Security for Events 

If you are a person who enjoys attending concerts, sporting events, stand up comedy, or seasonal festivals put on by your hometown then you have likely seen security at all of those events. Does seeing a security presence at the event give you sense of peace? The use of security for events is popular and a great way to ensure guests are safe, and quickly deescalate any situation that may arise.

Many venues use security staff in various ways. They use them at the entrances to operate a body scanner and check bags. They are used in front of the stage to ensure guests do not climb onto the stage. They are used in certain sections of the venue to ensure only guests with correct tickets enter the area, like a VIP section. If a fight breaks out in the crowd, they can quickly swarm the area and regain control.

Many private security companies offer security personnel for events and are trained just for event type scenarios. They can be stationed throughout the venue to be utilized in a maximum manner. There are stairwells and restricted areas that can be manned by a security personnel to ensure guests remain safe and stay within the areas they are allowed in. After the event, a sweep of the entire venue can be done as well to doublecheck no guests were left behind or intentionally hiding. Security for events is also trained for first aid response and CPR in case of an emergency. They can respond rapidly and assess the scene while EMS or first responders are in route.

How do you decide the number of security personnel that is needed for an event? A typical and reasonable ratio to consider is for every one hundred guests there should be two security staff members. This gives the security staff members someone within earshot to help assist for various scenarios. The more guests expected for the event, the more security presence there should be for the event. There is no such thing as having too many security staff members present for an event but not having enough could lead to major problems at the event. The disruptive guests can easily overrun the security staff and take control.

The NFL, NBA, and MLB use law enforcement officers and sometimes military personnel on rare occasions. Using local law enforcement alongside security personnel gives the venue more protection as they are able to detain, arrest, and provide citations to those who cause a disruption. It allows a fast and immediate response for any situation that may arise during the event. Oftentimes, when people see law enforcement they naturally want to behave appropriately because they fear getting into trouble. However, it is not always the case, especially if alcohol is involved. Over the years, the NFL Super Bowl has had its fair share of streakers between plays. The game is interrupted until the streaker is caught and placed into handcuffs. Usually this interruption is short lived as police and security have the ability to quickly surround the streaker and remove him or her off the field in a quick motion. This is a prime example of why it is important to have security stationed around the venue in a strategic manner. While they may not be able to prevent a person slipping past them and onto the field, they can regain control swiftly.

Major city events like the Kentucky Derby use their local law enforcement agencies and security personnel. It is an event that draws attention nationally and many celebrities, VIP people and CEOs, etc. come in town for the event. In the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby, the city of Louisville hosts many events that also draw in large crowds. Security and local law enforcement agencies are needed to maintain control of the crowds and traffic as well. Imagine attending the Kentucky Derby with no security or local law enforcement agencies. There would be a lot of disruption occurring, likely from alcohol intoxication, and the event may not be enjoyed as much. There would also be a concern of what people bring into the racetrack, someone could easily sneak in a bomb. The racetrack for this event attracts thousands of guests, a bomb going off would make history as one of the most catastrophic events.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana is another very popular event that attracts many guests nationally. It is a family friendly festival that takes place throughout New Orleans. To maintain a safe environment, security and local law enforcement agencies are needed for traffic control and blocking off streets for guests to be able to walk freely without worry of a vehicle coming through the event. Security is needed to maintain crowd control to ensure the parade can flow smoothly without guests walking through the parade and causing a disruption. Local law enforcement agencies can assist with the disorderly guests and remove them swiftly.

In November of 2021, a man named Darrell Brooks drove his SUV past barricades during a Christmas event in Waukesha, Wisconsin killing five people and injuring forty eight others. It is unknown if the barricade was manned by an officer or security. Due to having police officers stationed in various points of the Christmas Parade route, Brooks was quickly apprehended before causing more damage and injuries to guests. If police and security officers were not utilized in a manner for crowd control and traffic control, more lives may possibly have been affected than the original fifty three people. This is a perfect example of why it is important to provide a security detail and local law enforcement for events large or small.

Whether the event is large or small it is important to provide security for the event. It is uncertain to know the intention of every person attending an event. Security and Officers are trained to look for signs or unusual behavior at events. Without them, the event is easily unsafe for its guests and is an easy target for a catastrophic event to occur.