What are the Different Types of Event Security?
Thousands of events take place each year in Illinois. These events range from large public events to small private gatherings held in homes. Regardless of the size of your event, security should be a top priority in your event planning. This helps keep your family, friends, and others safe at these events. Additionally, tight security could protect property and assets at the venue from theft or vandalism.
Most people assume that event security only needs a bunch of security guards in the area. However, this is not the case. Cutting corners in the security section of your event could create chaos, violence, or even criminal acts. The proper type of security depends mainly on the event you are hosting, the location of the event, and the number of people attending.
The type of security you need at a public event may differ from that required for a private party or wedding. Seeking expert guidance from a reliable security firm will ensure that you have the right security professionals for the ultimate safety of your event.
Music Concert Security
Live gigs and music concerts are thrilling experiences for performers and audiences. This gives the fans a perfect opportunity to be close to their favorite artists and listen to their music in person. Attending a concert involves letting loose, interacting with friends, and having fun.
Although live concerts are meant to be fun, the event could be unpleasant when there are unruly people. Some of these people will not only cause distraction but can also cause injuries to others and damage property. The risk may be increased when the audience smuggles weapons or illegal drugs that could impair their judgment.
As you organize a concert, you must have the following security plans in mind:
- A plan that helps ensure peace of mind for the performers and audience.
- A security plan that helps minimize the risk.
- A strategy to evacuate the crowds in case of an unforeseen event.
- A security hazard that could help spot and minimize the hazards.
Organizers of live events aim to be as hospitable and professional as possible. Visitors and performing artists want to feel secure when they enter the venue. Hiring expert security services while organizing a live event is critical. This ensures that the following safety measures are taken to protect the performers and audience:
- Crowd control. Concerts are public events open to all individuals who purchase tickets. For most of these live events, the organizers will admit as many people as their venue can host. With different types of people converging in one place, security guards may help ensure crowd control. This will include offering directives and breaking out fights that could arise from the crowds.
- Gate searches. Before people enter the live event venue, you will need some security guards to search the crowd. This helps avoid instances of smuggling firearms or illegal drugs.
- When the performing artist in a live concert is a well-known individual, personalized security may be required for the individual. In most cases, the person acting as a bodyguard for such an individual must have specialized training and be armed. The bodyguard will use different tactics to spot acts threatening the protected person.
Sporting Event Security
In a perfect world, everyone could enjoy their favorite sport without fearing for their safety or things getting out of hand. However, these sporting events are filled with large crowds of people and rowdy fans. With the presence of alcohol at most of these events, there is an increased risk of disorder. Some security challenges that could arise during a sporting event include fights, acts of terrorism, and theft crimes.
Whether it is the Super Bowl, the NFL, or smaller sports events in school, security is critical to ensuring the safety of players, officials, and spectators. The proper security measures and the presence of security guards could help neutralize security threats and reduce the likelihood of violence and disorderly conduct. Large sports events with many participants and a large fan base may require a complex security protocol.
Security at sporting events will not only respond to criminal acts but also prevent the occurrence of these disruptions. Prevention measures at large sporting events will include:
- Detailed security sweeps before the event. The security sweeps are done by security guards stationed at the event entrance. This helps prevent the entry of firearms or other weapons into the event. Additionally, the security person could prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the venue.
- Metal detectors. Using devices like metal detectors helps check for explosives and other dangerous items.
- Uninterrupted monitoring of the event. When you hire a security company for your sporting event, they will handle all safety issues, including surveillance. Trained professionals can look into the surveillance cameras and alert other security guards to potentially dangerous situations.
Whether you need armed or unarmed security at a sporting event will depend on the number of people and the type of event. Armed guards may be necessary for national sporting events to diffuse extreme concerns.
However, armed guards may be unnecessary if you host a sports event for local youth and children. Instead, security will send unarmed guards to prevent rowdy behavior and break up potential fights.
Security for Corporate Events
Corporate events are considered the safest gatherings you can attend. High-ranking officials will attend most of these events, and excessive alcohol is unlikely to be served. For this reason, most attendees will expect the event to be safe and calm. However, these events may be attended by high-net-worth individuals who are great targets for malicious intentions.
This creates a need for security personnel at the event. In addition to the types of people who attend these gatherings, confidential information may be exchanged. This means that the need for a strict guest list has increased.
If you plan to host a corporate event, you should partner with a security firm with experience handling such events. Proper security will create a good image for your company among guests and make them feel safe.
Security for Weddings and Other Personal Events
When you are hosting a party or private event, the safety and well-being of your guests are a priority. Partnering with a professional security company will ensure that all the potential risks at your event are addressed. Private events like weddings, grand openings, and VIP parties present unique security concerns, including:
- Alcohol and unruly crowds. Mixing large groups of people and serving alcohol could be a disastrous combination. Intoxicated individuals could engage in rowdy and unruly behavior, which could cause a distraction from your event. Professional security guards have the necessary training to identify escalating behavior and control it before it causes chaos at your private event.
- Protection of VIP attendees. If you have invited high-profile guests to your private event, these individuals will expect a certain level of security. Such guests will be targets for paparazzi and obsessed fans. Your guests deserve some privacy while enjoying the event. The security officers can help keep unwanted attention away from the guests.
