Organized large-scale events and festivals are planned with the safety of attendees and performers, speakers or hosts in mind. Security guard services are regularly used to accomplish this. So, what is the importance of security and safety at festivals? What are the different types of event security? Let’s take a look!
The need for security at festivals
In the past, events like music concerts, sports events, and large annual festivals only seemed to need a few security guards—some watching access points, others to remove problem people. There either wasn’t much security, or security guards were in plain clothes patrolling the crowds. So, why is there so much security at festival events today?
First and foremost, the importance of proper festival security and all around the United States has grown in light of recent criminal attacks and acts of violence. Events with large crowds are bigger targets, and therefore, event organizers should consider hiring more security—and a variety of security personnel—for protection.
Types of festival and event security services
Festival and event security in Fort Myers, FL may be hired to provide a variety of helpful services to keep the event running smoothly, including:
- Crowd control: Security guards that handle big groups or crowds of people at events are called crowd controllers. These highly trained individuals specialize in directing the flow of foot traffic, should crowds get unruly, and remedying potentially dangerous situations like fights and other aggressive behaviors.
- Personal bodyguard: Sometimes, only one or a few individuals need guarding. If that is the case, then a bodyguard is your best option for personal protection—especially when out in public or attending special events. This type of security guard will put all their focus on the person they are assigned to protect, ensuring the individual’s safety.
- Access point security guards: There is typically more than one access point at organized festivals and events. Along with the entrance, there may also be a separate exit and several other access areas, including restrooms, dressing rooms, food prep stations and stage access. The security guards you see guarding these access points, as well as event area barriers, are also known as gatekeepers.
- Armed guards: You’ll have the option to either hire armed or unarmed security officers, depending on the security guard services company you work with. Most events don’t require officers armed with guns, but this is dependent upon a couple of important factors: whether there is a history of violence in the area where the event or festival is to take place, and the possible threat level. Talk to local law enforcement to get a better idea of what might be most appropriate for your event.
- Security patrol: If your event is predicted to be rowdy at points, if you’ve invited special guest speakers or if important figures will be attending, you should consider hiring security guards to patrol the crowd, as well as areas near the event location. Security patrol in uniform shows a security presence, but plainclothes officers are also a good way to keep everyone safe.
Are you organizing an upcoming event or festival and seeking to provide extra safety and security measures? Don’t hesitate to contact American Pride Security Services for security guard services!
If you’ve looked into being a part of the security and protection industry, then you know there are several different types of security guard positions you can train for. You just have to know where you want to lend your security services—for example, like a mall security guard, campus security patrol officer or an event security officer. While there are typical duties of a security guard, each type of guard has specific duties and requires different skills, largely depending on the type of environment they will be assigned to work in. This is why proper training is so important.
Whether you provide security for a business, school, public event, festival or construction site, know the duties for each will vary. Let’s take a look at the duties of one type: a security guard trained in warehouse security.
Close monitoring
Because most warehouses are not open to the public, they will hire security guards to closely monitor and control all warehouse access points—including people coming and going and why—and computer systems. This is an important duty of a warehouse security guard.
As the warehouse’s security officer, you maintain control over the access points of the building and any goods brought in by delivery vehicles. You’ll inspect people, vehicles and items at the entrance to the site, which could mean using a metal detector or performing physical checks. You are responsible for making sure everyone entering is supposed to be there, as well as inspecting everything that people bring into or remove from the warehouse.
Physical presence
The physical presence of security guards in any business or work environment can be enough to deter would-be criminals, so it makes sense that sites like warehouses would benefit from hiring security officers. With specially trained on-site security personnel guarding your warehouse—whether from a watchpoint or on patrol—your company’s staff, visitors and property will be kept safe, and your structure secure. Warehouse security guards are trained to respond quickly to issues, but the type of action they take depends on the agreement between the security company and the warehouse owner. More specifically, this means determining whether they remain hands-off and simply report an incident or jump into action to apprehend criminals.
Electronic security monitoring
A warehouse security guard will likely be in charge of monitoring computerized control systems, ensuring that all site technology is being used appropriately and only by authorized people. Your warehouse security officer training may also include tech troubleshooting and computer maintenance.
Furthermore, many warehouses have security systems in place to protect their property and merchandise. A trained security officer will have the ability to maintain, monitor and use a site’s chosen security system, which may include security cameras, motion or pressure sensors, and other electronic detection devices. Having trained security professionals in charge of monitoring these systems and equipment means fewer false alarms, quicker response times and on-site response and assistance.
If your warehouse, business, school campus or large event needs security guard services, look no further than the trained professionals at American Pride Security Services. Contact us today for more information!
Everyone can appreciate a party that’s been nicely put together. Having a plan means it won’t be chaotic and you can actually relax and mingle. However, having a plan does not guarantee a total absence of problems. With that in mind, here are a few good reasons to hire event security in Fort Myers, FL and the Southwest Florida area for your next neighborhood block party:
- To keep partygoers safe: It’s not uncommon for tight-knit neighborhoods to throw block parties throughout the year to celebrate being a community. With the street blocked off, the barbecue grills out and music playing, you would think that everyone is ready for a fun, yet safe time. But although you may not be able to predict problems, you can assume that there will be people who won’t be so neighborly. When hired security is present, long-simmering neighbor disputes are less likely to manifest into fights and cars will be safely detoured around a blocked street to avoid accidents
- To maintain order: Although a security officer won’t know everyone who lives on a particular street, they are trained to detect potential problems and read suspicious behavior. Namely, they watch for rowdy partygoers as well as people at the neighborhood party who shouldn’t be there. In most cases, the mere presence of a security officer’s badge may be enough to prevent bad behavior. If not, then they are going to be the one to call the police.
- To prevent stealing: During a neighborhood street party, you might decide to leave your front door unlocked or open for easy access to and from the festivities. Unfortunately, this also means easy access for criminals. If you can just walk in, then so can they! This is especially a problem in a neighborhood where not all neighbors know each other. You could see someone walking into the house across the way and leaving with a television set, but if you don’t know your neighbor, you may not suspect a robbery. On the other hand, event security won’t have a problem asking questions and reporting a theft.
- To watch homes: Along the same lines, hired security may be instructed to watch the homes during a neighborhood event. Why? Because more often than not, a block party is only going to take place on a single street, not on every single street in the community. What this means is a lot of empty houses surrounding the main party location. With visible security officers also patrolling these streets, there’s less of a chance for break-ins, property vandalism or other criminal acts that can affect homes.
- To provide peace of mind: Simply put, hiring trained security to help out at your next event will provide you with the peace of mind you otherwise wouldn’t have. You and other party attendees will feel safer knowing there are trained eyes on the event, as well as on your homes.
Don’t let stress and worry take away from the fun you should be having at your neighborhood party. Contact the team of trained, professional event security at American Pride Security Services today!
