InSecurity
A look at concert security and how NOT to enforce it.
by Dawn and Oliver St John
The need for security personnel is a sad fact in the life of concert-goers; they are there in case anyone faints, gets caught up in a fight or does something potentially dangerous to themselves, the band or the venue.
The problem arises, however, in that much of the time the security people seem to fit one of two molds: they are either so fascinated by the backs of their own eyelids as to ignore any infractions or they are overstepping their bounds, stalking their territory with the zealotry of a Crusader.
Last night, we attended an out-of-town show at a college campus. Security at this show was very strict - which may have been on request by the management of the band themselves - and very rude. There is a fine line between effectively doing what must be a very difficult job, and being disrespectful to the people who have paid good money to see the show at which you are working. Here are some tips for staying on the positive side of this line, from a slightly disgruntled concert-goer.
1. Have clear and obviously visible signs displaying any restrictions on the concert site. (Cameras, food, beverage, etc.) This prevents you from having people arrive at the door with absolutely no idea that their items are disallowed from the venue. It is also a courtesy to your attendees because they avoid the inconvenience of having to return said items to their cars.
2. If you are going to enforce rules, do it equally and fairly. Do not confiscate the camera from one attendee while passing by another nearby fan who also has his camera out. It has to be all or nothing.
3. Treat the concert-goers with respect. If, for example, you allow people to use the restrooms which are near the stage, do not snap questions such as "Where are you going?!?" to people who are headed to use said restrooms.
4. If someone has broken a rule, then you are within your rights to enforce it. Those rights, however, do not include being condescending. Chances are, the rule-breaker is just as much an adult as you are, and they do not need to be treated like a child. If you confiscate an object for the duration of the show, there is no need to be anything but polite when the object is returned. The show is over, your job was done, and the attendee just wants to go home. The confiscation was punishment enough.
Likewise, concert-goers should make every effort ahead of time to know exactly what you can and cannot bring into the venue. It will frequently tell you on the back of the ticket, or you can call the venue directly. Also, remember that security personnel are not police and they have no more right to confiscate your stuff or manhandle your person than any other citizen. Indeed, if they so much as touch you intentionally for any reason other than to help you or someone you're endangering, they are committing a crime themselves - that of assault.
As well, a note to concert promoters: the digital photography revolution is well under way. The days of large, bulky cameras that do not fit into pockets are long past, and there will always be people who try to get their own shots. It's a great way for someone to have a personalized memento of the show, and the desire for one of those will often outweigh any regulations you may have. My suggestion is to allow photography as much as possible, since it harms no one and gives people something they can take home which is not mass-produced somewhere. If a particular venue won't allow it, there are other venues.
It all boils down to respect. Certainly there are times when drastic measures must be taken: violence during a show, and suchlike. However, barring those times, there is no reason that security personnel cannot treat the concert attendees as equals, as the fellow human beings we are.