Planning a big event in Melbourne requires many pieces to fall into place, and one of the most critical decisions you will make is what kind of security you will need and how many crowd control security staff will be required. Getting this calculation wrong can lead to safety incidents, bad behaviour, legal complications and potential damage to your reputation as an event organiser.

What is Crowd Control Security?

YPG Risk crowd control security focuses specifically on managing crowd movement within the venue, preventing overcrowding and addressing disputes or disturbances as they come up.

Crowd control looks at entry and exit management. This is vital for bag checking and ticket validation. For larger events, having a large number of staff on entrance and exit management prevents bottlenecks and overcrowding situations.

Crowd control personnel also help with first aid and emergency response. Often the first on the scene, event staff can clear and secure an area, preventing further trauma. They can also assist emergency response personnel in arriving safely at the scene of the incident.

Legal Framework and Licencing Requirements in Victoria

In Victoria, under the Private Security Act 2004, any event personnel performing crowd control security must hold the proper crowd-controller licence. Venues that are operating with a Victorian liquor licence could be required to have a minimum number of licenced crowd controlled at their venue, depending on the capacity of that venue and the trading hours.

If anyone wants to become a licenced and registered crowd-controller, they would first need to complete a Certificate II in Security Operations and complete a First Aid course. You will need to be at least 18 years of age, be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, or hold a visa with working rights, and you must pass a background check to determine if you are a “fit and proper person”

After that you may apply for your private security individual licence through Victoria Police. Your fingerprints will be taken and you may need to undergo a medical report.

What to Consider When Calculating How Many Crowd Control Staff You Will Need

There are four key components to consider when calculating the number of staff you will need to help manage your events.

1. Event Size and Type

Small, private events may only need a few security personnel in attendance, while larger events such as festivals or sporting events would require larger teams to help control exit and entry points, patron movement and rapid responses to incidents.

a. Small events - 50-100 attendees - 1 or 2 security guards only.

b. Medium-sized events - 100-500 attendees - 2-7 guards depending on venue layout and crowd type.

c. Large events - 500+ attendees - consider 1 security guard per 75 people as a rough figure.

The time of day and the length of the event can also play into consideration when it comes to planning crowd control staff numbers. All-day events may require staff rotation. Multi-day events certainly would require higher numbers of security personnel so they don’t overwork themselves.

Typically, events that go into the night would require more crowd control staff as often there is alcohol involved, and long days of drinking mixed with tired or excited people can cause chaos.

2. Venue Layout and Size

Some questions you need to ask before assigning security personnel:

1. 1. How many entrances and exits does the venue have?
   2. Are there any particular high-risk areas needing extra monitoring?
   3. Do you need perimeter security on a fence, particularly for outdoor events?
   4. Does the venue have any locations that need special attention, such as a gallery?

Open-air venues would need more security personnel due to the potential of multiple entry points and lack of physical barriers. Beach locations and large parks may lack physical barriers and hence would require more staff.

Enclosed venues benefit from limited entry points, however the crowd control at these fewer entry points needs to be smooth.

Multi-zone events are another beast entirely and need a custom plan for each event. There could be specified areas for alcohol, some open areas and enclosed spaces. Each area needs to be considered separately for the proper amount of security coverage.

3. The Nature of the Crowd

What type of crowd will be in attendance? The behaviour of a crowd viewing a gallery is completely different from those attending a rock festival. You would need less security and crowd control for the gallery, however there may be a need for security to watch over items in the gallery.

A younger, energetic crowd may require more security to maintain control versus a more elderly crowd.

Concerts and music festivals require a higher number of crowd control personnel, and often with high visibility. However Corporate events and private events would potentially require fewer crowd control security and often with a more professional and discreet approach.

4. Alcohol Service

Events where alcohol is served may require more crowd control than those without an alcohol licence. People under the influence of alcohol may behave more erratically and emotionally which could require more people to contain and control such a situation.

Often with events where alcohol is served, presentation of ID is required. This is often paired with a coloured armband to differentiate those of legal age and those who are too young to drink. Part of the crowd control would be to monitor to see if anyone underage is drinking, and to deal with them appropriately.

YPG Risk can help you understand the right number of crowd control security staff you will need to make sure your event runs safely and smoothly. We can help find that balance of having enough event security without being overbearing. We also believe you can never be too secure.

If you’re running an event, the legal requirements are non-negotiable, and you will need security guards. We understand these legal requirements inside and out, so we can help you navigate the complicated world of event security management in Melbourne.

We are an experienced security company that can tailor security to you, your event and your budget.

FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between regular security staff and crowd control security?

Regular security staff would perform more general security work such as asset protection or monitoring of security cameras. Crowd control security specialises in preventing overcrowding, crowd movement to prevent bottlenecks and other such duties specifically involved with patrons at events.

Q: How far in advance should I book crowd control security for my event?

The more notice you give us the better we can plan and organise the best services for you. Small events you’d look at around 4 weeks’ notice, medium-sized events around 8 weeks’. Major festivals could need at least 3 months lead time. These time windows can vary depending on other events that are going on. During peak event season, which is from November through to April, you would need a lot more notice as demand for security is higher.

Q: Can I use non-licenced staff or volunteers?

Absolutely not. This would violate the Private Security Act 2004 and would result in significant penalties for the event organiser and the unlicenced individuals. Volunteers can assist, but they cannot perform actual crowd control functions.

Q: What are the penalties for not complying with the Private Security Act 2004?

Penalties would vary depending on the size of the offence but can include fines, loss of licences or even total event shutdowns. For the more serious cases, criminal charges may be applied.

Q: How do I figure out how many security staff I need for my event?

To begin with, think of 1 security staff member per 100 patrons for low-risk events, 1 per 50 people for medium risk events, and 1 crowd control officer per 25-50 people at high risk events such as music festivals. These numbers can be adjusted depending on the type of venue and how long the event is planned to take place.

Q: Do I need more security if my event serves alcohol?

The short answer is yes. Patrons under the effect of alcohol often act more brashly with lower inhibitions. This can increase the chances of behavioural issues between patrons. Victorian liquor licencing conditions often mandate minimum security ratios.

Q: Can crowd control security provide first aid at an event?

Yes, they can if they hold a current first aid certification. We encourage all our members to have such a certification so they can render assistance. As for anyone who holds first aid certification, their role is to lend assistance until dedicated medical help arrives.

Q: What should I look for when considering hiring a security firm in Melbourne?

Look for Victorian licencing with all personnel; ensure they have comprehensive insurance coverage, proven experience with your event type and positive reviews and testimonials from clients.