Security Searches at Music Festivals.

Every music festival will list items that can and cannot be brought onto a festival site and these are usually listed on the event’s website. The reasons for prohibiting items can vary between being outright illegal or to maintaining the safety and integrity of the event and prevention of harm to festival-goers.

Despite the warning given to all ticket buyers many still persist in attempting to bring prohibited items onto the festival site. Organisers will place security personnel at entrance gates and they will search every ticket holder’s person and bags for any prohibited items which will then be confiscated. This may include illegal narcotics, weapons, glass, fireworks and alcohol for example. What are the procedures security guards should adhere to for conducting security searches at festival entrances without being accused of being unnecessarily intimate.

Code of Practice. 
In the UK festival organisers can refer to a Code of Practice for security searches published by the British Security Industry Association. This is a voluntary code for guidance on conducting searches by security and covers every aspect of security searches and the code does cover specific details on person and bag searches. It is important to gain consent form anyone who will be searched either through clear signage or by referring to the terms and conditions of ticket sales which specify that all visitors will be subject to a search to gain entry. All individuals being searched should be treated with respect at all times and festival-goers will be encouraged to declare any prohibited items to reduce the need for thorough searches. Any searches that involve physical contact should be with careful consideration and only be conducted by searchers of the same gender as the individual following specific training.

Volunteer Training and Contractors.
Most festival organisers will opt to contract a professional security organisation to control entrance gates. The advantage of any professional contractor is that personnel will have received a high standard of training and fully understand how to search individuals and bags in an appropriate and effective way. If organisers are using volunteers to conduct searches, they should receive training from competent training advisers. Volunteers may be allocated entrance gate shifts where they are scanning ticket codes and assisting contracted security guards. 

Legal Considerations.
There are legal consequences for inappropriate body searches but also protection for the festival organisation in maintaining a secure environment. Any searches must be limited to bags, pockets and outer layers of clothing and security guards must never check a person’s underwear for hidden items as this can be considered assault. Security guards do have the power to confiscate any illegal items where the local police will be involved. Ticket holders can refuse a search but they will no doubt be denied entry, if they refuse to leave they may be considered to be trespassing.

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