Vermont agency fully funded by federal Homeland Security

By Guy Page

A federally-funded Vermont public safety agency is asking municipalities across the state to report large public gatherings (2,500 or more) so they can be tracked as part of a statewide special events database intended to support law enforcement planning and threat assessments. 

Attendees of these events may not be aware that municipalities have reported the event in advance to the Vermont Homeland Security Unit (VHSU), which may then work with local, state and federal authorities depending on the threat assessment.

The VHSU, a unit with the Vermont Department of Public Safety, says it is compiling a directory of events scheduled between Dec. 1, 2026, and Nov. 30, 2027, to improve “situational awareness” and assist local public safety agencies with planning.

According to a July 24 email to a Vermont town clerk from Paul Locke, a program planner with the VHSCU, municipalities are being asked to submit information on any public or private gathering expected to attract at least 2,500 participants or spectators. Examples listed in the request include concerts, marathons, fireworks displays, parades, community celebrations, visits by VIPs, sporting events and holiday gatherings. Town officials are asked to coordinate a single submission for each event through an online reporting form.

The Homeland Security Unit says the database will help local first responders and state public safety organizations “better protect the citizens and guests of Vermont.” The agency also notes that the reporting system is not a permitting process and does not replace assembly permits required through the Vermont State Police.

Federal authorities could potentially become involved in high-level threats, as judged by the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR), a framework designed to evaluate the potential security needs of special events across the United States. 

“This risk-based system helps federal, state and local authorities prioritize and coordinate efforts to ensure public safety during these events,” according to an ICE/HSI website. 

The email states that events assigned a SEAR of Level 4 or higher may receive customized Special Event Threat Assessments if requested by the appropriate law enforcement agency at least 30 days in advance. 

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website explains the five SEAR levels:

Based on an event’s assessment, it is given a score between 1 and 5.

SEAR 1 includes events of significant national and/or international importance and may require extensive federal interagency support. Examples: Super Bowl, major marathons (e.g., Boston), Rose Bowl.

SEAR 2 includes events with national and/or international importance and may require some national level federal support. Examples: Las Vegas New Year’s Eve, Indianapolis 500, Kentucky Derby.

SEAR 3 includes events of national and/or international importance and requires only limited federal support. Examples: National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Master Golf Tournament, Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

SEAR 4 includes events of limited national importance and are handled at the state and local level. Examples: State fairs, festivals and markets.

SEAR 5 includes events that may be nationally recognized but generally have only state and local importance. Support is normally handled at the local level. Examples: Varsity baseball home games, craft shows and other local events.

HSI’s use of the SEAR system was expanded in 2018, under the Trump ‘45 administration. Its use before then is unclear. 

HSI said it only gets involved in SEAR 1 and 2 events. Municipalities have until Sept. 1, 2026, to submit events for inclusion in the statewide directory.