If you’re hosting an event or concert, especially where you will have patrons coming to see a performer – hiring security services should be something that is definitely in your plan.

Granted, most events go off without any incident. This doesn’t make security services a waste.

In the past week, in South Carolina, a Comedian was performing at a Comedy House.

As most people know, Comedians generally take some liberties with the audience.

This is common practice and usually part of their routine.

If you’ve had a bad day – perhaps sitting in the line of ‘fire’ from the Comedian – ie. the front row – may not be the best idea.

On this particular evening, the Comedian – Steve Brown, made mention of a member of the audience who looked rather grumpy.

This was not taken lightly or kindly, and the individual reacted violently.

He took to the stage swinging a microphone stand at Steve, actually hitting him, before tossing it aside and eventually grabbing a bar stool and making that his next weapon of choice.

If this wasn’t all bad enough – he left the stage, and the room before reappearing (topless) and trying to go for round two.

This is when audience members finally stepped in and tried to apprehend the individual and defuse the situation.

Lets keep in mind the people that stepped up were members of the audience – not security.

There wasn’t any security.

Whether or not this was common practice for this location or not, I’m sure it will be something that is thought about for future events.

While security might not always seem like a financial viability. The cost of not having it can be far greater.

In this particular instance, the Comedian was injured. From a health and safety perspective the liability would have been on the venue to ensure that he was performing in a place that was safe and secure.

When the individual was throwing the microphone stand and bar stool – this definitely could have caused more injuries with the crowd.

Had there been security, they could have quickly stepped in and apprehended the subject and escorted him from the scene. This would have prevented anything being thrown and the comedian from being injured, and the potential for anything worse.

Prevention is key.

This is the purpose of employing security services from a reputable company.

In another more high profile event, a singer was signing autographs for fans after performing at a Florida concert venue.

Christina Grimmie was an up and coming performer who grew more popular after placing third in a competition on The Voice.

While signing autographs, a deranged fan came up and opened fire, killing here. Her brother immediately tackled him, attempting to prevent any further death or injury, before he shot and killed himself.

Security at this event was clearly also lacking.

First of all to be able to enter a concert venue carrying not one, but TWO guns is a huge cause for concern.

Not only was he able to wander in armed, he killed the performer and himself.

Two things that would have been prevented had security been available at this venue to screen people as they came in, and keep close protection on a well known performer.

After the bombing in Manchester especially, security at large public events should be made a priority.

These large venues with mass crowds are huge targets for terrorist groups who promote more radical values.

To not have security is basically opening the doors for disaster and chaos.

Whether injuries occur, or damage is done – financial and physical liability is the responsibility of the venues owners and event promotors to ensure that their guests both performing and watching – are protected in the best way possible.

Having qualified and well trained security on site and prepared for all eventualities is an integral part of all events.

It prevents or limits physical and personal damage.

It provides peace of mind to people attending and people performing.

It may not take away all of the legal liability or responsibility but will definitely look more favourable in the eyes of insurers and other legal entities.

The cost of hiring security services for your next event is a small price to pay for peace of mind, and public safety.

In this day and age – it shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation – it should be a constant standard that is implemented and provided for all events and occasions.

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Guest Blogger Rayna Davies

Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management.  She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security.  Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and experienced many security details.  These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities.  She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration.  Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent.  She currently is on maternity leave and providing daily close protection for a baby and a toddler and spending time with her husband who is a Police Officer.