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Safe Events

Crowd
Management
versus
Crowd
Control

Category Advice
Date 20.08.2024
Author Mark Breen


Introduction

In reference to event planning and public safety, the terms “crowd management” and “crowd control” are often used interchangeably.

However, they refer to distinct concepts that play crucial roles in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of events.

Generally, it is people outside the industry that interchange the two. Those of us working in the event industry tend to know the difference.

People who specialise in crowd and event safety deal in the difference every day.

This post explores the key differences between crowd management and crowd control, highlighting their unique functions and importance.



What is Crowd Management?

It refers to the tactical (mainly) planning and implementation of measures to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people at events, venues, or public spaces.

It encompasses a wide range of activities designed to ensure a positive experience for attendees while maintaining order and safety.

It’s important to remember the goal of the events we work on – to provide attendees with enjoyable experiences. Being safe at an event contributes significantly to attendees’ positive impressions of it.

Better crowd management featured in this blog post we wrote entitled ‘Involve Event Safety Consultants Early – 11 Benefits‘.

Key Elements of Crowd Management

1. Planning and Preparation: This involves assessing the venue and understanding the expected crowd size and profile. Preparing appropriate layouts for entry and exit points, delineation of areas with differing access criteria, emergency exits and more.

2. Communication: Effective crowd management requires clear communication with attendees. This can include signage, announcements, and staff instructions to guide people efficiently.

3. Staff Training: Personnel involved in crowd management are trained to assist and direct attendees, manage queues, and provide information.

Personnel operational in crowd management roles need to understand the plans that govern the event. Staff training is key.

4. Monitoring and Supervision: Using tools like CCTV, on-site safety teams, security teams, and designated monitoring staff, event organisers continuously observe crowd dynamics to prevent potential issues.

5. Preventive Measures: Crowd management also includes implementing measures such as barriers, signage, and designated pathways to streamline movement and prevent congestion.

Done well, crowd management arrangements aren’t overt. They don’t impinge on anyone’s enjoyment of a show. Ideally, attendees don’t feel like they’re being ‘managed’.

They experience the tools that help us implement our crowd management strategies in a very natural way.

A lot of what we put in place as part of a ‘Safety by Design’ approach to event planning has direct impact on crowd management. We can help prevent issues arising by designing out risk.



What is Crowd Control?

Crowd control, on the other hand, is the reactive component.

It involves managing a situation that represents a risk to the safety of those at your event. It focuses on responding to and mitigating situations where an issue has developed requiring intervention to restore order.
 

Key Elements of Crowd Control

1. Incident Response: Crowd control measures are activated when a situation has already escalated, such as during protests, riots, or emergency evacuations.

2. Security Forces: It often involves the use of security personnel, law enforcement, or specialised units trained to handle critical situations.

3. Physical Interventions: This can include the use of barriers, barricades, and other physical means to control crowd movement and prevent further escalation.

4. De-escalation Tactics: Trained personnel may use negotiation, communication, or, in extreme cases, physical force to calm a volatile situation.

5. Safety Protocols: Crowd control measures ensure the safety of both the crowd and the personnel involved, often requiring rapid evacuation procedures or crowd dispersal techniques.

Crowd Control sometimes is not avoidable os it’s important we have plans and are ready for it.

There is no point only planning for crowd management.



Key Differences Between Crowd Management and Crowd Control

1. Proactive vs. Reactive: Crowd management is proactive, focusing on preventing issues through planning, designing out risks and organisation. Crowd control is reactive, addressing issues that have already arisen.

2. Scope of Application: Crowd management deals with everyday event situations and regular crowd movement, while crowd control is applied in emergencies or situations where a risk is posed to parties at the event.

3. Personnel and Equipment: Crowd management relies on trained staff, signage, and communication tools, whereas crowd control may involve law enforcement, security forces, and physical barriers.

Training courses such as our Professional Diploma and the Level 5 in Crowd Safety Management emphasise these differences.

4. Objective: The primary goal of crowd management is to enhance the attendee experience and maintain smooth operations. In contrast, crowd control aims to restore order and ensure safety during a crisis.



Conclusion

In summary, while crowd management and crowd control both aim to ensure the safety and well-being of people in public spaces, they serve distinct purposes.

Crowd management is a proactive approach focused on planning and preventing issues, creating a safe and orderly environment.

Crowd control, conversely, is a reactive response to manage and resolve situations where there is a risk posed to the crowd and intervention is necessary.

Understanding these differences is crucial for event organisers, venue operators, and public safety professionals. By effectively implementing both crowd management and crowd control strategies, they can ensure the success of events and the safety of all attendees.



Related Content

Some of the links below may be of interest to you:

The Importance of Testing Event Plans

5 Useful Crowd Counting Tools

Event Control Course Proves Very Popular



Mark Breen

About the Author

Mark Breen

Mark is the Strategic Director here at Safe Events Global. He is a senior event Health and Safety professional, operating globally. He is extremely active in the learning and education space for events also, as well as being a regular speaker on relevant topics at international conferences and seminars.



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