The Bastion: 5 Tips: Security and You (From a Former Security and Doorman)

Who doesn't like going out at night? Hitting your favorite bars. Going to see your favorite bands. Getting your drink and dance on. Maybe get a little lucky with your preferred choice of sexual partner. I don't discriminate, hot is hot, and I'm secure in my own preferences to admit it ( cough cough *boobs* cough cough). But there is one person or group of people there to make sure you (or someone else) doesn't FUCK IT UP for the rest of the people there at the location your at that evening: The security guard.

A special subsection to my 5 Steps guides, the 5 Tips are direct from the mouth of God in quite a few cases. Personal experience and seeing the Tips in action has lead me to say that "Yes. These are really things you will want to keep in mind." And for the first installment, I chose a subject that I know VERY thoroughly. After all, it WAS my job for 5 years before last year. So take it from me, you will need to keep these in mind. And after all is said and done, maybe there's something that will ease and even prevent all tensions between SECURITY and YOU.

#1: DO NOT GET SECURITY INVOLVED IN ANYTHING PETTY

    Sometimes, your night goes bad for some reason. You lost your makeup kit. You just found out your dog died. Your left shoe's stiletto broke. Your friends ditched you because they wanted to go get tacos. Your boyfriend just broke up with you. You're feeling sad and you need to express it to anyone who will listen.

    Unfortunately, that is one of the things that Security is NOT there to do.

    It's easy to think that you can get friendly with the security crew. After all, you're in the club, they're in the club. You have drinks. They have (non-alcoholic) drinks. Everyone is there to have a good time. And that's where you forget something. Security is there to keep their eyes out for you. If there's a problem, they solve it while the DJ revolves it. They are not there to be chummy. They can be that way after work, but while on the job they need to be focused on DOING THEIR JOB. They cannot be your problem solvers for all the little details in your life that night. Let them do their jobs. And whatever else happens in your night? Man up and deal with it. You're an adult. You CAN handle it.

This ESPECIALLY goes for those girls and guys who try to use their seductive wiles to get some attention from those doing their best to make sure nothing happens to your body. It's much appreciated, but let us do our jobs. If you still want to, talk to us after closing.

#2: DO HELP OUT WHEN AND WHERE YOU CAN

Believe it or not, Security is (without a doubt) the hardest job at the bar or club. You have to take care of the patrons, be the first to deal with all incoming people (whether they are patrons or not), and place all the necessary details in order before bringing them up to the owner/manager of the establishment. And the most important thing you can do is help us stay alert in case of trouble.

I am not saying that you should be doing our job at all. However, there will be moments where the guy on duty might have his hands full. What then? There are some things you can do. If there is an incident where a crowd starts to form, then as we handle it, you can pull crowd control. Give us room to work. If there is an incident where there is obvious escalation, then get our attention IMMEDIATELY. There are some people that will make sure that security will be prevented from getting there in time, so the sooner WE act, the sooner THEY are dealt with.

#3: KEEP AN EYE ON HOW MUCH FUN YOU'RE HAVING

Most of these tips are plain common sense: let us work, don't cause problems. But this one is possibly the most important. The patrons are there to have a good time, and Security is there to make sure that they have fun.. Very symbiotic. But you have to remember, while out and about, you are consuming a Legal drug in alcohol, and some an Illegal drug (pills, powders, chemicals).

Knowing just what you took and how much will make our jobs easier, and all other matters much easier to deal with in case of an incident. Knowing what you are taking can tell you just how you are going to act. If you think someone has introduced something into your system without your knowledge, let the bartender know or come directly to us. Either way, Security will deal with the situation by arranging transport, or in case of emergency, arrange immediate medical and legal attention. We are there to make sure YOU and those AROUND you stay safe. So make sure you stay that way.

#4: Just Have Fun

Possibly the most crucial aspect of these Tips. It's easy to get caught up in what's going on that night. Dancing, drinks, ladies (and gentlemen), driving music. After that there might be food, more fun, hangovers, and awkward conversations. But the cardinal part still applies. As long as you are having fun, you make our job that much easier. So have fun. It's the best way to thank us for the effort we put into our jobs.