When organizing an event in LA, one has to consider safety even before the event is set. The most common question asked by the hosts is, how many security guards do I need for an event? Few guards mean holes, whereas too many guards drain your budget. Here are straightforward ratios, real-life illustrations, and Los Angeles regulations in this guide. At the end, you can determine the number of guards within five minutes.
The Quick Answer: 1 Guard for Every 50 to 100 Guests
The vast majority of event planners begin with 1 guard per 50-100 guests. Even, serious, daytime, nondrinking incidents are near the 1-per-100 mark. Late-night partying that is packed and an open bar gets closer to 1 per 50. Large concerts and festivals can be narrowed down further to one guard per 25 attendees. These numbers are to be taken as a guide and not a law. There is no single law which determines the ratio of one guard per event in America.
7 Factors That Change Your Guard Count
The number of guests will never tell you all about your security requirements. These seven factors can either give your number an up-boost or a down-boost.
1. Alcohol
The largest single issue that increases the number of guards is alcohol. One of the planning tools recommends a 1:1 ratio of 1 guard to 75 guests at high-risk drinking parties. The ratio of the same tool without alcohol goes down to one per 150 guests. Look into your liquor liability insurance, as it might need a set guard number.
2. Entrances and Exits
Each entrance must have at least one guard to verify tickets, bags and IDs. There are campus regulations, which mandate that each main entrance has two guards and each exit has one. A four-door venue might require additional guards than the ratio is indicating.
3. Time of Day
Daytime events tend to remain calm as compared to events that extend past ten at night. Late time is when there are exhausted guests, increased consumption, and poor visibility in the parking lots.
4. Indoor / Outdoor Venue.
Old events disperse people in bigger areas and have more entry points. There must be a person who watches over fences, parking lots and open fields.
5. Standing vs Seated Crowd.
Sitting people do not move as much, thus require less guards compared to standing crowds. Large groups of people crowding up around a stage may rush and form crushes within a short period of time.
6. VIPs and High-profile Guests.
Executives, politicians, and celebrities may need their own security staff. Include the number of VIP guards alone with your general crowd security staff.
7. History and Valuables of the event.
Previous fights, gate crashers or theft of a similar event is an indication of increased risks. Cash bars, merchandise stands and costly equipment also require additional vigilant attention.
How to Count Your Guard in 4 Easy Steps.
This is a simple method of answering the question of the number of security guards you require.
1. Take the number of guests you are likely to have divided by the initial ratio on the chart above.
2. Station one guard on every uncovered entrance, exit or parking space.
3. Have additional alcohol, VIP, late, or a bad reputation guard.
4. Have one supervisor assigned per about every ten guards to your event floor.
Scenario: Downtown LA Corporate Party with 400 Guests.
Imagine a 400 person holiday party open bar until midnight in the downtown area. The number of guards is 6 since one guard is assigned to every 75 guests. The two doors of the venue and a parking garage are added, with two additional guards. The number of trained security professionals has reached nine with the addition of one supervisor.
What Do Event Security Guards Actually Do?
Event guards do not merely stand at the door, looking serious. Medical emergencies are also answered first by guards and paramedics are called when necessary. They lead the guests in a peaceful manner, towards the closest safe exits, during an evacuation. Good guards are also friendly assistants, providing directions and answering elementary questions.
Los Angeles Rules You Should Know
Los Angeles also incorporates some local regulations that all event hosts must be aware of.
Crowd Managers of big events.
Fire code regulations in California mandate the use of trained crowd managers when the events have reached specific attendance levels. One crowd manager is every 250 people in attendance. This rule is typically activated by outdoor events when there are more than 1,000 in attendance. It can be triggered earlier in indoor gatherings and sometimes involving over 500 guests. The rule also stipulates that there should be at least two crowd managers whenever the rule is applicable. Crowd Controllers are supposed to undergo training accredited by the California State Fire Marshal. Keep in mind that fights are not the primary concern of the crowd managers they are dealing with, but fire safety and safe exits. The number required can be increased or decreased by your local fire officer.
Licensed Guards Only
All the security guards operating in California are required to have a valid BSIS guard card. A security company itself should possess a license of a Private Patrol Operator. First ask each vendor to provide their PPO number and evidence of liability insurance.
Permits and Venue Requirements.
A good amount of LA venues establish the number of minimum guards within the rental contract. Special event permits may also be required in case of public events on streets or parks. The permit terms and the terms of your venue contract should be read before you determine a final guard number.
Unarmed or Armed Guards to Your Event?
Unarmed guards are all that is required in most of the weddings, parties, and conferences in Los Angeles. Your guests feel more relaxed as unarmed guards are more friendly. Guarded services are reasonable in cases of handling cash or high-value goods or believable threats. Several hosts combine the two and deploy security personnel at points of cash or in the VIP locations.
Indications that you are overguarded.
The simple math does not always work, and additional coverage should be added.
Last week, you planned to sell a certain amount of tickets but suddenly exceeded it.
People who are not on your guest list will give your event a lot of buzz on social media.
Threats have been made against us online by a competitor organization, organizer of the protest, or by an ex-employee who is angry.
It is located in a location with high pedestrian traffic, night life, or shadowy parking.
You anticipate long queues, which may overflow to the private or sidewalks.
In such situations, request your security provider to re-assess the risks.
Common Mistakes When Planning Event Security
- A lot of hosts reserve guards at the last moment when there are no free teams left.
- Others forget the set up and tear down hours, where theft in many cases occurs unnoticed.
- They (Others) employ friends or volunteers as opposed to licensed and insured security guards.
- Missing a pre-event walkthrough creates spots that no one sees till it is too late.
- Numerous companies charge at least four hours a shift, so create your budget around that.
How Eagle Eye Pro Helps LA Event Hosts
Eagle Eye Pro is a downtown Los Angeles-based licensed event security firm. The company has its license of California PPO 17233 and completely BSIS certified guards. All bookings begin with a site inspection of your location and audience. Then the team develops your own security plan based on your event type. They secure private parties, corporate galas, concerts, trade shows and sporting events. These services are crowd management, VIP protection, access control, CCTV and emergency response. Among their listed clients are brands like Skechers, Hertz and LA Fitness. Their quick reaction has been highly praised by reviewers, who have had guards arrive within one hour.
FAQs
How many security guards should be present for 500 people?
There should be approximately five guards in a low-risk crowd, and ten guards in a bar crowd.
What is the number of security guards that I require to take care of 1,000 people?
Anticipate 10-20 guards, four fire code trained crowd managers.
Should I have protection in a private party in Los Angeles?
Venues and insurers usually insist on it, though it is not always necessary to have it.
To what extent do I need to book event security?
Make reservations at least two to four weeks in advance, and a long time in case of big events.
What is the price of event security in Los Angeles?
Prices vary based on the type of guard, hours and number of people so get a free quote.
Final Thoughts
How many security guards do I need then, in the case of an event like yours? Begin with a guard to 50 to 100 guests, and risk-adjust. Door guards, alcohol, late, VIPs, and outdoor. Fire code, venue regulations, and permits Check LA fire code, venue rules, and permits Before you lock anything in. These numbers can be transformed into a tangible safety plan by a licensed local partner. Contact Eagle Eye Pro at (213) 221-9005 to get a free quote of event security. Their team will visit your establishment and advise on the appropriate number of guards.
