Event security
Event security in a nutshell
For the uninitiated, event security is often seen as a global service. You are organizing an event, you want to ensure the safety of the participants, you hire security. Accomplished job? Well, not quite. While there are event security companies that will be happy to send you a busload of security guards to help secure your event, those who have been in the game a bit longer know that the type of security that you engage depends on the type of event that you organize. Security companies should also consider relevant industry guides to ensure everything is done in a safe and efficient manner.
Charity Events Security
A charity event may not be the first type of event that comes to mind when you think of safety. However, such had been the scale of incidents within charities, in 2017 the Charity Commission updated its guidance to help address the significant under-reporting of serious occurrences. This was partly based on the 55% of protection-related incidents, many of which occurred at organized events. Risk at charitable events comes in many forms. They’re often family-friendly, meaning kids run around, serving alcohol is common, they’re often ticket-only and, when raffles are held to raise funds, lots of high-value items can be found on site. Together, these risk elements can create an overall level of threat that requires professional monitoring. Given the sensitive nature of charity events, it is essential that highly trained, experienced and accredited security professionals are deployed to ensure that the event ambience is fully protected.
Security of Sporting Events
Sporting events can attract tens of thousands of spectators, the presence of alcohol is almost guaranteed and where rival or competing teams clash, the risk of disorder is likely. Fortunately, incidents of the magnitude of this unfortunate football match are rare, but they are a reminder that sporting events cannot be run with a relaxed approach to security. Indeed, they require a security team that is fully qualified and experienced in sporting event security, trained to the highest standards and equipped with additional skills such as access point and car park security, against terrorism, crowd control and first aid.
Corporate event security
Going back to what most would consider the less risky end of the event spectrum, we have corporate events. As you might expect, incidents at corporate events are rare but not impossible. Separating corporate events from other types is the guest category. They are regularly frequented by wealthy individuals who present themselves as an attractive target for those with malicious intentions and therefore require enhanced security. Events may also involve the exclusive sharing of intellectual property, which means strict guest lists are mandatory and must be closely monitored. Perhaps more than anything, corporate event organizers want corporate image to be preserved. Strategically positioned security personnel who can demonstrate knowledge of site layout, mobile patrols and CCTV builds participant confidence. If participants feel safe and they are in the presence of a company that takes all elements of its operations seriously, their first impressions of this company are good.
Festivals and concert security
In most cases, festivals and concerts pass without major incident. However, the high consumption of common psychotropic substances among participants considerably increases the risk of disorders. The incidents of violence and the burning of tents at the festival are examples that demonstrate how imminent these risks are. The risk of serious injury at festivals and concerts is further increased when we find contraband such as weapons and blunt objects beyond entry points and this is one of the main reasons why searches have become more rigorous in an environment where large crowds gather.
Otherwise, preventing people from entering restricted/VIP areas, breaking up uncontrollable fights, and performing potentially life-saving first aid are crucial to the success of the event. For family-friendly festivals and concerts, child protection is an urgent consideration. The ever-present risk of minors being separated from their guardians or parents, entering prohibited areas or sustaining injury requires BSP-accredited security personnel with the necessary skills to ensure adequate protection of children.
Planning your security
Our event security experts will implement a comprehensive event security operational management plan to ensure that your event is completely secure and runs smoothly. This includes, but is not limited to: event control, communication protocols, record keeping, entry and expulsion policies, search policy and protection. You will need to consider factors such as how crowds are dispersed around the venue, how to safely evacuate guests in an emergency, and how guests are admitted at the entrance. All of this should also be backed up by a solid and comprehensive crowd management plan which should include, but not be limited to:
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities;
- Identify how to collaborate with all users to ensure crowd safety;
- Risk assessments;
- Entry and dispersal of crowds;
- Emergency plans.
Why choose CPSOTA for your event security?
Several good reasons to do business with CPSOTA
CPSOTA is an association that was founded in 1964 by the well-known Georges J. Sylvain through one of the most used DT training resources in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Canada, where is located. This non-profit organization has the mandate to maintain the accessibility to the private sector of certain training allocated to the public sector, such as the military and police sectors. Mr. Sylvain then passed the torch to another training expert, Jeffrey La Mirande, who endeavored to perpetuate the values set by the founder. Jeffrey retains a key position in the organization as a research and development consultant. In its current form, the association is headed by Mr. Harold Turnier who is responsible for the sustainability of these values and obligations. Under the leadership of the current President, the association’s mandate has progressed towards an international presence. To date, several thousand students have been trained under this effigy.
CPSOTA provides a wide range of support services to the public and private sectors across Canada with significant experience in event security. Our processes and solutions have been recognized by the Bureau de Securite Privée (BSP) as “industry leading”, and we are currently ranked in the top 5 of all approved contractors. We are committed to providing expert security solutions and unparalleled customer service and spend a lot of time obtaining external accreditation from renowned certifiers to prove it.
Whatever the nature of your event. CPSOTA offers tailored Services and a security solution that ensures that all risks can be mitigated or even avoided. From security guards guarding the gates, perimeter monitoring and parking management, to installing CCTV, your guests will enjoy a secure and exceptional experience.