Understanding how many security guards per person you need for an event is one of the most crucial things you need to know to ensure your event is safe, secure and to make sure your guests are able to enjoy themselves without disruption. Every event holds its own set of requirements, from capacity, crowd behaviour expectations and venue layout, there are many things you need to take into consideration when assigning security guards to your event. In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to be able to choose the right number of security guards per person for your next event, looking at all the different factors you need to consider.

Factors to Consider When Hiring Security Guards

When you’re planning an event, there are many things you have to consider, from selecting the perfect venue to hiring a reliable crew, and choosing the right number of security guards per person is just as important. There are a few factors that influence the guard-to-guest ratio, and it’s essential to assess each one so that the event runs smoothly and safely.

Type of Event

How many security guards per person that you need is greatly influenced by the type of event you are planning. For example, if you are planning a corporate event, then you will most likely need low intensity security that can focus on registering guests and ensuring fire exits are accessible. However, if you are planning a music festival where guests will likely be drinking alcohol and could become a bit unruly, your security guard needs will be much higher.

Venue Layout

If your event is taking place in a large space where there might be many entry points, blind corners and areas or a large outdoor space, you will need additional security guards to ensure every corner is covered. Our security guards can be strategically placed to monitor entryways and maintain visibility across the event space. It’s important to remember that even if your event only has a small number of guests, the layout of the venue could affect how many security guards you need per person.

Crowd Size

It’s no surprise that with more guests, you will need more security guards. We usually recommend that one guard to every 50 people is best for low-risk events like exhibition events, but for larger, high-energy crowds you will likely need more than this. Please reach out to get a quote tailored to your event needs. 

Risk Level

If you are planning a higher-risk event, then you will need more security guards per person to ensure safety and security. High-risk events usually involve VIPs, alcohol service, cash handling or expensive equipment that needs to be carefully monitored, so if your event includes any of these things it’s crucial to conduct a risk assessment before you determine the number of security guards you need for your event.

How Many Security Guards Per Person? Our Guidelines

As a leading event security and crewing company, we have over a decade of industry knowledge and experience to be able to advise on how many security guards per person you require for your event. These figures help to make your event safe and enjoyable for everyone and reduce unnecessary risks.

Low Risk Events: Small Capacity and Predictable Environment

For events where there are less than 100 attendees, and if the environment is controlled and calm, then one or two security guards could be enough. At events like these, security guards will focus on checking guest lists, overseeing the event entrances and providing general support.

Medium Risk Events: Medium Capacity and Relatively Predictable

Events that have around 100 to 500 people attending usually require one security guard per 50 people to ensure that guards aren’t overstretched and guests are looked after. However, this number could increase depending on how complex the venue is.

High Risk Events: Large Capacity or VIP Appearances

For high energy events such as concerts, music festivals or events where a lot of people will be in attendance, and there are celebrities or VIPs present, we strongly recommend a heavy security presence. This means there should be a higher ratio of security guards to guests, with approximately one security guard for every 20 to 30 people. 

What Do Security Guards Do at Events?

The role of a security guard is one of the most important at every event. They are responsible for a number of protocols and safety measures, ranging from responding to emergencies to helping make the atmosphere safer and more enjoyable for guests. By maintaining a strong presence at an event, they deter problems from occurring before they begin, reducing the likelihood of disorderly behaviour. They also play a major role in being prepared for emergencies, through responding to medical issues and even executing detailed evacuation plans, a good security team ensures safety measures are always at the forefront.

If you’re searching for an experienced and reliable security team that can handle the logistics, safety, and security of your next event, our team of experts can be there to offer their support. Contact us to get a bespoke quote for your next event and find out how many security guards per person your event requires.

How Many Security Guards Per Person: FAQs

How many security guards do you need per 100 people?

The number of security guards per 100 people depends on the type of event and the risks. For example, for a low risk event (e.g. a conference) one security guard per 100 people is most likely suitable. However, for higher risk events (e.g. music concert) you should aim to hire one security guard for every 30 people.

How many security guards per person in the UK?

There are no fixed laws on how many security guards you need per person in the UK, but there are a few rules you should follow to make sure your event is safe and enjoyable. For example, for events where there is a high attendance and VIPs attending, you would need more security than for small events. A good rule of thumb is to have one security guard for every 100 guests for smaller events, and increase this number as the number of attendees rises and the risks increase.