Tips for Hiring a Security Team For Your Next Event

When planning an event, it’s easy to think that the most important factors are things like entertainment and food and beverage. But, employing the proper security team is paramount to ensuring that an event not only runs smoothly, but also prioritizes safety so guests and participants can make the most of the experience. Planners are tasked with interviewing countless vendors and staff members, and it’s difficult to identify what traits and characteristics are best in the security team for the event. 

Here are a few tips of what to look for in a security team when organizing a big event. We hope this brief guide helps you make the best choice for your business or event. 

4 Tips for Hiring an Event Security Team

Select a company with the proper experience. 

We understand that this seems like a given, but there’s more that goes into this than just experience running security. First, it’s important to select a provider that is fully licensed and employs qualified, trained and licensed security guards. You don’t want some John Doe running the security team without any experience in the field. 

Next, it’s beneficial to know that the team has experience in the area and has served the region you’re working in. This means they may have relationships with local law enforcement, which may prove beneficial should there be an issue at the event. Bottom line, if the company knows the area and the people who are running the town, they’ll know how to handle each situation effectively and efficiently. 

Work with a team who understands the venue.

Even more important than having experience in the area is having experience at the specific venue where the event is taking place. Those with experience will understand the exact surroundings of the venue and how to properly secure the perimeter, whether an indoor arena, outdoor park or amphitheater. With experience at the venue, security planning will be turnkey, since the team will likely already have previous plans, fencing and check-in strategies to draw from. 

And, if there are any VIPs planning to appear, the team will know the best, under-the-radar ins and outs for minimum exposure. Experience usually leads to smoother operations overall, and you’ll likely feel the ease of transitions during the event. 

Consider the size of the team needed.

The next thing to consider is how big your event will be and how many people will attend. This will guide the amount of security guards needed on-site to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that each area of the perimeter is cared for. Of course, large scale events need a larger team than that of smaller events, and you may even want a remote surveillance team on hand to provide an extra eye. An experienced security team should be able to provide guidance and recommendations on security needs based on the size and format of the event. 

Set expectations for the security team.

In order to get the most out of your event security team, it’s important to set expectations with them. How do you expect them to handle certain situations? What would you like them to do in the event of a violent situation or threat? Prior to the event, make sure to discuss this with your team so everyone is aware of the job they need to perform. 

Do you need them to be prepared to step in should an unsafe situation occur, or would you prefer that they observe and report? Setting clear expectations is helpful in any job situation, and even more so when security is involved. This is especially true when your security team is paired with local law enforcement because these two entities need to effectively work together in order to be successful. At the end of the day, you wouldn’t want the team to do something that you wouldn’t approve of.

Call Off Duty Officers for your event security needs. 

When planning a big event, there is a lot to think about. Your main priority is making sure that attendees are having a great time, and security plays a significant role in that effort. As with every vendor, not every team is a stellar bunch. With a little care, attention, and a keen eye for talent, you’ll ensure that the event is free of any hiccups with a top-notch security team at the wheel. 

Off Duty Officers is here to help. Contact our security support team to learn more about our services and how we can give you the peace of mind you need at your next event, corporate function or other special event. Our team has the expertise, experience and reliability you need.