Does Your Upcoming Event Need Armed Patrol Officers?

Whenever planning an event, there are numerous considerations to work through – and one of the most important is security! With mass shootings on the rise, and the public increasingly fearful, armed patrol officers may be justified or even necessary.

However, not every event needs armed guards. Planners should think through the situation before making a decision. These are some of the most important factors.

What To Consider Before Hiring Armed Patrol Officers for An Event

Will the event attract potential criminals?

This is the most basic consideration – is your event likely to attract a criminal element, such as a show where expensive goods are on display? The size of the crowd can also factor in. Criminals will likely feel emboldened if they think they can hide in a large crowd.

Will the event attract unwanted activism?

It’s truly unfortunate to say, but political violence is on the rise in America, with many events and organizations being targeted by terrorist-style activity. This is particularly true for events that explicitly involve hotly contested issues, such as abortion or LGBTQ+ rights. If the event is political, armed security guards are probably justified.

What does your insurance company say?

Any event is going to need insurance, and insurers have a lot of data on the likelihood of violence. It’s a very good idea to consult with them, both to find out their rates and to learn about your various liability risks with/without armed guards. Their insights and advice will be invaluable.

How will your guests react?

Good security has several purposes, and one of those purposes is to put guests and participants at ease. However, this can go either way when it comes to armed guards. Some types of guests will feel protected with armed guards around, while others may feel nervous seeing guns on display. Think carefully about your audience and their likely reaction.

Will the venue provide any security?

If you’re renting a larger venue, such as a conference hall or outdoor theater, be sure to discuss security with the owners. They undoubtedly have their security system already in place. So, you’ll want to coordinate with them to find the best overall security solution for the event.

PGP Security Keeps Houston Safe!

Professional Guard & Patrol has decades of experience providing security services across the greater Houston area. We provide both armed and unarmed guards, as well as patrols and video surveillance systems. We work carefully with every customer to understand their needs, the location, and how to put together a comprehensive security solution for the situation.

If you have an event coming up, contact us to discuss your security options.