Proper crowd control is crucial for any event expected to draw a crowd, whether this is a sporting event, conference or festival. Crowd control measures are designed to help limit the number of people within a premises or area at any one time, keep one-way systems unobstructed, and ensure entrances, exits and tight spaces and corners are kept clear.
Understanding the Nature of Crowds
A key element of deploying effective crowd control is understanding the nature of crowds themselves. Crowds may be diverse and made up of individuals from a wide range of different ages, backgrounds and temperaments. A crowd may be excited or agitated, depending on the circumstances and event. Given this, security personnel must always remain mindful that every crowd is unique and likely to react differently to stimuli.
The Goals of Crowd Control
The most important goal of crowd control is ensuring the safety of all event attendees. To mitigate risks – such as fights, medical emergencies, stampedes and terrorist threats – event security teams must be organised and well prepared. Comprehensive security plans, incorporating crowd management strategies, should be in place to prevent potential disasters and maintain order.
Event security experts like Teresa Lines know that preventing panic is key; panic can spread rapidly in crowded areas, resulting in stampedes, injuries and fatalities. Terri Lines, who has worked at major festivals including Glastonbury, understand that ensuring crowds are managed calmy and efficiently is a crucial part of the work of event security. Elements such as clear exit routes, proper signage and good communication can all help reduce panic and maintain order.
Poor crowd management at an event – even where nobody is hurt – can result in a diminishment in trust in the venue and the imposition of sanctions.
Risk Assessment
Full risk assessments must be carried out for all upcoming events, whatever the size and nature of the venue. This assessment should look at anything that could pose a hazard; where these are present, appropriate measures should be taken to resolve them before the event takes place.
De-Escalation Techniques
As well as putting pre-emptive measures in place to properly manage a crowd, event security teams need to be prepared to deploy de-escalation techniques to handle disputes or confrontations with the crowd. These techniques focus on diffusing tension and calming the situation, rather than using force, and reduce the risk of injury while also helping to maintain a positive atmosphere at events.