How to Hire Event Security in California: Planning, Staffing and Licensing

A step-by-step guide to planning event security in California: how many guards you may need, crowd control basics, licensing checks and what to ask a security company.

By the APS Security team · Licensed BSIS PPO #PP0121407 · Updated 2026-11-13

Start planning early

Event security works best when it is part of the plan from the start, not added the week before. Many cities, parks departments and venues ask for a security plan as part of the event permit, and some alcohol permits come with security conditions. Start by writing down the basics: the date and hours (including setup and teardown), the expected crowd size, the type of crowd, whether alcohol will be served, whether there is a stage, VIPs or cash on site, and how many entrances and parking areas there are. With that list, a security company can give you a real plan instead of a guess.

How many guards do you need?

There is no single number that fits every event. The right staffing depends on the crowd size, the type of event, alcohol, the layout and how many entry points need to be staffed. The number of officers depends on crowd size, alcohol, time of day, the venue layout and the type of event, and we will recommend a staffing plan after a short walk-through. Every entrance, the stage or VIP area, cash handling points and the parking lot may each need their own post. Separate from security staffing, the California Fire Code requires trained crowd managers for larger gatherings, generally at least one for every 250 people, and the exact trigger depends on the code edition and local rules. Your fire marshal and permit office have the final word, so ask them early.

Crowd control basics

Good crowd control is mostly about planning, not force. Design the entry so lines move quickly and do not block streets or fire lanes. Use barriers to shape lines and keep exits clear. Decide in advance what is not allowed in, such as weapons, outside alcohol or large bags, and post the rules at the entrance. Station officers where crowds bunch up, like the stage front, bars and restrooms. Plan for the end of the event too, when everyone leaves at once and the parking lot gets busy. Officers should be trained to use calm communication and de-escalation first and to call police when needed.

Licensing, and armed or unarmed

In California, a company that provides contract security guards must hold a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), and every guard must hold a valid BSIS guard card. Armed officers also need a BSIS firearm permit. You can look up a company or a guard at search.dca.ca.gov. Using unlicensed staff, such as friends or volunteers in security shirts, can create problems with your permit and your insurance if something goes wrong. Also ask for a certificate of insurance naming your organization or the venue as additional insured if they require it. As for armed or unarmed officers, most events are well served by unarmed officers who are friendly, visible and well trained. Armed officers can make sense for events with large amounts of cash, high-profile guests, a history of violent incidents, or when the venue or permit requires them. Many events use mostly unarmed staff with one or more armed officers. Talk it through with your security company and your venue before deciding.

Parking, traffic and the end of the night

Parking lots and the streets around an event are where many problems start, from fender benders and blocked driveways to car break-ins while guests are inside. Plan who will direct traffic, where rideshare pickups will happen, and how officers will keep fire lanes and emergency access open. If equipment, booths or a stage stay on site overnight, an overnight officer can watch them until the crew returns. Ask your security company to staff the last hour of the event and the first hour after it ends, since that is when crowds leave all at once and tempers can run short.

Questions to ask a security company

Ask for the company's BSIS PPO license number and a certificate of insurance. Ask who will supervise the officers on the day, how officers check in, and how you will reach the supervisor during the event. Ask whether they will do a site walk, whether they have bilingual officers if your crowd needs them, and what report you will get afterward. APS officers check in with GPS, send time-stamped photos during the event and provide a Daily Activity Report after every shift, which is useful for your records, your venue and any follow-up with the permit office.

Getting a quote

Cost depends on the date, hours, number of officers, armed or unarmed, and the location, so the best step is to share your event details and request a free quote. APS Security (BSIS PPO #PP0121407) staffs festivals, private parties, church and school events, film events and community gatherings across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Call (833) 388-0071.

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