Should you have armed security at your event? The answer depends on many factors. What are some of these important factors? Here are some things that can help you decide. 

1. Does the Event Include VIPs? 

An event that features certain VIP attendees or speakers often warrants more specialized security staff. This might include famous (or infamous) persons as well as those in sensitive lines of work. In addition to the living VIPs, consider the value or rarity of any objects at the event. If your event's centerpiece is a rare First Folio edition of Shakespeare's plays worth millions of dollars, it deserves armed protection. 

2. What's Been in the News?

What's going on in the world outside your event? If news of a terrorist act, active shooting, or civil unrest is fresh in attendees' minds, they will likely appreciate having more armed security visible both inside and around your venue. This might be a necessary addition to prevent similar trouble or it might just be good for everyone's peace of mind. 

3. Where Is the Event?

The location you hold an event affects what security it needs. Is the area a popular and upscale tourist locale or a business park? Then it may need less protection than a gathering surrounded by more unsavory characters or in a rundown industrial area. Armed perimeter or dock security in this situation may be more important than internal security. 

4. Who Will Be Attracted to the Event?

What type of crowd does your event typically draw? While trouble can happen any time a large group gets together, it may be more likely if that crowd will drink heavily or will be worked up emotionally by a rousing concert. Sports games, fights, and important matches can also cause enough excitement and rivalry to warrant extra layers of security. 

5. When Will the Event Be Held?

Both the day of the week and the time of the event will affect is security needs. Daytime events tend to be more sedate and easier to secure. There's likely less drinking, more families and business people, and more networking than clubbing. But a night event could be a completely different atmosphere. A multi-day convention might see a much different (and smaller) crowd on Friday or Sunday than on Saturday. 

As you answer these five questions, the right answer regarding the use of armed security officers will become clear. Want a professional opinion about your particular security challenges? Start by consulting with a security service in your area today. 

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