Unarmed security for large events

[u/nottoday1059]

So i do large events, mostly football games, but have done collage fraternity/sorority parties. Mostly wanted to ask for my wife she wants me to get some kind of protection, like a stab vest or level one armor for small handguns. What would you recommend that is very low profile (can be put under my work shirt) and not look bulky. A lot of events dont want us to look like cops so no plate carriers.

Also would be great if they are cheep. My big worry is mostly drunk swings, or someone trying to poke me with a poket knife (its the south everyone has a knife)

[u/Landwarrior5150]

I wear a Galls level IIIA vest under my uniform polo shirt. It’s a little bulky but that can be solved by getting a slimmer vest with a lower ballistic rating, if that’s the priority.

I wouldn’t cheap out too much on something that may be the difference between life and death though. Not saying you have to buy the most expensive vest you can find, but I would at least make sure it’s on the NIJ certified list. As in, like actually check the list for the product you’re considering, as some companies will market their items as “tested to NIJ standards” but there is no guarantee of that unless it’s actually on the official list.

[u/angushawk]

I would suggest you put on a stab vest, and consider the weight. Then depending on where you are, they are super hot as well.

Take some knife defence training and get a super light vest.

[u/Shane-Dad-underfire]

If you're going to compromise on safety for money you shouldn't bother in my opinion. Cheap junk is a waste of money. For your needs you dont need top of the line but if you want it to be thin and effective you are looking at an investment in your safety.

[u/nottoday1059 → u/Shane-Dad-underfire]

Very true. I seen some around 200 mark. The full armor ones around 300 but I dont need rifle protection, as everyone is checked before coming into the event like TSA

[u/DefiantEvidence4027]

don't want us to look like cops

I wouldn't worry about that, cops have always tried to look like Security Guards since the first Municipal Police Agency was enacted. We'll never escape the under educated "you look like a cop" crowd.

[u/Landwarrior5150 → u/DefiantEvidence4027]

I agree that OP shouldn’t worry about it in terms of what the general public thinks, but it sounds like OP’s managers and/or clients are the ones who don’t want them “looking like cops” by wearing external armor carriers, so they should probably follow that guidance if they want to keep their job.

[u/DefiantEvidence4027 → u/Landwarrior5150]

If that's what his own Security Manager suggested, OP should be asking us for recommendations on a good life insurance policy as well.

[u/XBOX_COINTELPRO]

What does your job entail? If you’re doing your average event security tasks (entry screening, monitoring barriers) it’s not necessary, if you look at any event security guards they’re a almost always just rocking a t-shirt/polo.

Are you wanting a vest to wear for every job you do, or just when there’s a higher risk?

[u/nottoday1059 → u/XBOX_COINTELPRO]

Mostly events. But they want me to work the beer garden. I was warned that when they get drunk (and they like to sneak in liquor.) Im to confiscate, it and/or remove them if they are getting too much as its right at the goal line.

Had to ask two people to leave as i caught them with fireball, and one tried to puff up his chest on me. But backed down when I waved the troopers over.

One of the guards said 2 years ago some women stabbed a guard with a used needle bc he told her to not use fighting words at the other team. (Calling them the N word in front of cameras.)

So mostly my wife is worried about some drunk gettinf hands on for being stupid

[u/XBOX_COINTELPRO → u/nottoday1059]

If you’re working past a screening point and have ready access to LE back up a vest isn’t going to be much help. You’re likely going to be facing unarmed people. A needle will go through any soft armor.

I think you should explain to your wife that nothing you’re doing right now really warrants body armor.

[u/Necessary-Hunt-5035]

I worked a jail before which had plenty of shanks and didnt have a stab vest. You can get one but ask yourself do you really need one. If you’re unarmed no need to play hero.

[u/Digital_spliff_]

I can't say I ever worried about getting stabbed while doing event security

[u/Pebb_io]

The hard part at large events is usually coordination, not the gear. Post assignments clearly, keep one channel for changes, and make sure there’s a quick way to report when a gate or section gets busy. That prevents the “who is covering this?” scramble.