It’s hard to believe that our country has seen so many mass shootings in 2019. Nine people lost their lives in Dayton, Ohio, twenty-two lost their lives in El Paso, while an armed security guard in Texas saved hundreds by shooting a gunman inside a church near Fort Worth. As we mourn the lives of these people, some even children, we can let ourselves be ruled by fear. We consider saying no to outdoor events; we’re weary at festivals, we wonder if a shopping trip, a worship service, or a private party will be the next target for this kind of tragedy. But we can not live in fear. We can not stop living because we’re afraid of what could happen. We must throw the parties, host the gatherings, and attend the events in spite of our fear. If you were planning an outdoor event but feel hesitant because of the recent outdoor events, here are some things you can do to increase safety and security:
Know The Venue
The type of security guard or team you choose for your next event will depend on the size and location of the event. If the event is in a venue where there is more than one way to enter and exit the building, there needs to be an armed guard at every one of these access points. With large crowds and a lot going on, the entry points must be watched carefully. Eliminating the option for people to sneak in unnoticed can help to keep everyone safe. Before you position a guard at the door, you should be familiar with the venue. Visit the site many times before the event. Explore all rooms, check windows and doors, and familiarize yourself with the space. The more you know about the venue, the more information you can provide to the guards.
Establishing entry and exit points can be harder when your event is held outside. Days beforehand, set up a perimeter and let the hired guards know that this is the point where the event begins and ends. Make armed guards aware of the event boundary line, even if it is not a physical wall or door. Use barriers or temporary fencing to make a clear distinction as to what is in and what is out.
Be Aware Of Risky Guests
While you can’t screen every guest that attends an outdoor concert or festival, you can still be aware of the type of people your event may attract. If the gathering is political or could be an event that would attract protesters, have plans in place for what to do if things get a little too heated. If your event requires tickets purchased in advance, be suspicious of people who buy many tickets in bulk. This could be a red flag that a protester is buying tickets for other disruptors.
The bigger the crowd, the bigger the risk. If you anticipate a large group, make sure you hire
armed guard services
that has experience in crowd control. Security guards can help keep those waiting in line patient and prevent a fight from breaking out, while also making sure the exits are not blocked, and noise and traffic regulations are being followed. It is essential to ensure the guest count does not exceed the capacity for how many people the venue can hold. If the event starts to feel crowded or overwhelming, it may be time to ask the guards to step in and prevent any new attendees from entering. Not only is going over capacity a safety hazard, but it could cost the venue host a lot in expensive fines.
It’s sad to have to say this, but large scale attacks are becoming more frequent in our culture. Big crowds can be an easy target for a coward with a gun or large-scale bomb. For extra security, implement a bag check station to ensure nobody is coming into the party or event with something that could cause harm. Along with bag checks, security guards are trained to look for suspicious behavior such as:
- Constantly staring or watching security guards
- Looking around for security cameras
- Not seeming interested in event activities
- Acting nervous, agitated, angry, or unsettled
While being aware of this activity inside the venue is a great place to start, armed guards should be placed on the exterior of the event as well. This stops anyone with bad intentions from sitting right outside of the event and shooting or setting off a bomb.
Is it necessary for them to be armed?
For large scale events that are held outdoors, the risk is far too great not to have some armed personnel on-site. Armed security guards are trained to used excessive force to stop a deranged person with a gun from hurting the general public. While guns can cause a heated debate in our country, one thing is for sure: If there is an active shooter at your next event, you will wish there was a trained guard on site who had the training and resources necessary to you prevent widespread damage.
Security guards are trained to use a variety of non-violent techniques to de-escalate conflict and solve problems. Most of the time, this conflict management never involves a weapon. However, knowing that if things escalated to that level as they did in El Paso and Dayton, a security guard would be prepared.
Host that exciting event. Send invites to that celebration. Plan that festival, and schedule that outdoor concert. We must continue to do the things we love and celebrate life with friends and family. If we don’t, they win. Want to learn more about how to prioritize safety and security at your next large event? Let’s talk.