Event security is a specialization within private security. Event security is used to ensure that all kinds of events, such as festivals, conferences, football matches and concerts, run smoothly.
Events are often times when large groups of people come together at the same time. To guarantee the safety of visitors and staff, it is important to have control over the events that take place at the event. Consider, for example, access control, does everyone have a valid admission ticket? But also whether no prohibited objects are taken onto the site, such as weapons or drugs. Which areas receive more attention also depends on the type of event that needs to be secured.
Security for different types of events
No event is the same: a football match attracts a different audience than a congress or trade fair. And a concert involves different risks than a street fair. The volume of different events is also different.
At a festival, there is a greater chance that a security guard will have to deal with people who want to take drugs onto the premises or fights between visitors that escalate. During a football match, you must pay close attention to weapons and/or fireworks. It is also always important to think carefully about an evacuation plan and how security plays a role in this. The scenarios are diverse, but deploying the right event security ensures that there is a plan for every scenario.
Event security guards must be aware of this diversity, have knowledge of the variety of issues they may be confronted with and be able to anticipate all possible risks. This requires qualified and trained personnel. That is why this professional form of security has its own collective labor agreement and professional training.
Why is event security so important?
The importance of event security actually speaks for itself: it ensures the safety of the public, the staff and any artists during events. With the right security, the organization also prevents damage to the location and/or property. This security ensures that there is not too much crowding in one place, that quarrels do not get out of hand and that adequate intervention is taken if necessary.
The larger the event, the more important it is to have adequate security. But even at small events there is a chance of incidents, such as: aggressiveness, (medical) accidents, injuries or excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol.
Poor planning, poor crowd control, inadequate security or the lack of emergency assistance increases the likelihood of mischief, aggression, injury and can even cause serious problems when dangerous situations arise. Think of legal prosecution or the withdrawal of permits.
Activities of an event security guard
The activities of the security guards at an event are diverse. As indicated, this will also depend on the type and size of an event.
The most common activities:
- Timely assessment of dangerous situations and prevention;
- Access control;
- Intervening and handling calamities;
- apply first aid;
- Assistance with any evacuations;
- Serve as the host/business card of the event.
The last point can be a very important part of the security deployment for an event. There is not only a focus on safety, but hospitality is also an important part.
What do event security and hospitality have in common?
A event security guard is not only there in case something goes wrong: he or she strives to maintain peace and order during the event and can often prevent problems before they arise. Visible and invisible forms of security can be used for this.
The event security officer is the first point of contact for the event visitor. Good security guards therefore not only ensure safety, but also attach great importance to hospitality. In this way they ensure that visitors feel safe and welcome during an event. They are ready to help visitors and are the calling card of an event.