As put wonderfully on the Event Safety Alliance podcast in an episode titled The Art and Science of Crowd Safety, most of the advice that crowd safety professionals receive are things they already know – just put in a more clear-cut, actionable way. And one such example is the difference between Crowd Control and Crowd Management .
Part of our commitment to providing expert advice is through the Safety Sticklers. As Eric Stuart QPM of the UK’s Gentian Event Crowd Safety Company puts it:
“Sonco is one of those companies working hard to provide the right products and advice to help people like me implement safe plans for crowds in a wide variety of settings.”
We pride ourselves on feedback like that, and we hope this article is helpful in your ongoing endeavors within the event management industry and beyond.
Crowd Control And Crowd Management
On the surface, crowd management may seem identical to crowd control. In both instances, the ultimate goal is to get people to do something for their own safety and the safety of staff, performers, and so on. But scratch a bit deeper, and we can better parse out what makes each category unique, and set ourselves up for success.
What Is Crowd Management?
Crowd Management is about influence. It’s helping people get from A to B in the safest manner possible. But it also requires participation, meaning Crowd Management products that are ignored might as well not even be there.
To counterbalance the lack of overt crowd control, Crowd Management products are presented in bright colors and can include helpful messaging.
Examples of Crowd Management Products
With the above in mind, here are some common examples:
Read Too: What Is a Stanchion? The Stanchion Definition Guide
What Is Crowd Control?
Crowd Control is virtually forcing people to follow certain protocols. In terms of SONCO Perimeter Security, a product that’s difficult to move or cross without serious effort would fall under the Crowd Control category.
However, Crowd Control as an umbrella term also encompasses personnel, such as security guards and traffic officers. Basically, anything that gives people little option but to follow the guidance they’re being given is Crowd Control.
Also Check: Why Is Crowd Control Important? Here Are 5 Great Reasons
Examples of Crowd Control Products
Aside from personnel, here are some highly effective products designed to help you control crowds:
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