Why are security guards essential at events?

Organizing an event – whatever its size – requires special attention to the safety of people and property. This is where event security guards come in . Their presence is essential to ensure that the event runs smoothly and that everyone is safe.

What are their obligations, their training and how do you hire them?

First and foremost, it’s important to know that the profession of security guard is regulated. To work as a security guard, you must :

Possess a professional card issued by the CNAPS (Conseil National des Activités Privées de Sécurité) after validation of certain criteria (morality, professional aptitude, etc.). This card specifies the speciality of “human surveillance or guarding”.
Completion of mandatory training leading to the CQP APS (Certificat de Qualification Professionnelle Agent de Prévention et de Sécurité).

Depending on the missions entrusted to him/her, the agent may also need additional qualifications, such as :

Habilitation for security palpation: issued after specific training, this allows the agent to perform security palpations on participants.
SSIAP (Service de Sécurité Incendie et d’Assistance à Personnes): for fire prevention and management. Different levels of SSIAP exist, depending on responsibilities.
Authorization to work at major events: additional training may be required for staff working at large-scale events.

What are the formalities for hiring temporary staff?

The organization of one-off events often requires the use of temporary security guards. Here are the main formalities to be complied with:

DPAE (Déclaration Préalable à l’Embauche): compulsory for all employees, it must be completed prior to hiring.
Employment contract: even for short-term contracts, a written employment contract is mandatory. It must specify the nature of the job, the duration of the assignment, remuneration, working hours, etc.
Single personnel register: the guard must be entered in this register, which lists all the company’s employees.

How do I manage the payroll of event security guards?

The remuneration of event security guards is governed by the collective agreement for prevention and security companies. Here are the elements to take into account

Hourly rate: this varies according to the guard’s qualifications and experience. It is generally higher than the minimum wage.
Overtime: in accordance with legal provisions.
Night work and public holidays: extra pay is also payable for night work and public holidays.

Using qualified security guards and complying with legal requirements is essential to guarantee the safety of all involved and the smooth running of your event.

Security is an essential element in the organization of an event. Don’t hesitate to contact private security companies for further information and personalized assistance!

Yoan Bertin

Brought up in the heart of the events industry, Yoan has an engineering background in business management. Co-founder of Intrapole, publisher of the EventSoft® solution, he is responsible for Intrapole’s management and sales.