The Importance of Event Security and the Ramifications of Failure.

Event Security is a hot topic right now, especially in our present social climate. Recent criminal attacks have shown the importance of proper event security planning, and that includes the value of the effective emergency response.

Large gatherings of people like in sporting events, fairs, festivals, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, etc. by their very nature may paint an unsavory target on itself and become a target for crimes such as theft, robbery, assault, and terrorism. Gatherings of any sorts may also become a ground for special interest groups to demonstrate their beliefs publicly.

Poor event planning, management, crowd control, security, and ineffective emergency responses, increases the likelihood of injuries, property damage and catastrophic attacks that can lead to a loss of life, which in our industry is plainly unacceptable.

Here are some of the risks a business may face if security planning isn’t correctly done.

1. Countless Injuries

2. Property Damage

3. Loss of revenue or increased operating costs

4. Higher insurance premiums, due to claims and lawsuits

5. Event disruptions such as late starts or cancelations

6. Inadequate venue capacity and services such as food, parking, bathrooms and traffic control

7. Loss of reputation as sponsors, vendors, patrons & fans may not attend future events.

Now that we know what the potential harm is for a business if security planning isn’t sufficient let’s take a more in-depth look at the likelihood of an event facing threats. Typically, law enforcement sources usually consider eight specific criteria in determining the probability that an event will be targeted for criminal or other undesirable activity.

These include but not limited to:

1) Size of the event

2) Previous threats to the event or location

3) Historical, political, or symbolic significance of the event

4) Duration of the event

5) Location

6) Cultural, political, and religious backgrounds of the patrons

7) If it is a celebrity event or concert

8)Nature and extent of media coverage

9) Number and levels of dignitaries or VIP’s attending

As the number of criteria impacting the likelihood for threats increases, so does the risk for personal injuries, catastrophic accidents and financial losses.

Now, what can we do? Well, to get security planning right you need Pre-event planning by an experienced New York Event Security Consultants Agency, like SJR Security Concultants LLC. We will help you with the pre-planning of your event.

Pre-event planning should begin well before the date of the event to allow sufficient time to address all threat potentials and develop effective plans to prevent them.

It should include key partners such as private security firms, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), transportation departments, public works, health and public agencies, vendors and participating businesses.  

Aside from the financial and reputational ramifications of a threat in an event. What are the other benefits of a properly executed event security?

Having security working onsite for any event you host is not only a way to give you and your guests' comfort and safety, but it also helps to add to the level of professionalism you have, especially when you are hosting corporate events and conferences. By providing security and protection, you are showing potential business partners, investors, and associates that you genuinely care about their well-being as well as their interests.

Whether you are planning a private gathering or hosting a formal work event, having a security team on your side is highly recommended to keep everyone safe and protected at all times. Contact SJR Security Consultants to put a thorough plan in place and to discuss your event security needs at 1(800) 982-6122 or email us at security@sjrsecurity.com