Event Security in Colorado Springs & Logistics 101
August 16, 2019
The wide range of safety threats that exist today means event planners must make security a top priority, but effective event security practices entail much more than flooding the site with police officers and private guards and hoping for the best. The implementation of a well-crafted event logistics strategy is also essential. Planners must work with the owners of the venue to ensure that there’s enough security personnel on hand and that that they operate in an efficient, coordinated manner with the event staff.
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Elements of a strong logistical strategy include:
- Knowing your requirements: Different venues have different requirements regarding acceptable and unacceptable practices. For example, some venues may insist that you use their in-house catering services instead of hiring outside vendors. If your event lasts longer one day, you may have to keep your equipment inside the facility overnight.
- Choosing the right resources: Check beforehand to determine which equipment and resources the venue will furnish and which ones you’ll need to supply. For instance, if the site does not provide A/V equipment for a video presentation, you’ll have to bring your own to the event. The same applies to personnel such as maintenance and administrative staff.
- Executing: Determine which planning and preparation steps you can conduct in advance and which ones must wait until the day of the event. For the latter, it’s useful to develop a checklist so that you can track and check off each task upon completion. This list will help you stay organized during a hectic event day.
- Covering event day security: Following event security best practices will increase the likelihood that your attendees will have fun and remain safe. For a large event, a professional security detail is essential. While technology such as metal detectors and video surveillance cameras are valuable tools, you still need a strong “human” presence to deter criminals and handle crowd control. Well-trained security personnel can also reduce liability exposure resulting from issues like injuries and property damage to the venue.
- Knowing the venue: A vital component of event security is managing access to the venue. Make sure your security staff is familiar with all entry points, including those not intended for the public. An unguarded back door or window can allow an unauthorized — and possibly dangerous — individual to get inside.
- Assessing the risk: While you can’t scrutinize every attendee in advance, you can watch for telltale signs of individuals who may have plans to disrupt your event. For example, if you’re planning a presentation by a controversial speaker, a bulk purchase of tickets can indicate that a group of protestors will show up.
- Managing the crowd: Make sure your security staff has experience implementing event security best practices for crowd control, such as keeping exits clear, monitoring registration and ticket lines and keeping attendees out of reserved and restricted areas.
- Keeping the lines of communication open: Remember to stress the importance of communication between security personnel and event staff at all times.
Contact the professionals at Vigilant Tiger Security to learn more about event security and logistics in Colorado Springs, CO.
Written By:
Donny Hamilton
Donny, the Founder of Vigilant Tiger Security, is a retired Army Captain with over 20 years of service, including special forces experience. He holds an MBA, is POST certified, and is a 4-time combat American Soldier, all while maintaining a passion for his work and helping others in his community.
