In today's world, large-scale events, from concerts and festivals to political gatherings and sports games, demand more than just crowd control. While the spotlight shines on the performers, the unsung heroes of event security, armed manned guards, play a pivotal role in ensuring that the festivities in Tanzania remain safe and uninterrupted.

According to Private Security Governance Observatory, there are over 500 private security companies (PSCs) with approximately 1,000,000 personnel whose role is to supplement the role of local authorities. These trained security personnel who are equipped with firearms and other defensive tools, play a key role in ensuring security during events. Unlike regular security personnel, these guards are tasked with neutralizing high-level threats, managing emergency situations, and protecting lives in extreme circumstances. Their presence ensures a higher degree of security and peace of mind for event attendees, organizers, and participants alike.
Below are a few reasons why armed manned guarding is essential in events:

Protection Against High-Level Threats
 

Events, particularly those with large crowds or high-profile guests, are often prime targets for organized criminal activity, terrorist threats, or violent acts. Armed manned guarding provides the highest level of protection, due to the presence of guards who are thoroughly trained in the use of firearms, ensuring that they can operate them safely and effectively in high-pressure situations. This training helps the guards identify and deal with threats before they escalate into dangerous situations. Their presence not only helps mitigate risks but ensures rapid, effective responses when incidents occur.

Deterrence and Prevention
 

The visible presence of armed guards at an event act as a strong deterrent to potential threats. Knowing that trained security professionals are present and ready to respond discourages criminal acts such as theft, vandalism, or violent behaviour. Whether at entry points, perimeters, or patrolling the event grounds, armed guards send a clear message that security is a priority, and any threats will be addressed swiftly.

Quick Response to Emergencies
 

In the event of an emergency, be it an active shooter, a bomb threat, or any other form of attack, speed is of the essence. Armed guards are trained to handle high-risk situations with precision and efficiency. They are taught how to respond in a coordinated and efficient manner in various emergency scenarios, from terrorist attacks to medical emergencies. Further, they can assess the level of threat and take the necessary actions to neutralize it, protecting attendees and maintaining order. Their ability to react quickly can significantly reduce the number of casualties and the scale of an incident.

VIP Protection
 

Many events, especially corporate or political gatherings, feature high-profile guests who require specialized protection. Armed manned guarding is critical in providing personal security for VIPs such as celebrities, political figures, attendees or business executives. These guards are trained in close protection techniques, ensuring that their clients are safe from potential threats such as kidnappings, assaults, or terrorist attacks.

Control Over Crowds and Access Points
 

Managing large crowds at events is a challenging task that requires not only logistics but also security expertise. Armed guards stationed at access points help control the flow of attendees and ensure that only authorized individuals can enter restricted areas. This prevents potential security breaches and limits the chances of disorderly conduct or unauthorized individuals disrupting the event. With armed guards, there is an added layer of authority, ensuring that rules are followed and that the crowd remains manageable. It is important to note that while they are equipped to use force, if necessary, armed guards are also trained in non-lethal conflict resolution, aiming to defuse potentially dangerous situations before they require the use of weapons.

However, while the human element of armed manned guarding is critical, technology is increasingly playing a key role in modern event security. Surveillance systems, and communication devices are helping armed guards stay one step ahead of potential threats. These tools provide real-time data that guards can use to monitor the event space and respond swiftly to any suspicious activity. The integration of armed personnel with advanced security technology creates a highly effective security network that covers every aspect of an event. 

As the scale and complexity of events grow, so too does the need for advanced security measures. Armed manned guarding plays a crucial role in ensuring that events run smoothly and safely, providing protection against high-level threats and offering peace of mind to everyone involved. By combining human expertise with modern security technologies, armed manned guarding ensures that events of all sizes can be enjoyed without the constant fear of danger, allowing attendees to focus on the experience while staying safe.