If you’re planning on hosting any type of event, you’ll need to make sure you provide for the safety of everyone in attendance. This sometimes means hiring special event security services to help you keep an eye on the comings and goings taking place around you. Not all security companies are the same, so here are some things you should keep in mind before you hire one.
Are the special event officers licensed?
Depending upon where you are located, special event officers may need to be licensed in order to act in an official capacity. Even if they‘re not required to be licensed, it can still be a good idea to hire personnel that are, as you can be sure they have been thoroughly screened prior to being hired.
Will the special event officers be wearing uniforms?
Depending on the nature of your event, you may prefer to have officers in uniform, as the presence of uniformed security personnel tends to deter people from performing illicit acts. If you expect a very large crowd, this could be a better option, since you never quite know who might show up.
On the other hand, if you’re planning an event, where the presence of uniformed officers might cause your guests to feel stifled rather than laid back and casual. In this case, you may want a special event officer that’s dressed in just a polo shirt and khaki pants instead.
How many special event officers can you provide me with?
It’s also a good idea to know how many special event officers you’re going to be provided with. Simply signing a contract for security services is not enough these days. You need to know how many people will be patrolling your area at any given time in order to make sure you are getting the right amount of coverage for the money you are spending.
Have there been any complaints against your agency lately?
While asking this is a good idea, you should also do your own research and find out a little bit about a company as well. Check online reviews as well as the Better Business Bureau to find out what other people have to say about a particular company. If you know others who have recently planned similar events, you could find out a wealth of information by talking with them about different security companies as well.
What type of insurance coverage do you provide?
The answer to this question is very important, as it could leave you liable for damages if the company you hire does not have adequate coverage.