Victoria Summer Event Security Checklist

From Canada Day through Rifflandia, Victoria's summer is one long run of outdoor events. This is the checklist we work through with organizers.

Six to eight weeks out

• Confirm capacity and expected attendance
• Check the venue's security requirements
• Check the Special Event Permit conditions for security
• Book a site visit with your security provider
• Map entry points, exits, and the perimeter
• Plan for heat, rain, and wind
• Get the police non-emergency number into the plan
• Review BC liquor requirements if alcohol is served

Four to six weeks out

• Confirm the guard-to-guest ratio with your provider
• Assign roles: entry, roaming, stage, parking
• Plan shifts for multi-day events
• Name the supervisor and the chain of contact
• Brief the security team on event-specific rules
• Coordinate with venue staff, bartenders, and volunteers

Event day, before doors

• Security on site 60 minutes before doors
• Walk-through with the event coordinator
• Test radios and phones
• Brief every guard on post orders and emergency procedures
• Confirm first-aid locations and the medical plan
• Confirm the lost-and-found procedure
• Set up ID check points if the event is licensed

During the event

• Watch crowd density and flow
• Hold capacity at the entries
• Run perimeter checks on schedule
• Monitor alcohol service and compliance
• Log incidents as they happen
• Stay in contact with medical and fire safety
• Cover VIP areas if there are any

After

• Final sweep of the venue
• Secure any equipment left on site
• Incident reports delivered within 24 hours
• Debrief with the organizer
• Review logs for what to change next time

Summer weekends book out early. If your event is in June, July, or August, book security when you confirm the venue.