All events need sufficient security strategies and systems to protect attendees and establish order.
While surveillance cameras and access control systems play a role in monitoring and managing access, security guards are far more versatile and effective at improving event safety and security.
Follow this guide to learn the responsibilities of security guards and discover how they can make your attendees feel safer by maintaining secure environment throughout the duration of your events.
Why Hire Security Guards for Events?
Hiring security guards for event safety and security helps to maintain order among attendees, even in emergencies, and discourages undesirable behavior, such as theft, trespassing, and disorderly conduct.
Attendees will be reassured knowing guards are there to protect them if necessary, and any rules from the event organizers can be swiftly enforced.
Which Events Are Security Guards Best Suited For?
Security guards are a valuable asset in a variety of event locations and sizes, including:
- Concerts and music festivals
- Corporate events and conferences
- Private parties
- Weddings
- Political rallies and gatherings
- Sports events
- Trade shows and exhibitions
What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of Event Security Guards?
Security guards are deployed throughout an event to conduct vital tasks and duties, including:
Attendee Screening and Access Control
- Monitoring access points to prevent unauthorized entry
- Checking tickets and event passes
- Screening guests to verify identification
- Enforcing entry restrictions for prohibited items
Surveillance and Monitoring
- Overseeing surveillance systems such as security cameras
- Patrolling the venue to detect and respond to suspicious activities
- Monitoring crowds to ensure safety and compliance with event protocols
Conflict Management and Rule Enforcement
- Intervening during conflicts and reducing tensions through de-escalation techniques
- Enforcing event rules, such as no-smoking or no-alcohol areas
- Preventing access to restricted areas within the event venue
Crowd Management
- Managing crowd control during high-traffic times, such as when the event begins and ends
- Preventing overcrowding in high-traffic locations
VIP Protection and Personal Security
- Escorting VIP guests and performers to designated areas
Emergency Response and Coordination
- Responding to emergencies such as medical incidents and fires
- Collaborating with law enforcement, medical personnel, or fire services
- Assisting in evacuations to keep attendees safe and calm
How do Security Guards Make Event Attendees Feel Safer?
The presence of security guards can put attendees at ease, who know they are actively being protected and monitored.
Monitoring Event Areas
While surveillance systems can help to identify undesirable or suspicious activity, personnel on patrol or stationed at specific points provide a more visible presence.
They can be positioned in high-traffic areas, such as entry and exit points, and have an up-close view of the event, easily detecting any suspicious individuals or activity that needs to be addressed.
If there are any blind spots from surveillance systems, guards can be instructed to relocate and cover those areas.
In our guide to combining security guards and surveillance technology for events, we detail how personnel and systems such as mobile trailers and drones can be converged to offer greater protection for attendees.
Managing Crowds
In larger events, overcrowding can be a serious issue that causes unease among attendees, and pushing or shoving can be a risk to their safety.
Security guards can manage the flow of attendees and prevent injuries or conflicts from large crowds by looking for signs of aggressive behavior and helping disperse attendees to create more space.
For busy events such as a concert, guards might funnel people into separate lines for ticket checks or guide them to specific areas, such as seating sections or concession stands.
Assisting During Emergencies
Emergencies at events can include medical incidents, fires, power outages, crowd-related injuries, security threats, or natural disasters. Security guards are trained to act in these situations to prevent injuries, reduce panic, and maintain order.
During evacuations, security guards can direct attendees to exits and reassure individuals to reduce anxiety and prevent chaos.
Guards can also call and coordinate with emergency services, providing clear and valuable information. Their organization and skills help attendees feel secure and safe throughout the event, even when a stressful situation arises.
How Do Guards Maintain Security at Events?
Here’s why hiring a security guard should be at the top of your to-do list when organizing an event:
Deterring Undesirable Activity
With guards stationed in different areas throughout the event, attendees are more likely to act appropriately and are discouraged from acting aggressively or rowdily.
Events with alcohol or potential conflicts can increase tension, and if an individual acts out from intoxication or altered behavior, it jeopardizes the safety of all other attendees.
Most often, the presence of security guards is enough, but if disruptive actions or behavior occur, they gently control the situation. The guard will calmly speak to the individual, attempting to defuse the situation by asking them to calm down and explaining the consequences of their behavior.
If the guard concludes that further action is needed, they can escort the individual to a quiet space to calm down. If they refuse to cooperate, the individual may need to be instructed to leave the premises, and the guard will ensure they are escorted safely off the property.
Screening Guests
Events with tickets, guest lists, or invitations often require security guards to verify the identity of attendees before granting access. Guards carefully check tickets, IDs, and other credentials to prevent unauthorized access.
Security guards may also screen for prohibited items, such as weapons or alcohol, using metal detectors or manual searches.
Enforcing Rules
Events will have varying rules, such as restrictions on alcohol, prohibited items, curfews, or behavior expectations.
Security guards ensure all rules are followed, reminding attendees what items are not permitted and taking further steps when needed to prevent disruptions to others.
For instance, hiring security guards for parties helps manage alcohol consumption and prevents over-intoxication, ensuring no one is allowed to bring in banned substances or cause disturbances.
Guards are trained in observation and can monitor attendees to ensure compliance with event rules, such as checking for prohibited items or ensuring that guests adhere to specific guidelines like noise levels or dress codes.
By keeping a watchful eye, they can quickly identify when rules are being violated and take immediate action to address the issue before it risks the security of the event and the safety of other attendees.
Strengthen Your Event’s Safety and Security With Proficient Security Guards
Interested in hiring security guards for your event? Find out more about hiring event security guards with our step-by-step guide, or contact our helpful team today for specific information and a custom quote.
We’ll assess your event’s risk level and requirements and develop a security approach, including assigning guards for key posted locations and patrols, to put you and your guests at ease.
Explore our other security services and begin taking steps towards a safe, secure, and well-managed event.
