Having previously served with the 6^th Battalion in Somerset, Teresa Lines today works as part of a security humanitarian team. Terri Lines takes a keen interest in music festivals and the safety and security elements required to manage them safely and securely. This article will look at crowd control, a critical aspect of event security management, exploring the challenges and strategies involved in managing large gatherings.

By definition, a crowd is a large group of people gathered together in a specific location. Crowds can be diverse, including people from all different backgrounds and individuals of different ages and temperaments. Crowds can become excited, agitated or anxious, depending on the circumstances and event. It is vital for event security personnel to appreciate that each crowd is unique and can respond to stimuli in a range of different ways.

The overarching objective of crowd control is to ensure the safety of all event attendees. Large gatherings present a variety of different risks, including medical emergencies, fights, stampedes and terrorism threats. To mitigate these risks, security teams must be well organised and prepared. They should also develop comprehensive security plans outlining crowd management strategies to maintain order and prevent potentials disasters.

In managing large gatherings of people one of the biggest risks is panic, which can spread rapidly in crowded areas triggering stampedes, injuries and loss of life. Security teams play an integral role in preventing panic through efficient and calm crowd management. Taking appropriate measures – such as ensuring there are clear exit routes, putting in place adequate signage, and maintaining clear and effective communication – can all go a long way towards maintaining order and reducing the risk of panic.

To manage gatherings effectively, security teams must appreciate that crowds can exhibit a variety of different behaviours, such as groupthink, herding and mob mentality. Groupthink can culminate in irrational decisions and actions being taken by attendees, while herding behaviour occurs when individuals follow the crowd without exercising their own judgement. Mob mentality refers to the tendency of people to behave more impulsively or aggressively when part of a large group. Event security teams must be trained to recognise these various types of behaviour and respond appropriately.

Capacity management is another critical aspect of crowd control. Each venue has a maximum capacity that cannot be exceeded without compromising the safety of event attendees. Exceeding maximum capacity results in overcrowding, making it even more challenging for security personnel to evacuate attendees in the event of an emergency. It is therefore crucial that event security personnel closely monitor attendance, enforcing capacity limits to prevent such situations.

Access control and screening is another crucial consideration when it comes to crowd control. Security teams are responsible for putting in place measures to control access, as well as implementing screening procedures to ensure that only authorised individuals gain entry. This involves thorough security checks, including the use of metal detectors and bag inspections where necessary. By exercising careful control over who enters an event, security teams can significantly reduce the risk of security threats and dangerous items being brought in.

Crowd control has always been vital for events where large gatherings of people are likely. Whether it is a conference, sporting event or festival, when large crowds of people gather together in the same location there is a heightened risk of negative consequences, particularly where crowd control is inadequate.

Business owners must ensure they implement effective crowd control measures to limit the number of customers within their premises, ensuring that all entrances and exits are kept clear of obstructions to enable customers to enter and exit safely. The planning aspect of crowd safety is crucial, requiring early-stage input from numerous stakeholders such as event contractors, local transport providers, nearby businesses, local residents and emergency services.