Guard Services: The Logistics of Event Security

Guard Services: The Logistics of Event Security

Today’s world stage comes complete with volatile times and acts of terrorism

On so many levels, 9/11 drastically altered the event security landscape. Event security has evolved from the ‘bouncer’ mentality of yesteryear, which featured security decked out in yellow jackets emblazoned with “SECURITY” in block letters to today’s concierge security professional which features highly trained security professionals with access to cutting edge technology including artificial intelligence.

Event security staff assist from preplanning stages through post-show wrap-up; working with the client from start to finish. Today’s event security team plays a multi-faceted role that includes alcohol enforcement, audience management, bike patrol, crowd control, ID checkers, 24- hour event security, access control, parking services, red carpet staff, ticket takers, ushers and VIP/talent escort. Event security professionals wear business attire for VIP escort and red-carpet events, with their attire varying accordingly dependent on what other roles they assume.

Given the world stage we all live on which includes volatile times and acts of terrorism, people want to know they are going to events and venues that are safe and secure. Guests want to see security at these shows.

Guests are accommodating to waiting in line for bag checks or pat-downs because they understand the overall purpose event security has for mandating these initiatives. Well-executed event security has the power to create magical moments and memorable experiences for live audiences with safety and security as a first mindset.

Event security is fluid and ever-changing with crowd movement and dynamics. During these turbulent times, ensuring the safety and security of event participants at entertainment conferences like National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM or other high-profile events including the Academy Awards, NASCAR, NBA or NFL sporting events demands the use of cutting-edge technology paired with well-trained, highly screened security professionals.

Staffing is Critical

Hands-down, employees are the most valuable assets of any event security company. It is vitally important for an event security firm to adhere to strict guidelines for hiring and training. In addition, the event security’s management team should be coaches and mentors to all front-line employees.

Through the combined capabilities of Allied Universal, our event services division is now a single-source solution for everything from temporary staffing, consulting and security for all events. Our event services team addresses convention, sporting and concert events and trade show’s complex challenges from a security and staffing perspective.

Event security staff gravitate to this sector, often, because they enjoy and thrive in its multi-faceted and exciting environment. For example, a senior executive member of my team, Thushan Rajapaksa, says that he “loves live entertainment and live music” and feels like he has “the best job in the world because he is able to “create magical moments and memorable experiences for live audiences.”

Experienced, trained security professionals, who are licensed, and who have undergone background checks and drug testing, are the foundation of event security.

Continual Training Vitally Important

Detailed, comprehensive training is vitally important for event security personnel. Training methods include classroom training, field training, hands-on simulation training, table top exercises, workshops, E-learning, certification courses, Guard Card courses and annual refresher classes.

Event security is a dynamic sector that demands that the security professionals engage in extensive training which includes how to deliver First Aid and CPR, understanding the signs and symptom of heat stress, how to handle attendee slips, trips and falls, workplace fire safety, workplace violence and active shooter, emergency response and disaster planning, hazardous materials and best practices for arenas, stadiums and amphitheaters.

In addition, there is venue specific training including crowd management that includes technical and guest services skills, line control, front of stage, ushers, roamers and overall venue security and safety.

Training on how to effectively communicate is of paramount importance. We call this ‘verbal judo’ which is learning how to stay calm in the midst of conflict, deflecting verbal abuse, and offering empathy.

Supervisors essential. Event security professionals should have an open line of communication to their supervisors. A 10 to 1 ratio of security professionals to supervisor is recommended to ensure that there’s continual communication and that expectations are exceeded.

Details, details and more details. Event security entails far more than staffing the venue with security personnel. The process is complex and requires extensive coordination, communication and advance planning. Every venue requires its own specific strategy and road-map which includes extensive facility orientation.

Advance planning requires teamwork with the venue’s facility management and local law enforcement to put together a “best practices” methodology that can be used to address a myriad of emergency scenarios.

DHS Safety Certification

The ASIS safety certification program, which my company has secured, is the first and only program of its kind to be awarded a coveted Designation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technology (SAFETY) Act of 2002. The purpose of the SAFETY Act is to ensure that the threat of liability does not deter manufacturers of anti-terrorism technologies from developing and commercializing new products that could significantly reduce the risks or effects of terrorist events.

Companies that supply products and services that can be used to detect, defend against, or respond to acts of terrorism can apply for and receive coverage under the law. Event security firms should declare their commitment to the DHS Safety Act by applying and receiving this critical safety designation as it demonstrates to clients that the company has a system of risk and liability management benefits in place to providers of anti-terrorism products and services.

Ever-evolving Technology

Technology is constantly changing. Security supervisors put into place a network of people, processes and technology to deter and mitigate threats. Law enforcement is a partner with physical security and may ask to access video footage. Today’s access control includes biometrics with video analytics with facial recognition.

Video analytics is also able to measure and gauge crowd behavior, detect suspicious packages, and instantly alert security and law enforcement so that preemptive action can be deployed.

Social media platforms are monitored using specific key word analytics to assess if there are any potential issues that are happening. Security professionals and law enforcement are able to work together to leverage multiple technologies and share information to understand and mitigate potential threats.

Ultimately, it is vitally important to determine the policies and procedures that are in place that allow security personnel, law enforcement and other entities to effectively work together as a blended team. Understanding what the policies and procedures are for all concerned parties enables them to work cohesively to better mitigate the risk for any and all types of threats.

This article originally appeared in the July / August 2020 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”