Event Security Tips and Tricks

Security plays a vital role in safety practices within events. It is risky to ignore it with the high terror threat alert level that has been sanctioned globally.

There are various things that need to be considered to improve security in all events. This article will point out these important security practices.

Capacity

In planning for the event, it is important to consider the capacity of people that an event can accommodate. This will help in determining the number of security agents that will be needed. Safety practice calls for a minimum ratio of one security steward per 50 of the anticipated attendance.

It also gives information of the limit admittance any event can manage.

Capacity is accounted for in more ways than just the holding capacity. The flow of people in and out of the event area is also considered. They should pass through designated points in queues. This ensures there is order in exit and entry. It minimizes the risk of theft, stampedes and security breaches. The use of metal detectors, bag and body searching may significantly reduce the security threats.

In the case of emergencies, there should also be a planned evacuation point for the crowd. This point has to be patrolled with the security personnel at all times for monitoring and order.

Identification

For security to be achieved, it is imperative that the identity of all those attending the event be known. A database of sorts can be kept accessible to all security agents to monitor the crowd within the event. This will also assist in access clearance at private areas within the event. Take for example, only kitchen staff would gain access to the kitchen.

The use of uniforms and identification tags to distinguish different sections of the staff is also important. The security personnel should be clearly identified by what uniform the wear. This will indicate their authority.

CCTV cameras should also be used at sensitive points for monitoring of movement and to prevent breaching in security.

Communication

There cannot be a functional security team without communication between themselves.

A good communications system helps to achieve a higher sense of security. Radio phones of private clear frequencies can be used with the security agents for better flow of information. The established network helps in better management and decision making.

Risk Management

The issue of risk management helps to ensure one prime goal: nothing unexpected happens.

The security team and staff must be within the premises before the event begins. All stationed at their points of service. This will serve to ensure they carry out their mandate without disorder.

Substances like narcotics and alcohol must be controlled depending on the variety of the crowd. Large gatherings of high spirited fans may call for trouble if they get intoxicated, as has been evident before during riots. The use of security dogs to detect these substances is highly recommended.

All potential objects that can be used as weapons must be monitored and used by only qualified personnel.

It is safe to alert and involve the police in the event. Remember that they are the legal security personnel and can deal with issues that the private security team may not handle.

The access to various points like hoardings, roofs, pylons and other structures, where people can climb, have to be barred with stout barriers or close-boarded enclosures.

Finally, for the security of protected structures, anti-vandal devices like glass barriers should be fitted 2.4 meters from their bases.