By
in
In early September, 2014, a private security guard sued a band for its concert’s wet confetti, which caused him to slip and garner injuries. The band’s name? None other than KISS – as in the longstanding band with lead singer and founder Gene Simmons at its helm.
To be sure, we are not involved with this case directly and therefore can only quote articles about it without fully substantiating the information. Notwithstanding the details of the case, let’s use the story as a focal point for discussion on what went wrong. In particular, we need to understand how the situation got out of hand to begin with.
Here are some tips for setting up private security such that a guard would not be entangled in possibly suing the people who hired him. The secret is to be an active planner and participant, rather than a passive “show up and shut up” cog.
1) Draw up a security game plan. A reputable private security company doesn’t simply send over a security guard a half hour before the event. Rather, we meet at least once before the event, and make an assessment of needs based on the building plan, expected number of visitors, and VIP status of attendees. In this case, we would ask for a performance program schedule, and need the details of any planned interaction with the audience.
In the case of the KISS concert, had the private security guard known to expect wet confetti on the ground, he may have a) discouraged it from being used in the first place or b) at least been aware of the potential danger, and thus able to avoid it.
2) Come prepared. In terms of the KISS concert’s wet confetti, the security guard could have known ahead of time, and thus worn shoes which are more slip-resistant. He also could have anticipated a possibly dangerous situation and simply walked more cautiously. In addition, he could have advised that more than one security guard be placed at the site of the wet confetti in order to maximize private security guards’ effectiveness.
3) Align expectations with the client. In this case, the private security guard was responsible for maintaining order amongst the crowd. Once he was injured by slipping on the confetti in the crowd, he was no longer able to function, much less provide the guardianship needed. By planning ahead, the private security firm can know whether the client is simply expecting a “face” as a deterrent, or a full-scale crime prevention and security management. Spelling out expectations in a contract can prevent lawsuits.
By providing the full picture of security coverage, private security personnel are actively engaging with their clients’ needs. In this way, both client and security personnel form a symbiotic relationship where expertise and expectations seamlessly blend together. ISSM works on the grand scale, planning ahead on all fronts in order to provide the know-how and experience that people need.
