Special event security guards are appointed to protect the venue and attendees of essential events. These events are generally related to sports, conventions, concerts, parties, and other significant meetings.
While there is no stringent educational criterion for special event guards, they are usually required to complete training in their particular work area.
What is a Special Event Security Guard?
Special event security guards must protect the venue from illegal activities such as theft and terrorism. They also ensure that the attendees do not violate the rules and laws of the event and venue.
Glimpse through the detailed description of the job responsibilities, training, salary prospects, and other relevant information regarding special event guards:
Memorable Event Security Guard Job Roles
Special event guards are deployed at several posts at the event venue. While some sit at the security desks, others are assigned to check the attendees’ credentials and other credentials. They may also check the attendees’ banned products or objects. Sometimes, the guards keep track of electronic surveillance equipment to ascertain that everyone obeys the venue’s regulations.
At most events, some guards are stationed at the outer arena while the rest take care of the inner area. They inspect the grounds, oversee the incoming attendees, and detain people who break the law.
Additionally, the guards manage the crowd inflow and outflow and oversee the parking areas.
Special Event Security Guard Education and Training
Most employers do not place any criteria for formal education while hiring event security guards. However, the armed security guards need to have cleared GED or completed high school education. After recruitment, the guards are given specific training per the employer’s requirements. Guards receive training in self-defense, crisis deterrence, and first aid.
The armed guards are trained more rigorously compared to the unarmed ones. Their training usually involves lessons on laws, the use of force, and firearm safety measures. Later on, they may be tested for their firearm skills. Most of the states expect the armed guards to have a professional license and encourage them to continue education as a prerequisite for license renewal. Some employers must adhere to the training standards set by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International, the organization of security management professionals. ASIS mandates that the guards should be given training for a minimum of 48 hours in the initial 100 days of their employment. Further, the guards must take a written test that evaluates their knowledge of security-related topics.
Work Environment
Special event guards primarily work at stadiums, convention halls, auditoriums, or theatres, which are crowded during popular events. The work schedule of security guards depends upon the time of events. Since they must keep a watch on the venue grounds, they spend sufficient time on their feet. The guards arrive at the venue before the event commences to ensure that all security arrangements have been made. Most of the security guards work eight-hour shifts.
As they constantly deal with preventing threats and dangers, their job may pose risks, especially in significant security problems.
Exceptional Event Security Guard Salary in the US
According to the US BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), the average annual salary of all security guards and surveillance officers, including the special event guards, was estimated at $29,880 as of May 2019. While the lowest 10% earned below $22,150, the highest 10% were paid above $50,610. Further, the average annual salary of the middle 50% lies between $28,500-34,500. The exact amount of wages differs from industry to industry.
In Canada, the security guard job rate is around $14 per hour (security guard job in Canada – salary is $33,000 on average).
Particular Event Security Guard employment outlook
BLS states that all security guard employment is set to increase by 3% between 2019 and 2029, almost at the same rate as other professions. The demand for security guards will continue to grow as safety needs rise. However, advances in surveillance technology may reduce the employment of guards in some sectors. Nevertheless, there will be an increase in job openings to replace retired personnel. It is predicted that the higher-level positions of armed security guards will face more competition in the coming years.
After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management.
At Nimblefreelancer.com, Daniel writes about personal finance topics, value estimation, budgeting strategies, retirement planning, and portfolio diversification.
Read more on Daniel Smith's biography page.
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