Security in the cultural sector

In some cases, you will have to deal with security in the cultural sector. As an organizer or initiator, you are often the one responsible for the safety of people and resources. In other words, you want nothing to happen to your employees, your visitors and your (hired) equipment. To ensure this, you can hire security.

What are the duties of security guards?

Security guards are not just there to protect your initiative or project from intruders or solve fights, for example. You can use security for many more tasks. Always do this in consultation with your contact person and in advance, so people know what to expect. Below are some possible tasks you can use security guards for. In some cases a certified security guard is not necessary and you can organize this by using volunteers or stewards:

• Be present at the entrance and perform bag check or search.
• Monitor and identify unsafe and undesirable situations.
• Provision of information for visitors.
• Securing artists.
• Support for a possible evacuation.
• Provide first aid support.
• Helping to extinguish an incipient fire.
• Supervision of financial transports.
• Contacting and supervising emergency services.
  

How do you determine the deployment of security guards?

The number of security guards you’ll need to hire depends on a number of factors. Of course, it has a lot to do with the target audiences and the number of visitors you’ll be hosting. The atmosphere and image of your initiative or project are also key factors. Sometimes, for certain tasks, you can also deploy your own staff or volunteers, or use event security personnel or stewards. Sometimes a particular artist has specific requirements. In such cases, for example, they might request additional security on or around the stage.

Security of objects

Your initiative or project may involve an object that you want to place in the public space. Also, for example, you may organize an event in a place that you close off for the occasion with fences or is in a place where suddenly there are many more items of value. Then you may choose to hang cameras on the premises, for example. An official security camera is connected to a control center and is triggered by movement on the premises, for example. Then someone will come to the scene or the police will be called. You can also make arrangements for extra surveillance in an area. The deployment of night security guards can also apply here.

Night Security

In some cases, you may be spending several days setting up your event or artistic production. Especially when it takes place outdoors, it can be helpful to hire security for the nights. It could lead to challenges when materials are stolen or vandalized. A night security guard can be hired through most security companies. They are awake throughout the night and make regular rounds of the premises. In some cases a dog is present, and the number of security guards depends on the size and clarity of the premises.

What does security need?

Security personnel often have their own uniforms and footwear. Depending on what’s agreed upon, they may sometimes bring additional practical items with them; otherwise, you’ll need to provide those for them. Generally, as the event organizer, you’ll need to provide a place where they can store their belongings and change clothes. You may also need to supply items they might need, such as people counters, Tyreps, duct tape, and barrier tape. Some security companies can also provide walkie-talkies; otherwise, you can rent them elsewhere. Always include security staff in your staffing schedule so they don’t miss out on any crew catering.


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