highly mobile Archer barriers are now being placed each night at most exit gates, therefore channeling the traffic through fewer secured exits.

In 2023, more than 940 vehicles were stolen. Airport officials said that’s a fraction of the more than seven million vehicles that park there. Still, after a significant revamp of security, DIA (Denver International Airport) is seeing the number of stolen cars and trucks slowing down.

Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO, said, “Because the Archer barrier is so easily wheeled into place, it was the ideal solution to secure the parking lot exits. If the area suddenly gets busy and more gates need to be opened, it’s a simple one-person job to wheel the Archer out of the way, taking barely a minute.”

The mobility and strength of the Archer 1200 Barrier have resulted in it being adopted in a host of different roles. It is the perfect fit for securing street parades and is widely used at many sporting events and concerts where sections of roadways need to be temporarily closed to traffic to create a safe, friendly environment for pedestrians.

“Our commitment to the safety and security of our passengers, staff and their belongings is unwavering,” said Phil Washington, CEO Denver International. “Our multifaceted strategy is a testament to our dedication to providing a safe environment within our parking lots. Through collaboration with law enforcement agencies and innovative security measures, we are taking proactive steps to minimize auto thefts and damages.”

As part of the increased security clampdown, 13 people were arrested and charged with stealing vehicles. Ford trucks were the stolen vehicle of choice.

“Someone should be able to leave a car at the airport, go on a trip, return, and not be worried that their car won’t be in the parking lot when they get back,” 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason said.

Meridian is continually crash testing its products. Those tests show that the Archer barrier can stop a fast-moving vehicle while designed to be non-lethal to the driver.

Expansion plans for DIA, which is the third busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers, are well underway. Along with the 40 Archer mobile barriers, Meridian also supplied an Archer Beam Gate, which will be used at the many new construction sites.

“The beam gate is the right product for that role,” said Mr. Whitford. “Considering the many, often remote areas they will be working at DIA, our beam gate, which doesn’t need any plug-in power to operate, provides the solution to control traffic.”

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX SECURED BY MERIDIAN

LAS VEGAS, NV, US, November 30, 2023 — When the race fans arrived in Las Vegas for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, they were protected by a subtle but wide-ranging security plan with Meridian Rapid Defense Group playing a major role.

Meridian, with its Archer mobile barriers and beam gates, guarded the major entry points for the race fans, visiting celebrities, race teams and officials.

Prior to the event Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill expressed what a lot of people were thinking. “The F1 race weekend quite frankly is a security nightmare for me,” he said. “This type of event is something we’ve never dealt with before. The size of the footprint we’ve never dealt with before. The threat is huge.”

Meridian CEO Peter Whitford said, “We were able to help officials secure the race using our previous Las Vegas experience at last year’s NFL Draft, when over a period of days, we opened and closed Las Vegas Boulevard and other streets. With the Department of Homeland Security declaring the Grand Prix a SEAR (Special Event Assessment Rating) Level Two event we had all the right equipment to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The Department of Homeland Security has five levels of security ratings for special high-profile events, with Level One being the highest and Level Five the lowest. Level Two is defined as “Significant events with national and/or international importance that may require direct national federal support and situational awareness.”

The mobility of the Archer 1200 Barrier once again proved its worth when major roads, including Las Vegas Boulevard, had to be opened and closed for the opening night concert, then each of the practice sessions and again on race day. The placement of the barriers allowed for a free flow of fans into the event while at the same time ensuring no vehicles could get in to threaten anyone’s safety.

Three Archer Beam Gates worked nonstop throughout the race period, regulating traffic into and out of the grand prix zone. The fact that the gates need no electricity, power or hydraulics to operate meant they could be placed at any location around the track.

During race week more than 300,000 people attended at least one of the events.

“This first race at the newly created track in Las Vegas was a true test for everyone involved,” said Mr. Whitford. “The fact that it was all so new meant there were inevitable last-minute changes to the security plan. But because our Meridian equipment is designed to be so mobile, those late changes didn’t create any problems for our crews. So, I’m happy to say it all went off smoothly. Las Vegas GP year one, mission accomplished.”

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

MERIDIAN KEEPS PEOPLE SAFE AT RALLIES AND PROTESTS ACROSS U.S.

Our job is to see that people who want to attend a rally or protest can do it in a very orderly and safe environment. And that’s what we were able to do in Beverly Hills.”— Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, USA, November 14, 2023 — Predictions of large crowds attending a pro-Israel rally in Beverly Hills encouraged local authorities to call Meridian Rapid Defense Group to secure the location with Archer 1200 Barriers and beam gates. 

It was just one of many rallies and protests where Meridian helped to provide the participants a safe space to assemble and express their views. Similarly, during the period when Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets, Meridian was asked to do the same. 

Inevitably, a rally or protest march takes place near areas with heavy traffic. In Beverly Hills, the rally was held in Beverly Gardens Park right next to one of the city’s busiest roads, Santa Monica Boulevard, and thousands of people turned up. 

Peter Whitford Meridian CEO said, “The park is surrounded by roadways on all sides, so to make sure no vehicles could get anywhere near the crowd we closed off the surrounding streets with a combination of Archer 1200 Barriers and two beam gates. Those beam gates played the important role of allowing police cruisers and emergency vehicles in, if they were needed.” 

Crowd management and crowd safety is an ongoing concern for any city official or event organizer. Recent tragedies where drivers either intentionally or accidentally drove into parades, highlight the absolute need to ensure that people are separated from life-threatening run-ins with vehicles. 

“We are doing this sort of deployment all around the country”, said Mr. Whitford. “Our job is to see that people who want to attend a rally or protest can do it in a very orderly and safe environment. And that’s what we were able to do in Beverly Hills.” 

Cities including La Mesa and Martinez in California and Green Bay, Wisconsin have also used Meridian Rapid Defense Group for demonstration security. The Archer barriers are mobile and set in such a way that people can walk freely between them but at the same time they will stop a car driven into them. 

Mike Estanol from the Martinez Police Department said at the time, “By having the Meridian barriers at every key entry point we were able to quickly and effectively close down vehicle traffic. I liked the barriers because people could move freely past them while still stopping cars and trucks.” 

The increased focus on keeping vehicles and people apart at events using Meridian’s mobile vehicle mitigation barriers, which can be rolled into position by one person, is a departure from the more primitive and unsightly solutions such as heavy concrete or orange plastic water barriers. 

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com.