If you are the event manager of your company, there is a good chance you have a checklist of all the things you need for the event.
- Food? Check
- A schedule? Check
- Security Guard for events? Not yet
Every event is unique on its way, but there are some things that don’t change if you want to have a great event. Some of the things that don’t change include detailed itineraries, a master schedule, or food for all diet types.
Safety is one of those things that has to be researched and considered when planning an event. This is important given the guests involved, and location plays a big part.
You might be the best when it comes to events, but this doesn’t mean you are keeping up with the latest in the world of security.
It can be a daunting task to differentiate between the different types of security that you can provide at the event.
This is the case if you want to hire a security guard for the event, as the person is going to become an important aspect of the event and will play a big part in its success.
The security guard you hire can either detract or enhance the overall experience, just like an employee.
There are many options when it comes to keeping an event secure. Technology has improved a lot, and it is now easier to have remote monitoring using video, audio, and phone to stay in touch. A real-time video is good, but it is not going to provide you with a real-time reaction to a situation, even if it occurs close to you.
Depending on the guest and event, you might need to have a security guard there to keep the guest safe or give them a feeling of comfort.
How can you choose the right security guard for the event? We discussed this matter with Tri-State Enforcement Regional Authority (TSE). Below are questions you have to ask yourself before you start the process of choosing the right one for the job.
Who are TSE?
Tri-State Enforcement Regional Authority – often referred to as TSE – provides a range of different services in the Mid-Atlantic region, including policing, public safety, and even investigative services, among others. They deal with the security industry day in and day out across a range of different sub-sections and know what people need. They’ve been in the business well over a decade, having been formally founded on September 1, 2009, in Barboursville, West Virginia, and provides services to five geographically distinct tri-state regions and state-wide across ten states.
Here are the questions you need to be able to answer to ensure you get the correct security for your business.
How big is the event?
Maybe you are the one responsible for both the big and small events at your company. This can even include the summer barbeque in the backyard or even an annual getaway for senior employees like executives.
No matter the situation, it is up to you to ensure the employees are safe, no matter where you are. When guests have to travel, it is up to you to make sure they are safe.
This makes it important to know how many guests you can expect at the event, and also any extra person you have to be responsible for. This information is important because it will help you know the type of security you need.
If you want to hire human security for your event, what is the threshold for needing three or even four security guards?
Even if you don’t have an answer, it is a good idea to know the number that will be involved. No matter the type of security guard you choose, you need to know the ratio of guests to guards because that is how you will make sure your guests are safe.
When looking at the size of the event, it is not just about the number of guests but also the area that needs to be covered. Contact an advanced security guard company who will help you to understand what your requirements are.
When you consider the location and the number of guests, the event might end up being bigger than you thought, based on the space that the event is taking up.
If, for example, the event is being held in a hotel and there are guests staying there overnight, the area that needs to be covered becomes bigger than just the venue of the event.
You need to provide security for your guests in all areas they might be in during the event. You might be forced to get more security than you had planned.
Where is the event located?
One of the biggest decisions you are going to make as an event planner is the venue. Choosing a venue that is suited for that event might go a long way in improving the experience guests have.
Once you know how many guests will be at the event, you can choose the best location for the event. It is also going to help you know what you are going to need in terms of security.
If the event you are planning is a backyard barbeque at the headquarters, there is no need to hire security guards who have firearms.
If the event is in a remote location that you travel to by plane, it might be a good idea to have security who are going to provide a high level of protection.
When you know the number of guests and the location of the event, it makes things easier when you have to choose the right security guards. You will also know the types of skills the security guards need to have in order to do the work well at the event.
The most important distinction is training. You need to understand their background because it is going to play a part in the success of your event.
Not all guards are the same, and some have more protection skills compared to others. Looking at their resume might be a good way of distinguishing who is the right for the event.
If the event is a small gathering, then it might not be important to choose someone who has extensive training. If the event is in a dangerous neighborhood or if you have had issues in the past, then you might need to hire a security guard with a law enforcement background because they will provide an extra level of safety.
What are your expectations about the guard?
Even if it is not your first-time hiring security for an event, you should note down your expectations to make sure you start the event on the right foot.
You are the one with the most insight into the event, which makes it your responsibility to take in the information available and plan for the needs of the guests. Thinking ahead is very important because it means you will be ready to deal with anything that might come up.
One of the most important steps you are going to need is collecting the resume of the guards you are considering. Sit down and compare your expectations to what they promise through their resume because it is going to help you a lot.
After documenting your expectations, share them with the potential hires so you can have a better feel of who might have the experience you need for the event.
When you understand your past experience, why you need a given skill, or why you want to check their references, it is going to help both you and the security you hire to be on the same page on what a successful event looks like.
When you communicate your concerns and expectations, it creates a foundation for a great event and a fun and safe experience for the guests.
Readying for the event
It can be overwhelming to hire help in the security department. You need to know a lot, and while guards might have the same title, they don’t come with the same training and skills.
Security guards are required in nearly all states to complete the licensing process during the first couple of months of employment, but some states don’t ask for a physical, written test, and more. There are some who make the mistake of thinking police officers and security guards are the same.
It is for these reasons that it is important to know your options as you plan an event for your company.
When you have a good understanding of what security can provide you with for the event is going to help you choose the best human security.
There are times when things like the location of the event and the guests you expect are going to have a big effect on the security plans.
Based on past experience, it might be better to have an armed guard because it makes guests feel safer compared to a guard with no law enforcement training.
You need to share with the hired security to make sure the event is safe, and the guests have the best experience. The event is going to be great when your guests feel safe.
