FAQ

How many guards do I need?
Hosting a party
Register a Party

HOW MANY GUARDS DO I NEED?

The thing is to consider is the size of your event or party. How many security guards you will need for crowd control depends on your venue size and the number of people attending.

A ratio of two (2) crowd controllers for the first 100 patrons and one crowd controller for each additional 100 patrons or part thereof will be applied.

However, this may vary depending upon the nature of the licensed premises; the entertainment being provided; the hours of trade; the event; and the target patronage of the premises. This rule can help you plan and budget your security accordingly.

Seek counsel from a security provider experienced in both small-to-medium sized and large-scale events. They give good advice, based on their experience, on the correct number of security guards for your event size.

Small to Medium Sized Events and Parties

Smaller events do not necessarily mean fewer security personnel. Small to medium-sized events held outdoors over a wide area might require several guards. This is to control entry and exit in numerous spots. Such an event in a larger room with many points of entry may require the same.

An event can easily become difficult to control if a room is too small and becomes overcrowded. There’s also the chance more guests may show up than originally planned. This can happen when you have no pre-determined guest list. If the event is open to everyone or is vulnerable to “party crashers”, you may require professional security guards experienced in those situations.

Large-Scale Events

For crowd control at larger events or parties, you will definitely need significant event security. No matter the size of the venue, there’s always the risk a large crowd can get out of control. You don’t want an understaffed event from a security standpoint. You can run into legal issues by not having sufficient security, especially if someone becomes injured.

Knowing the scope of your event, a security provider offers guidance on what type of guard is compatible. A high profile event, with high-value assets on display and VIP’s, may require visible Professional Suited Uniform Personnel. A low-key event with no expensive assets in the space and fewer guests may require only Standard Uniform security guard presence.

Events where alcohol is served in a festive, high-energy atmosphere may require event security guards stationed amongst a crowd. This is to spot volatile situations quickly and defuse them. Events and parties of a more subdued nature often mean security officers stationed solely at entrances will be suitable, especially when there are only a few points of entry.

Uniformed security guards are appropriate where an open show of authority is desirable. Sometimes you need to make it obvious to event-goers that inappropriate behaviour will receive a swift response. Meanwhile, plain clothes event security is often advisable for situations where a uniform may cast too harsh a presence over a dignified event.

Consider the above points when it comes to hiring quality security guards for your next event or party. By doing so, you will ensure your guests receive quality, effective protection and you will also enhance your integrity as an event facilitator at the same time. The choice of the right number of security guards is crucial to protecting the investment you have in your event.

Hosting a party

The Criminal Law Amendment (Out-of-Control Gatherings) Act 2012 provides police with additional powers to manage an out-of-control gathering. The legislation also gives the courts the discretion to order a person to pay reasonable compensation costs to police for their response to the out-of-control gathering

Your responsibilities

As a host, you have a duty-of-care for the safety and wellbeing of your guests. While you want them to have a good time you also want to minimise the potential for harm to persons and property as a result of excessive alcohol consumption or gatecrashers. You could be held partly or fully responsible for something that happens to one of your guests at your party.

Hosting a party for teenagers

The guide Hosting a Party for Teenagers provides information and advice for parents when considering hosting a party with teenagers or allowing them to attend a party elsewhere. This guide is available at the Alcohol.Think Again website, which provides numerous resources for parents about alcohol and young people.

Note: the term 'gathering' is now commonly used by teenagers as a substitute for the word 'party'..

Register your party

Please register your party with WA Police in advance of your party or event. You can register online up to 28 days beforehand.

Only parties / events to be held in Western Australia can be registered with WA Police.

As responsible hosts you are also encouraged to register your party so that, if trouble does arise, the police have important information on which to rely when attending to your call.

Registering your party does not mean that it is an invitation for the police to come into your home. Police will not attend a registered party unless:

There is a specific request to do so either from the party, from a neighbour or from a concerned parent; or
It is in the public interest in order to maintain community order and safety.

The information you provide on the party registration form will be kept in strict confidence and used only by police in the event police need to respond to an incident at your party.

Please note registering your party with WA Police does not mean that police will provide security for your party and that the capacity of police to undertake patrols of party venues or to visit a party venue in the event of trouble will depend on other demands on resources at the time and the nature of the event in question.

You can register as late as the day of the party / event; however the registration form will accept a date up to a maximum of 28 days in advance. Once you have submitted the online form your party / event will be registered with the Western Australia Police. Please note: Should you encounter any problems at your party / event that require Police attendance please call 131444.

This party has been registered with WA Police' poster

You can put the 'This party has been registered with WA Police' (PDF 261 kb) poster on display at the entrance to your party, to inform invited guests and potential gate crashers that your party is registered with the WA Police. (Note: the poster is A3 size but can be printed to fit on A4 paper)

Register a Party

You can register as late as the day of the party / event; however the registration form will accept a date up to a maximum of 28 days in advance. Once you have submitted the Online form your party / event will be registered with the Western Australia Police.

Please note:
Should you encounter any problems at your party / event that require Police attendance please call 131 444.