PAX Safety & Security

Crippl3

Well, this is new. http://east.paxsite.com/news/pax-safety-and-security

They've put up a whole list of PAX policies and explanations, along with a new email address to contact if you feel unsafe at PAX before the show.

If at any point you feel unsafe at PAX or that any of the rules have been broken, we ask that you inform an Enforcer or member of PAX staff immediately. Your safety is our primary concern, and if you feel that safety has been compromised, we will do everything in our power to rectify the issue. Issues of violence and harassment are addressed immediately, with guarded “Safe Areas” being designated in case any incidents do arise.

If you feel any concerns about your safety prior to the show, please email us at safety@paxsite.com.

There's also a clarification on rule #5, Don't Harass Anyone.

SmallLady

I'd also like to point out that there are places to go if you find yourself feeling unsafe during the show as well.

I would encourage any one feeling that way, to talk to the enforcers at info booth to direct you to the right people to talk to.

FireWater

I think its a good thing that they updated their rules, like any major event one has to be aware of one's surrondings.

zerzhul

Yeah, they added that yesterday. It's also been added to the forum FAQ.

Delaney

I'm very pleased to see a better defined harassment policy. It's also nice to know about the safety zones. I wasn't aware of them last year; not that I needed them fortunately, but they're great to have.

XX55XX

I'm guessing these measures are to prevent sexual harassment at the convention. Personally, I don't see harassment as a visibly big problem at PAX, though measures taken against harassment is always good.

zerzhul

I believe that these policies have likely been in place for awhile, but having them publicly spelled out is the new part.

FireWater

I mean I think its always good to review safe security practices. For example I have the privledge to go to a lot of NY Giants games and in wake of the Boston Bombings they re-vamped their security procedures.

I like the short form rules on the badge, for most people that will suffice. But for the "rules lawyers" out there, having it operationally define and clear cut is really the best way to go.

I think its a shame that needs to happen, but I'm glad PA staff is trying to be proactive in this regard.

Personally I haven't heard of any assaults happening while at PAX, outside of PAX is a different story. Even still I think its a smart move.

flatline

This is quite possibly linked to John Scalzi's request that all cons have clear anti-harassment and safety policies laid out. A lot of people have signed on to the idea, and even though PAX has always had a pretty solid plan, looks like they beefed it up.

http://whatever.scalzi.com/2013/07/02/my-new-convention-harassment-policy/

zerzhul

I don't think it's the result of any one individual. I think it's the result of the attendees of pax wanting a detailed explanation of the policies in place.

FireWater

Actually I think it's a result of the dickwolves debacle, with a few potential attendees stating they didn't feel safe.

Most of these people I think however we're just jumping on bandwagon.

Delaney

For my part, I was motivated to email and ask for a specific harassment policy as a result of John Scalzi's brilliant pledge not to attend or appear at any con that didn't have one. His post made me realize that I had no idea if PAX had anything in detail. I'm glad they do.