AUSTIN’S SXSW PROTECTED BY MERIDIAN ARCHER BARRIERS

AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 18, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — A major overhaul of pedestrian safety at the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) resulted in Meridian Rapid Defense Group (“Meridian”) being invited to create secure zones around the dozens of events that took place over a two week period.

Austin police chief Lisa Davis said, “We are using the Meridian barriers in many areas, so people should feel very secure because a lot of planning has gone into this. The logistics of what is happening is quite amazing.”

The mobility of the more than 170 Archer 1200 Barriers at the festival made them a natural fit for Austin where there were 15 locations where multi-day closings took place, morning and night, all carried out by Meridian’s fully certified deployment teams.

“Because the barriers could be wheeled in by one person and set up quickly” said Meridian CEO Peter Whitford “each location was locked down in a matter of minutes. Then when the event was over, they were wheeled away just as efficiently, and traffic flowed again.”

Last year during the festival a suspected drunk driver sped through an intersection striking two pedestrians and killing them. That intersection is now secured as are so many other areas where festival attendees were walking. Ten years ago, a similar car ramming claimed two more lives.

City council member Zo Qadri said, “It’s a top priority for all of us that everyone is able to safely enjoy South by Southwest, so the city has taken real steps by working closely with public safety officials to keep everyone safe.”

Before the event Meridian worked with the festival organizers to create a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan (VSMP). Along with the Archer 1200 Barriers the city also used Meridian’s crash tested Archer Beam Gates and Archer Rapid Gates to control intersections where approved delivery and official vehicles were allowed to pass.

Mr. Whitford pointed out that the effectiveness of the Archer 1200 Barriers was proven yet again the week prior to the opening of SXSW. “We had our barriers out in Little Rock, Arkansas protecting runners taking part in the 5k marathon on the Saturday and the full marathon on the Sunday. On both days the Archer barriers stopped two separate drivers from getting onto the marathon routes.” he said. “On the first occasion the vehicle was stopped in a matter of feet and the driver was arrested. On the second day once again, a driver hit the barriers but reversed quickly and sped away.”

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 SETS NEW SAFETY STANDARDS FOR SUPERBOWL EVENTS IN NEW ORLEANS

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES, February 6, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Super Bowl celebrations are bringing huge crowds to New Orleans and Meridian Rapid Defense Group has joined with law enforcement to create safe pedestrian zones at key locations.

At the NFL Honors event recognizing the NFL’s best players and performances, fans will be able to enjoy themselves outdoors, secure in the knowledge that Meridian’s mobile Archer 1200 barriers and gates have created a zone of safety.

More than 270 Archer barriers will be on busy Canal and Rampart Streets. Their appeal is that they can be wheeled in and out in minutes, firstly to establish the pedestrian area, and just as quickly moved away when the event is over. Six Archer beam gates will also be placed there to allow access for approved vehicles.

Meridian CEO Peter Whitford said, “The city really understands the idea of a so-called ‘Gold Standard’ and that means teaming with a company such as Meridian, which has every one of its products, services and technologies SAFETY Act Certified by the Department of Homeland Security. And that federal government guarantee, of course, covers the city against any legal action if there is another act of terror.”

The Archer 1200 mobile steel barriers became a common sight on Bourbon Street during January while the city worked on a plan to permanently increase safety for revelers. They are crash tested to the highest levels.

A number of different agencies have partnered to keep the city safe, including Homeland Security, Louisiana State Police and the Secret Service. Other areas protected by Meridian this week include Frenchman Street, Jackson Square and riverside entertainment zones.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick explained how Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry decided there needed to be a declared enhanced security zone around the French Quarter during Super Bowl celebrations.

“What you see in terms of barriers is from the governor,” Supt. Kirkpatrick said. “So, between the governor’s declaration and the federal SEAR 1 level, that brought in the federal assets, we’ve been able to provide this type of safety.”

Kirkpatrick said the biggest impact for locals during Super Bowl week are the street closures. “We are going to be blocking every single intersection that would feed into the Bourbon Street up to Dumaine Street,” she said. Several of those intersections will be closed using Meridian’s gates.

Later this month Meridian will again be out on the streets of New Orleans in force. Plans are already under way for Meridian teams, using the company’s own Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plans (VSMP’S) to protect large sections of the Mardi Gras parade route.

