7 Characteristics of a Great Event Security Guard

Security companies know that Individuals working as an event security guard  need different qualifications and skills than are applicable on other security assignments. Individuals working as security guards always need to be diligent and dedicated to the task at hand. All security guards need to be willing to work hard and be attentive even in stressful situations. However, those working as an event security guard need to have additional skills and qualifications. As the nation’s capital, Washington DC and the surrounding jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia are prime locations for events.  The following are some key characteristics these guards have.

In the event scenario, numerous factors play a role in what the security guard will do on any given day. A main component of the job is to watch over crowds, but that’s not all there is to do. It is also necessary for guards to check credentials, escort VIPs to their locations, and meet other security-related requirements during the event. It is commont to see the abiliity to multitask as a requirement for event security job listings.  Being able to multi-task, and move from one task to the next quickly in some cases, is necessary of all event security guards.

People who are members of a crowd can become aggressive, persistent, or challenging even in the best of situations. The group gives people the confidence they need to act out in various ways. Security guards at these venues must be able to handle this by being strong-willed. People will want to go places they cannot or should not go. Event attendees tend to challenge security guards on a regular basis. To be effective, the security guard has to be strong willed enough to stick to the rules and perform the necessary duties.

It’s a skill for all security guards, but those working events need to be observant in other ways. These pros need to be able to notice even slight changes in a person’s behavior, the scene, his or her body language, location of items and individuals. The smallest change can signal a potential threat.  Being observant is a critical step in protecting the crowd as a whole.

Events can be long.  In most cases the security guard will be on his or her feet for the entire time. It is important for these professionals, then, to have strong legs. Working in a standing position for 8 hours is not uncommon. You have to be on your feet, and that means you need to have developed the ability to do this over time.

One of the most important qualifications for these security guards is to be an effective communicator. The best event security planning will fail if the security guards are unable to communicate effectively.  There will be situations where more than one person challenges or the crowd becomes concerned or confused. An excellent communicator is one that can direct the public in a professional, but firm manner through any situation.

There is little doubt that the event location is one of the most intense and it can mean various tasks and a challenging atmosphere. The security guard that’s a hard worker will do best here. These details require doing things that are security related and those that are not security related. Things are going on continuously and changes in the job and environment happen very fast. Lazy people just do not do well in this type of environment.

Also important is for security guards at events to not be a bully, but still have a sense of being tough. What does that mean? In short, you need to be professional, but you must have a way about you that says, “I am to be taken seriously.” You want people to think twice about challenging you without you having to say anything to them.

Each of these factors is critical when it comes to working any event security detail from concerts to festivals to political rallies. In each situation, having a sense of presence, being able to stand your ground when people challenge you, and to be able to see small details and changes even with thousands of individuals in front of you will define your success. 

Want to work as a security guard? Be sure to remember these  five things needed to get hired by security companies.

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