How Do Unarmed Security Guards Manage Crowd Control During Events?

If you are planning a large event, unarmed security guards should be an important addition to your planning. Unarmed security guards play a crucial role in managing crowd control during events by focusing on prevention, communication, de-escalation, and maintaining order through a visible and authoritative presence. 

At Securida, a security professional provider in the Twin Cities, our unarmed security guards are trained to use non-violent crowd control techniques to maintain safety and help the event run smoothly. Let’s examine how unarmed guards can benefit your next event. 

Pre-Planning & Risk Assessment

Before the event, involve your unarmed security guards in the planning process. Give them a venue layout that includes entrances, exits, emergency routes, bottlenecks, and high-traffic areas. Security guards can also help analyze the crowd profile, such as the size, demographic, and the nature of the event, to anticipate potential behaviors and risks. 

Guards can also help determine the strategic locations where they should be posted, such as near entrances, exits, near stages or VIP areas, restrooms, and concession stands. Their placement is designed to prevent congestion and allow for rapid response. 

Security guards also help maintain the chain of command and communication system. They can use two-way radios, a mobile app, or earpieces to ensure quick coordination among the security team and the event organizers. 

Guiding & Directing Crowd Flow

An essential task that security guards can perform is access control. By monitoring entrances and exits, they can verify tickets and credentials, manage the flow of people entering and leaving, and conduct bag checks to prevent prohibited items from entering, which contributes to overall crowd management. 

Along with clear signage, such as signs, ropes, stanchions, and barricades, security guards help direct the flow of traffic. They can use clear, calm, and firm instructions to guide the attendees, help prevent bottlenecks, and maintain order. Keeping the pathways clear is also essential, as a congested or obstructed exit can be dangerous during an emergency. 

Monitoring & Early Detection

Using vigilant observation and training, security guards will monitor crowd behavior in real time, looking for signs of distress, agitation, overcrowding, or potential disturbances. They are trained to recognize the warning signs of a situation that might escalate, such as individuals becoming overly aggressive or signs of a potential crowd surge. 

De-escalation Techniques

Using a calm and professional demeanor, unarmed security guards can help de-escalate a situation. They are trained to listen to the individual’s concerns or frustrations, which can help diffuse anger. Security guards can use clear, respectful communication to resolve disputes, redirect individuals, and prevent minor issues from becoming major confrontations. 

The presence of unarmed security guards can prevent some incidents from escalating, as guards use non-threatening body language that is still commanding. Many individuals may think twice before starting an issue if there are visible security guards. 

If something does come up, guards will use problem-solving skills to understand the root cause of the conflict and then, if necessary, implement physical separation from the crowd. 

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Because your guards will be well-versed in your event’s emergency response plan, they will be crucial for carrying out the plan should something happen. They can also provide first aid and basic medical support, or at least get in touch with the proper authorities when needed. 

They provide a crucial link between police, fire, or EMS, and they help maintain crowd control during a crisis. Without them, a manageable incident may become a more chaotic and confusing problem. 

Call Securida to Staff Your Next Twin Cities Event

Securida’s unarmed security guards are trained in emergency response, crowd management, de-escalation techniques, and communication. Many of them are former military or police officers, bringing many years of experience to help your event run smoothly. 

Call us today at 612-444-3308 for Twin Cities event security teams, or request a free estimate online!