Last Updated on April 10, 2025
Basic Security Guard Training – Unit 5, Lesson D
Crowd Control for Security Guards
A crowd is a group of people gathered in one place with a common focus or purpose. Such gatherings may require preventive actions by security personnel to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. Situations like demonstrations, disasters, riots, or sporting events are common examples that demand effective crowd control and basic security guard procedures.
Types of Crowds
Understanding the different types of crowds is essential for performing crowd control security duties. Each type behaves differently, and knowing how to manage them can reduce risks.
1. Acquisitive Crowd
These individuals are motivated by the desire to obtain something—such as during sales, auctions, or when supplies are limited. They usually act independently and have no leader.
2. Expressive Crowd
This group gathers to express emotions or protest, such as in political rallies, peace marches, or conventions. They can become agitated if not properly managed.
3. Spectator Crowd
They gather out of curiosity, entertainment, or instruction—such as during parades, sporting events, or performances. Though initially calm, the mood may change quickly based on external factors.
4. Sightseer Crowd
These people come to witness an event like a fire, accident, or disaster. While some may offer help, others may simply stand and watch, creating obstructions.
5. Hostile Crowd
A dangerous crowd with aggressive intentions—such as during strikes, violent protests, or mob situations. These are the most challenging for security guard crowd control efforts and often require police intervention.
Crowd Control – What It Means
Crowd control security is the organized method of managing large groups to prevent disorder and ensure safety. Crowds behave differently than individuals; they are unpredictable and often harder to manage. If not controlled, they may force their way out, causing damage or injury.
Key Crowd Control Security Duties
As part of your crowd control security duties, a security guard must:
- Remain calm and alert at all times
- Be friendly but firm
- Never attempt to control a large crowd alone
- Request assistance when the situation escalates
- Maintain safe distances and monitor crowd behavior constantly
Essential Crowd Control Equipment
To carry out security guard crowd control, the following tools can be used:
- Barriers and barricades
- Ropes or tapes
- Loudspeakers or megaphones to give instructions
How to Control a Crowd as a Security Guard
Learning how to control a crowd as a security guard requires practice, planning, and situational awareness. Follow these general guidelines:
- Approach the crowd with a calm and confident attitude
- Use loudspeakers to give clear instructions
- Isolate aggressive or disruptive individuals
- Divide the crowd into smaller, manageable groups
- Use rational crowd members to calm others
- Ensure exit paths are clear to avoid panic
- Provide first-aid support to children, the elderly, and injured persons
- Avoid reacting to verbal abuse—only act if there’s a physical threat
- Inform the police if the crowd shows signs of aggression
Security Guard Crowd Control in Hostile Situations
Hostile crowds are dangerous. If you believe the situation is getting out of control:
- Do not engage alone
- Call for immediate security backup
- Notify the local police
- Observe the crowd from a safe distance
In extreme cases, proper crowd control security depends on the quick response of trained personnel and cooperation with law enforcement.
Conclusion
Every security guard should be well-versed in crowd control and basic security guard strategies to handle unpredictable situations confidently. Whether dealing with peaceful gatherings or aggressive protests, your crowd control security duties are vital in preventing chaos, protecting lives, and maintaining order.