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

CALIFORNIA’S ROSE PARADE SETS NATIONAL STANDARD FOR EVENT SAFETY

PASADENA, CA, UNITED STATES,
January 3, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/

— With yet another successful and safe New Year’s Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, it’s clear that once more the California City of Pasadena has again set a national standard for event safety.

Meridian Rapid Defense Group played its part by providing street by street safety for the more than 800 thousand
parade attendees. Using an unprecedented 600 Archer 1200 Barriers, Meridian secured most of the intersections of the entire five-and-a-half-mile parade route. At the Rose Bowl game more Archer Barriers and Archer Beam Gates provided safety there.

As is now being pointed out, the terrorist attack in New Orleans is just another reminder of how things can turn bad quickly if the proper precautions aren’t taken when crowds gather. New Orleans officials conceded their New Year’s security plan failed, with that city’s police chief saying quote, “The terrorists defeated it.”

Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris said, “We have the barriers all over the city during our events. And remember last year we had an incursion where someone tried to drive a car into the parade and the Meridian barriers were successful in stopping that person. They’re extremely effective and we swear by them.”

The Archer 1200 mobile barrier is a unique design combining super strength, because of its 700lbs of U.S. made steel, with the opportunity for it to be wheeled into place by one person. The barriers, along with all Meridian technology, proudly wear the red sticker confirming they are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Peter Whitford, CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group said, “It’s so important for cities, event planners and in fact anyone dealing with crowded events to understand that the Department of Homeland Security only approves
safety products such as the Archer Barriers and gates after rigorous testing. If unfortunately there is a terrorist attack, then that ensures that the event and people there are indemnified by the U.S. Government,” said Mr. Whitford.

“Considering what has happened this week, Meridian is keen to encourage national and state leaders to begin a wide-ranging conversation about crowd safety,” said Mr. Whitford. “There is no event that Meridian considers unimportant as far as keeping people, communities, and places safer. That is at the core of what we do. I think it’s imperative now that the conversation eventually creates certified standards for all events in the United States, irrespective of size.”

It’s generally accepted that the mobile security device category is the most difficult category because every outdoor event is different, every location also differs and Meridian, being the leader in mobile barrier equipment, is certified to deliver the uniqueness of each event.

“In my view the Pasadena parade has set a standard to all other cities all over the world to follow,” said Mr. Whitford.

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

SAFER HOLIDAY EVENTS COURTESY OF MERIDIAN

PASADENA, CA, UNITED STATES, December 24, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/
— Tragedy has already struck this holiday season with the deadly Christmas Market crash in Germany. Protecting crowds has become a critical feature of event planning and this holiday season Meridian Rapid Defense Group has been working alongside city officials, helping ensure holiday and sporting events across the U.S. have been made a whole lot safer. Several parades, holiday fairs and sporting events are being secured using Meridian’s Archer 1200 Barrier systems and gates.

In Bakersfield, CA. authorities took extra care with planning and security following another tragic incident last year when a drunk driver crashed into a crowd of Christmas parade attendees. Three people ended up in the hospital as a result.

Prior to this year’s parade Bakersfield Police Sergeant Eric Celedon showed members of the media how the barriers worked. “If a vehicle tried to breach our perimeter, this is where it would strike,” he said, pointing out the front of the barrier. “In striking the face of the Archer 1200 it’s going to tip forward, causing the vehicle to tip up and prevent it from advancing.”

Sgt. Celedon said the barriers would not only protect crowds by blocking vehicles getting onto the parade route but also allow Bakersfield police to better place officers where they are needed and protected.

“We don’t have to man the intersections with an officer or a vehicle now. Being able to take the officer out of that scenario is invaluable, not only for keeping our community safe but also for keeping our officers safe,” he said.

In Roanoke, VA. a beloved holiday tradition, the “Dickens of a Christmas” kicked off three weeks of fun including a Christmas tree lighting, all behind the safety of Archer 1200 mobile barriers. The annual Herndon “Winter Market” in Virginia was another city where Meridian’s barriers were used. The market provides an engaging and authentic European holiday experience and with those large crowds every day securing a safe pedestrian zone was important.

