Night Club Security Training & Tactics

Working in the Night Club Security business requires a special kind of individual one who possesses a unique set of qualities. One who is highly motivated, fit, disciplined, street wise and highly intelligent the Security Operatives of today are highly trained and very capable.

Armed with the latest technology and tactical know how they are by far a formidable asset to any Venue or Night Club, where a capacity can easily be upwards of a thousand people under the influence of alcohol. Keeping the peace in this environment is a constant battle thwart with hidden dangers from organised crime gangs, drug dealers, rioting and even alcohol induced violence.

To work in this Industry you must hold an S.I.A Licence (Security Industry Authority) which is an independent body that works for the Government. Most Companies will help you to attain this as it is a must, once you have been vetted and possess your licence your real training will begin within a reputable company.

Below you will find a few examples of employed positions that are used in Night Club Security fully or partly, along with a brief description of the type of tactics used to insure the safety of the patrons (ordinary public).

Front of House

The main entrance known as the ‘Front of House’ will be the first point of contact usually run by a five man team or more, it is here the standard and image of the team will set its precedence.

With a visually strong presence working as a psychological deterrent they have the important job of screening out potential trouble makers or those that are showing negative signs of intoxication. A good example of this is while people are queuing; asking a few obvious questions to anyone you may have doubts about usually reveals their state of mind and demeanour.

Also strict policies like dress codes and no drinking while queuing implements an adherence to self discipline and sets the psychological framework of behaviour in the venue, this followed by excellent crowd control methods are justice to the professionalism and conditioning of the ‘Front of House’ security team.

Search Area

Once screened by the ‘Front of House’ security team it’s then the job of the Search Team to vet and check for weapons and contraband, this is the first line of defence against possible criminal gangs, drug dealers or just psychopaths.

With a regular club pulling in over 2000 people or more and the ever presence of drugs, organised crime gangs will stop at nothing to exploit any weakness in the venues security. If not dealt with swiftly and professionally regular violence will escalate as criminal gangs compete for territory severally endangering the lives of the ordinary public.

Search Teams are well trained and up to date in the methods of smuggling in of weapons and contraband, ultimately restricted by the venues policies of level of Search and striking the balance of intrusion to the ordinary public they play a valuable role and are the first barrier to the dangers of organised crime.

Static Guards

Are uniformed security members manning a single destination such as the fire exits, they play a valuable role of policing these vulnerable areas that determined criminals could use to smuggle weapons or contraband. They also are intended to be a control point in an emergency such as a fire to control the effects of a possible stampede situation.

The Spotter

The spotter is an undercover operative that works secretively for the Security Team, depending upon the size and budget of the Venue there could be one or two operatives working throughout the night. Dressed ordinary and even got a free tab at the bar the Spotter easily blends in and is free to mingle, watching and evaluating criminal gangs and drug dealers. Once a Spotter has completed the intricate detail of a gang of dealers he/she can brief the ‘In house Team’ to tactically take them out.

In House Team

The ‘In House’ team are made up of the most experienced members of any security team a five to 6 man team, who work undercover and mostly independent from all the teams. These members are the elite of their class, wearing stab proof vests and other much needed protection.

They can penetrate unnoticed through a criminal gang and snatch the main drug dealer from under the noses of his protectors, thus shutting them down by removing the supply and also reducing the risk of confrontation. These guys are extremely capable and can deal with any situation that may arise quickly and efficiently, usually unbeknown to the ordinary public.