What to Look For When Conducting A Bag Check

Performing bag checks is a key part of an event security guard’s role to ensure that every attendee enjoys a safe and secure environment. As is the case across many industries, event security guards are the first line of defence in keeping guests safe. One way they keep a venue secure is through the use of bag checks to prevent prohibited items from entering the building and maintaining the safety of everyone present. In this blog, we’ll detail the process of a bag check to help you perform it as smoothly as possible.

Why Do Security Guards Perform Bag Checks?

We check attendees' bags for safety, ensuring the venue is as safe as possible. Large-scale events such as concerts attract huge crowds, which can pose a safety threat should any weapons or illegal substances be brought into the building. Bag checks ensure these prohibited items stay out of the event, providing a safe environment for attendees and performers.

Types of Prohibited Items

Each venue has guidelines for prohibited items, which may vary depending on local laws and venue-specific rules. Attendees are encouraged to obey prohibited items guidelines, but it’s up to security guards to ensure that no prohibited items make their way into the venue property.

Commonly prohibited items typically include:

• Aerosol cans
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cans, bottles, and water bottles
• Audio and video recording equipment
• Illegal substances
• Knives and other weapons
• Sticks, poles, and bats

How To Perform A Bag Check

When performing a bag check, it’s important to maintain a calm, professional, and respectful manner at all times. Security guards should use customer service skills and a friendly attitude to ensure attendees feel comfortable throughout the process of the check.

1. Before the Check

Before performing bag checks, security guards should wear protective gloves. This is to ensure your personal safety, in case any unknown substances are loose in any attendee’s bags, as well as to respect the space of the individual whose bag you’re checking.

2. Greet and Ask Permission

As a best practice, security guards should greet attendees in a friendly manner and ask permission to search their bag before proceeding with the check. If an attendee refuses, calmly explain the consequences, such as denial of entry.

3. Ask Attendee to Open Bag

Ask the attendee to open each pocket or compartment in their bag. If any sections are difficult to view or obstructed by larger objects, ask the attendee to remove the objects so that the entire bag can be examined sufficiently.

4. Conduct the Check

Visually inspect each compartment of the bag, using a flashlight if necessary. Security guards should not dig through the bag unless absolutely necessary. Remember to always maintain a professional and courteous demeanour throughout the check.

5. Identify and Respond to Prohibited Items

If any prohibited items are found, calmly inform the individual. Next, follow the designated protocols for prohibited items, which may include confiscation, denial of entry, or coordinating with law enforcement depending on the prohibited item.

6. Finish the Check

Once the bag check is complete, let the attendee know they’re clear to proceed and direct them to the next step in the entry process, such as pat-downs or ticket checking.

Partner With Canada’s Number One Event Security Provider

Bag checks are essential for keeping events secure, providing a critical layer of protection for attendees, staff, and performers. Blackbird Security has safeguarded several large-scale events across Canada, including in major cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary at venues such as the UBC Thunderbird Stadium. Read more about how we secured Bryson Tiller and Kid Laroi’s concerts in Vancouver.

Interested in joining the Blackbird Security team? Visit our Indeed page to learn about opportunities.