- Deal with party crashers. Most private parties have a guest list. This helps to control event attendance. Although party crashers may seem harmless, you cannot understand their motives. Some people crash into private parties to cause unnecessary chaos and sometimes commit crimes like petty theft. Trained security guards can check each guest against your list and prevent the entry of uninvited individuals.
If security is a priority at your private event, you can partner with a security company. This allows for risk assessment and the placement of guards suited for different protection roles at the event. You must consider many factors when hiring a security firm for your personal events. This ensures your security needs are met, and your event runs smoothly.
Factors you should look into when hiring security for your intimate events include:
- Determine the amount of security needed. When you partner with a security company for a special event, you must consider your specific security needs. This could be determined by the size of the event and the type of people you have invited to it.
- Licensing and certification. Before hiring security for your event, you must ensure the company is certified to provide services in your state. Having the necessary licenses and certifications gives you confidence that you will receive reliable services.
- Choose a versatile company. Different forms of security are needed at private events. Therefore, you must hire a company that offers universal services. This will ensure that all your security needs are met.
Security for TV and Film Shooting
Traveling to a remote area allows your movie crew to capture authentic footage. While this could provide numerous benefits for your project, you must consider the crew’s safety. Protection is needed from outside attacks and overbearing fans who could try to breach the security barriers.
In addition to planning for transportation and the location of the movie or film set, you must also consider the security aspect. A critical part of the security of a film or movie shooting event is ensuring you can shoot the scenes uninterrupted. Working with a security company provides a safe environment in a studio or the local community.
A skilled security team will visit the event’s location before the event date to assess the area’s security. This helps the company determine the right security guards to position in each site area. If the filming event is scheduled in an area prone to crime, you may need armed security guards. This will keep the crew at ease, knowing that the security team’s response can match the potential threat.
In addition to protecting people, hiring a professional security team will help protect assets. Shooting a movie or film will require expensive equipment that you will take with you to the event. Armed security guards may be necessary to help avoid vandalism and theft of expensive equipment.
How Many Security Guards Do I Need for My Event?
You will not need an exact number of guards for a given event. When you hire a security firm to work with the organizers of your event, they will perform a risk assessment. This yields several factors that will dictate the number and type of guards needed. The type of event, the number of guests you have, and the location of your event could dictate the security setup. The security management plan could include the following:
- Setting roles for each member of the team.
- Identifying the right way to work with other team players in the event to ensure maximum security.
- Emergency plans.
Benefits of Having Security at Your Event
As you plan different aspects of your event, you must consider the safety of the guests and the property and assets at the venue. While you must assess the risk of the location where you wish to host the event and scrutinize the individuals you invite to attend your event, you can always be careful.
For a favorable event outcome, you will need different types of security depending on the nature of the event. Hiring a security company to help keep order at your event offers the following benefits:
Provides Comfort
Whether you organize a concert, a sporting event, or a wedding party, you want your family and guests to enjoy it. This could be difficult when people worry about their safety and belongings. Hiring security guards for your event helps ensure that all the attendees are comfortable and can concentrate on enjoying the event.
Security companies train their guards on emergency preparedness, threat identification, and crowd immobilization. These guards’ high experience in handling event security helps them understand the security loopholes for each type of event.
Ensure the Well-being of your Guests
Most event planners focus on building an image of luxury and perfection for their event. This could be through creative decorations, entertaining performances, and good food. Unfortunately, the increased instances of mass shootings in the United States create an increased need for security at each event you organize.
The trained security guards will be able to spot potentially dangerous situations and diffuse them. If suspicious individuals are at the event, the guards can use their training and experience to remove the person without causing commotion or disrupting the event.
Crowd Control
A significant benefit of hiring security for your event is that you will not have to worry about unruly crowds. When you partner with the right security company, you will have professional guards trained to handle large crowds. You do not want frightened guests at your event or people wanting to leave because they feel unsafe. In case of an emergency at the event, the security personnel can safely mobilize the exit of guests.
Gives your Event a Professional Look
Depending on the type of event you are hosting, different people will have varying expectations of the event. In addition to inviting renowned artists and guests, the visual perception of your event will extend to the organization and steps you take to ensure the safety and well-being of your guests.
Hiring security for the event is a great way to portray organization and professionalism. When you contact a security firm, they can make a security plan for you and station different types of security to meet the event’s needs. Security guards at the gate will make an excellent first impression and put your guests at ease throughout the event.
You can Focus on Other Aspects of the Event
Planning and managing an event involves a lot of back and forth. Handling all the aspects of your event can be overwhelming. You will need security personnel for large events at different parts of the event. You cannot be at the entrance screening guests and checking for security threats in surveillance rooms.
Hiring a professional security firm helps ensure that you can focus on entertaining your guests and other aspects of the event.
Requirement for Acquiring a Venue
When booking a venue to hold your event, the venue owners may require you to list a professional security company as a requirement for the venue. This is to ensure the property and assets on it are safe.
Find Competent Event Security Services Near Me
Planning for people and property security is critical when organizing an event. Events, including public gatherings and private parties, could attract unruly individuals and potential criminals. With a proper security plan, your event could continue in chaos with a serious crime involving severe injury or property loss.
Individuals attending your event will have expectations for their safety and belongings. An event security plan involves partnering with a competent security company. This ensures that you receive the appropriate types of security tailored to meet the needs of your event. Armed and unarmed security guards will make your guests feel safe and allow them to enjoy the event.