One of the mistakes that outsiders, and even newbies in security, make is calling a crowd controller a security officer.
We are here to help you to decide what security is right for your business.
What They Have in Common
Crowd controllers and security officers are both security personnel who work under a security service provider company.
They both ensure that everyone in the area they are manning for, are safe. They also make certain that everyone behaves in a responsible and non-harmful way.
To make sure any threats are recognised and handled sooner, they both pay extra attention to the surroundings. If a situation develops that would harm anyone, they both have the authority to take action.
The uniforms of both crowd controller and security officer are designed to establish an authoritative presence and for practicality. Their attire allows comfort and ease for movement during their duties.
Crowd Controllers and Security Officers: What Makes Them Different?
The Place They Are Manning For
Crowd controllers, also known as bouncers and event staff, are usually responsible for maintaining order and safety in events and public places such as pubs, concerts, festivals, and sporting venues.
Security officers, also known as static security guards, generally work in private properties and commercial establishments such as banks, construction sites, retail stores, hospitals, and government buildings.
Training and Duties
Crowd controllers receive specialised training in crowd management, conflict resolution, and event security. Their duties include managing crowds, monitoring everyone’s behavior, making sure that no illegal activities are taking place, and controlling the access to the venue.
Security officers receive training in areas like access control, patrolling, and emergency response. They are responsible for protecting the assets, customers, employees, and property of the company they are guarding for. Their duties include monitoring surveillance systems, patrolling the premises, and reporting suspicious activities. They have more extensive legal powers such as detainment or arrest authority compared to crowd control security.
Uniform
The uniforms of crowd controllers are more focused on mobility and are designed to be more visible in crowded situations. Their uniforms may involve high-visibility clothing with bright colours like red, orange or yellow to make them distinguishable from the crowd. Additional reflective elements are also added to their uniforms to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
Their uniforms may include patches or insignia that indicate their level of certification or training. They have badges that identify their role as crowd control security. These badges include details like the event name, the organisation they work for, and their assigned role during the event.
Whereas the uniforms of security officers are designed to convey a sense of authority and professionalism. They may consist of a formal shirt, tie, blazer or a more casual outfit with a clearly visible security badge or logo. The colours are usually subdued and are in the shades of black, blue, or grey.
Security officers suit up according to the industry they are working for. In retail, you will usually see them in a blazer and tie. In construction sites, they wear their uniform with well-built protective footwear and a fluorescent green-yellow vest and a hard hat. Their badges usually display their name, photo, and the name of the security company or institution they represent.
Equipment
A crowd control security personnel often carries specific equipment relevant to managing large crowds, such as barriers, crowd control ropes, whistles, or megaphones.
A security officer carries various security-related equipment, such as a baton, handcuffs, pepper spray, or radio, depending on the nature of their duties. Their uniforms are also designed to have holsters or pockets to carry these tools discreetly.
Which Security Personnel Do You Need?
It all boils down to where you need security.
If it’s for a company or private establishment, you need security officers. If it’s for an event or a public place where a lot of people will go, you need crowd controllers. Just like any professional, they work best when they are put in the right place.
Here at Security One 2 One, we provide the right security solution for your business or organisation in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and across Australia.
