Last Updated: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 Yikes, L.A. Police Offer Wild Jackson Memorial Service Crowd Scenario Updated: Sunday, July 05, 2009 Advice from Crowd Management Strategies to organizers and police: Manage the crowd. Control the hype. Photo: The Commercial Appeal(c) 1977; Elvis Presley mourners at Graceland Mansion(Courtesy Crowdsafe Library) Just when calm and reason were settling on the Michael Jackson memorial service plan announcement Friday, Los Angeles Assistant Police Chief Earl Paysinger steps forward with what sounds like a ridiculous crowd estimate for the legendary singer’s memorial events on Tuesday. On Friday, the chief suggested anywhere from a 250,000 people to 700,000 people would try to reach the Staples Center and the Nokia Theater, the two downtown venues selected for the private services. The estimate by the chief makes no sense and, honestly, mischaracterizes Michael Jackson fans. Of course, it is possible that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has blockbuster information justifying the chief’s claim that, well, hordes of Michael Jackson fans may storm the two venues. But, if there is no information of this type at L.A. police headquarters, Chief Paysinger should retract his crowd estimate and scenario immediately. If, on the other hand, Assistant Chief Paysinger has factual information to substantiate his claim that legions of Michael Jackson fans are likely head here, there is only one thing for him to do---Cancel the memorial service before people are injured and the memorial service is made a shambles. Well, Chief Paysinger, what is it going to be? [ home ][ crowdcafe ][ new ][ crowdshop ][ contact ] Crowd Management Strategies © 1997 - 2006. All rights reserved. Crowdsafe is a registered trademark of Crowd Management Strategies © 2006.