In Las Vegas, at the Formula One Grand Prix once again Meridian barriers and gates were rolled out onto the streets to create safe pedestrian zones. The mobility of the barriers was the real attraction for the event organizers.

“This is one of our busiest periods,” said Meridian CEO Peter Whitford. “In Las Vegas they needed our one-off designed mobile barriers because they could be quickly rolled in and out to open and close off the streets several times a day.”

Prior to the events, Meridian works with planners on a Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plan (VSMP). By using Meridian’s latest technology, a full mapping of the event space and location of security points is created, so on the day the set-up is clear, concise, and quickly carried out. 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

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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DEADLY CRASHES INCREASE CALLS FOR STRONGER CROWD SAFETY MEASURES

NEW YORK, NY, USA, July 17, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/

— Another tragedy, this time in New York, involving a vehicle plowing into people during a 4th of July celebration has again highlighted the need for rigorous safety planning wherever crowds gather.

Because of similar disasters, hundreds of cities, police departments and event planners have increasingly called on Meridian Rapid Defense Group to ensure their events go off safely.

In the New York incident, three people were killed, and at least eight others were injured after a driver plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of people celebrating the 4th of July in a park on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The police said that the driver was intoxicated.

During the recent 4th of July national celebrations, Meridian was called in by cities and police departments across the U.S. Each rental package included Meridian team members working with each event coordinator to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan.

Meridian, with its Archer 1200 Barriers, is the leader in mobile barrier technology thanks to rigorous crash testing of products and thousands of examples of safely securing small and large events.

“It is so important these days to begin your event safety planning well ahead of time,” said Meridian CEO Peter Whitford. “Cities can’t continue to rely on ad-hoc equipment that wasn’t designed or intended to stop vehicle intrusions, either by accident or on purpose.” Along with Archer Barriers, many of Meridian’s clients also needed Archer Beam Gates and Archer Rapid Gates. The gates work in conjunction with the barriers to allow restricted access to events while providing a secure environment for those attending.

Mr. Whitford said, “The tragic accident in New York was just a reminder of how things can change in an instant. Earlier
this year at the Rose Parade in Pasadena our barriers stopped a woman who tried to drive onto the parade route through a crowd of several hundred people. I am happy to say the Archer barriers did their job; the barriers stopped the car, and she was arrested.”

The Archer barrier has been hailed for its unique design and usefulness. While weighing over 700 lbs. and able to stop a fast-moving car or truck, the Archer 1200 Barriers are still easy for one person to move quickly into place.

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 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

MERIDIAN TAKES ARCHER BARRIERS TO BOSTON

BOSTON, MA, USA, April 9, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/
— As Boston prepares for another summer of toplevel events and conventions, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has teamed up with Meridian Rapid Defense Group to ensure an increased level of security.
Massport has chosen Meridian’s Archer 1200 antivehicle barriers as part of its security plan going forward. The mobile barriers, which can be easily rolled in and out of locations, are now a common
sight at most of the events overseen by Massport.

Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO, said, “We’ve been working alongside Massport, helping secure many events over the years. For them, it has always been a top priority. Now because of an increased need for greater security they’re taking on more of ou product.”

“The fact that the Archer 1200’s are crash-tested and certified by the Department of Homeland Security, gives a client real confidence that they’re choosing the very best barrier in its class to keep their events safe and secure,” he said.
Massport is responsible for a wide variety of locations around the city, including Logan International Airport, the Boston waterfront, the Flynn Cruiseport, and Piers Park 11. Events throughout the year that are to be secured by Meridian barriers include the Seafood Expo North America, St. Patrick’s Day, entertainment on the piers, and visiting Navy ships.

Security experts note that malicious vehicle attacks on crowds have become increasingly common in recent years. Vehicle-ramming attacks present a unique challenge because they are unpredictable, they use every day readily available vehicles as weapons of terror, and they target crowded pedestrian public spaces (soft targets).
Before the most recent Boston Pride parade, Mayor Michelle Wu and former Boston Police Commissioner and security analyst Ed Davis highlighted the need for effectively securing crowded events.

“You must work out how many people are coming to the event, whether or not there will be any demonstrators. Political tensions in the country have been raised to a point where any kind of mass gathering requires significant attention to detail,” said Mr. Davis 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