Security at Events: Everything You Need to Know

Intro:

Putting on a large-scale event will definitely require a security presence of some kind.

But here’s the thing.

Understanding event security isn’t always easy.

What do you need to know?

What are the most important elements of event security, and how do you make sure that you’ve got all your bases covered?

Ensuring the safety of your guests and staff is your number one priority.

And protecting valuable company assets comes in a close second.

For this reason, it’s essential to put some serious thought into how you plan to secure your event.

And in this post, you’re going to learn everything you need to know to get started.

Let’s go deep and talk about event security.

Understand Your Venue

Every venue is going to present different security challenges.

The size of the venue, which in turn will likely dictate the size of your crowd, is probably the most significant factor to consider.

But it’s also important to take into account any unique safety or security risks that a venue may present.

Assessing your venue will help you as you move into the second phase of the process—making a security plan.

Make An Emergency Plan

When it comes to security, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Making a plan ahead of time for what the protocol will be if something goes wrong can not only give you significant peace of mind about the safety of your event, but will also help you to handle any potential security threat with maximum effectiveness.

You’ll also need a security plan on-hand to share with your hired professional security.

Hire A Professional Security Company

For very small or isolated events, you may be able to get away with hiring an off duty cop as temporary security.

But for most events, you’re going to want to hire professionals.

Professional security guards, employed by a legitimate security company, understand the ins and outs of security and how to provide it for large scale events.

This isn’t something to skimp on.

If you make a great plan, but hire unprofessional security to enact that plan, you’re literally asking for disaster.

Assess Attendee Risks

Are there any high profile figures attending your event who may draw an unwanted dangerous element?

For example, inviting a polarizing political figure to speak at your event could open the door to the potential for protests, demonstrations, or perhaps even riots, etc.

It’s always important to assess the unique threats and risks that could be presented by particular notable guests or groups at your event, and plan for them accordingly.

Keep Tight Control Of The Crowd

As Special Security Services puts it:

“While there are many different types of events where you might need unarmed guards, you can count on needing these security services for a concert or any other show. That’s because guards can help to prevent rowdy behavior and ensure that guests do not enter the venue without paying.”

Most mass crowd event disasters start going really wrong when security loses control of the crowd.

Enforcing basic rules and upholding the protocol for how the event should transpire are the keys to keeping things from getting out of control.

If the unexpected occurs, professional security guards know how important this is and are trained to do it well.

This is one of the primary reasons for why you should hire professional security, and not just a few fly-by-night tough guys instead.

Make A List Of Banned Items

Regardless of the type of event you’re hosting, it’ll be important to make a list of items that just won’t be allowed on the premises.

This usually includes items like knives, guns, and other implements that could be used as weapons.

Give this list to your security team, and make sure that they enforce it at the door.

Check All Bags At The Entrance

Unfortunately, we live in a world where people sometimes commit violent crimes at events being attended by large groups of people.

This is why it’s vitally important to check bags at the entrance.

You definitely don’t want anyone smuggling in a weapon or a dangerous item.

Therefore, instructing your security to perform this vital safety function will help to ensure peace and disaster-prevention at your event.

Use Body Scanners

Sometimes, people don’t even need a bag to hide dangerous or banned items.

Sometimes, they’re tempted to smuggle them right within their own clothing.

For this reason, body scanners are vitally important for ensuring that banned and dangerous items aren’t being stuffed into clothing and brought past security.

Make Sure That Security Can Communicate Effectively

Professional security companies understand the need for direct communication.

You may need to supply two-way radios, headsets, and other communication devices to ensure that security can communicate back and forth quickly, easily, and efficiently.

This could mean the difference between a minor security situation and an all out disaster if something goes amiss.

Conclusion

There you have it.

Everything you need to know to set you on the right track to providing top level security for your next event.

The most important thing to understand is that ‘safety first’ is a proactive mentality.

Do the work beforehand to ensure the safety of your guests, and you’ll be that much more likely to host a successful event where everyone will enjoy themselves and stay safe.