One of the most common mistakes made by most people is thinking both a security guard and a crowd controller are the same professionals. In reality, both of these names belong to different job roles. However, both roles are assigned to maintain safety, security and order in public and private spaces. Still, there are some major differences between their job role and approach that need to be known. Continue to read this blog to learn the key differences between security guards and crowd controllers.
Key Dissimilarities Between Crowd Controllers and Security Guards
Focus and skill set:
Security guards generally keep focus on preventing unwanted access, keeping an eye out for unwanted activity, and reacting to certain security risks. Their expertise in monitoring technologies, basic emergency medical care, and thorough incident reporting is the major skill set.
However, crowd controller professionals need a specific skill set that focuses on controlling human behaviour. They are trained how to control crowds, deal with aggressive and impolite people, and stop physical confrontations. Their main concern is to make sure that people remain in ordered and secure way in crowded areas.
Workplace:
Security guards are professionals who mainly work at commercial and private sites like banks, hospitals, and retail stores. On the other hand, crowd controllers are staff or bouncers whose role is to maintain order in the crowd and ensure safety at events. They mainly work in concerts, festivals, and sporting venues.
Training and job roles:
Specialised instruction in crowd control, dispute resolution, and event security is provided to crowd controllers. Their responsibilities are to supervise gatherings, keep an eye on conduct, ensure that no irrelevant or unwanted activities are occurring, and regulate entry to the location.
On the other hand, security officers are provided special training in areas such as emergency response, patrolling, and access control. They are responsible for keeping an eye on surveillance systems, performing patrols, and preparing reports of any suspicious activity. In contrast to crowd control guards, they have more comprehensive legal powers, such as the ability to arrest people.
Equipment used:
One of the major differences between a security guard and a crowd controller is the equipment they use during duty. A security guard mostly carries certain security-related equipment like rods or handcuffs. This depends on the nature of their job role. However, a crowd control professional mostly carries equipment like barriers, whistles and crowd control ropes to manage huge crowds.
Uniform pattern:
Uniforms of crowd controllers are made to be more noticeable in crowded areas and are more focused on movement. They mostly wear high-visibility apparel in shining colours like red and orange as part of their uniforms to stand out from the crowd. Patches or insignia indicating their level of training or qualification could be attached to their uniforms.
On the other hand, security officers’ clothes are meant to express professionalism and authority. They might have a clearer, visible look with a conspicuous security badge or insignia, or they would be dressed up in a formal shirt or jacket.
Security guards and crowd controllers aim to protect the safety and protection of people in specific places. However, their job roles have some major differences which should be known by every individual.
ASAP Security and Protection has been providing unparalleled safety and security to people for over a decade. We have an expert team of security guards and a crowd controller who are highly trained and skilled to make a space safe and protected. Make a call with our professional now and learn how we can help safeguard your people or property!