Many benefits come with a career in event security. It’s exciting to be an integral part of some of the most high-ticketed occasions people travel a long way to attend, from sports games and concerts to festivals and conventions. While this career is undoubtedly thrilling, it also carries the great responsibility of keeping hundreds or thousands of people safe at a single event. It’s up to you and your team to ensure everyone stays safe by keeping crowds controlled, the premises secure, and crimes from occurring.
Here are some of event security guards’ crucial responsibilities that make this role both exciting and rewarding.
Surveillance & Crowd Management
Preventing an incident before it happens rather than having to react to one is essential for a successful event. Event security guards may be in charge of surveilling the area around them or watching images registered on security cameras to know what’s happening. They are responsible for identifying trespassers or potential problems so they can take appropriate action if necessary.
Crowd management is another crucial skill that event security must implement for an effective security plan. Keeping the crowd controlled may involve:
● Requiring attendees to create a single-file line for entry
● Establishing barriers between the public and the performers
● Ensuring people aren’t being trampled or shoved
● Keeping exits clear at all times
Controlling Who & What May Enter the Event Site
Event security often controls who enters the venue by verifying entry and re-entry tickets. Each event is different, but event security may use metal-detectors or sophisticated X-ray devices to ensure that no prohibited items, like weapons, drugs, or alcohol, are brought into the venue. Depending on the event’s scale, security guards may also pat down and search attendees and their bags to protect the premises and everyone present.
Traffic & Parking Management
Parking lots and the traffic outside the venue can quickly become chaotic, with so many people arriving and departing at a designated time. Car accidents and needless injuries can occur if traffic and parking are not managed well. Event security is responsible for forming a plan to effectively manage the traffic and parking conditions to maintain order and safety at the event. That may involve:
● Directing traffic
● Telling people where to park
● Monitoring traffic on surveillance cameras
Each of these tasks is essential to keep traffic and parking operating safely.
Customer Service
When people are lost or have questions at an event, they turn to someone who works there to get answers, especially security guards. Attendees, vendors, or other staff often approach security guards working at events with their questions first before anyone else because they often trust the uniform. As a result, event security guards must be able to communicate effectively and not just be professional but also approachable.
Manage Incidents When They Occur
Security guards are ultimately in charge of keeping people and the venue safe. When incidents occur during events, security guards have to be ready to act and control the situation. It’s not uncommon for incidents to arise at events, like:
● Theft
● Physical altercation
● Assault
● Medical emergencies
● Vandalism
● Fire
Security guards may also have to apprehend criminals or call law enforcement when needed. Because everyone at the event looks to security guards to manage or direct them on what to do when emergencies arise, this role is critical for any gathering or event.
Become a Professional Security Guard with Online Courses
Working as an event security guard comes with immense responsibility, but it’s also an exciting and highly demanded position. As an event security guard, you may meet famous people by acting as a bodyguard, or you may even work with dogs in a canine patrol squad—the possibilities are endless. But this role is also rewarding because event security guards contribute to everyone’s enjoyment by providing a sense of safety and ease.
If a career as an event security guard is something you’re interested in, start learning the skills to succeed in this field today! The National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA) is a trusted source for Security Professionals’ online training courses developed by industry experts for complete student satisfaction. Learn Crowd Control Training, Effective Communication Skills, and more, all online and from the comfort of your home.
Enroll in NITA’s security training courses today at any time and access course materials instantly. To learn more, complete our online contact form or call today at 1-800-730-NITA (6482).
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.