For event planners and venues
Should event security be armed or unarmed?
Short answer
Unarmed officers are right for most weddings, corporate events, school functions and private parties. Consider an armed officer when there has been a specific threat, large amounts of cash are on site, or a high-profile guest is attending. Check with your venue and insurer first, because some do not allow firearms on the property.
Questions to ask
- Has anyone made a threat connected to this event or its guests?
- Will there be significant cash, jewelry or other valuables?
- Does the venue allow armed security?
- Does your event insurance cover it?
A common arrangement
Unarmed officers at the doors and in the lot, with one armed officer in a suit staying in the background. Guests rarely notice.
Armed officers cost $28 to $55 per hour for ongoing work and more for events. See armed security guards and event security.
This is general information from a security company, not legal advice. Laws change and details matter, so confirm anything important with your attorney.
Talk to the owner, not a call center.
Call any hour. Michael or a supervisor answers, asks a few questions, and you have a written quote within about two hours.