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Public Safety and Crowd Control
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Public Safety and Crowd Control
This page includes the following:
Ensuring the safety of all attendees, staff, and the surrounding community is a top priority for any event. Public safety encompasses measures to prevent accidents, respond to emergencies, and maintain order.
A Safety and Crowd Control template is available to use at the request from Tacoma Venues & Events. To learn more about crowd and safety control, view the TVE SkillShop on Event Safety & Security .
Events that take place on an arterial or with attendance of over 1,000 in attendance must provide a crowd safety plan when requested.
To find a template to use for crowd safety plan, refer to the Tools Page.
Public Safety Planning
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Emergency vehicles must have clear, unobstructed paths of a minimum of 20’ wide throughout the event. Designate and mark these access routes on your event site map.
Keep emergency services informed of the event details, including layout and contact information for key personnel.
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Events over 1,000 people in attendance must consult with Tacoma Fire Department for requirements on-site medical services, such as first aid stations or EMTs,
To request medical services, reach out to the Tacoma Fire Departments Special Events Office. Reach out to Medical Services Officer, Jeff Bambrick at jbambrick@tacoma.gov.
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Events with alcohol, large crowds, or high-profile guests may require professional security staff. Work with Tacoma Police or private security providers to create a security plan tailored to your event.
Designate a command center and/or point of contact for coordinating safety and security during the event.
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Identify potential risks, such as overcrowding, weather-related hazards, or equipment malfunctions.
Develop contingency plans to address these risks quickly and efficiently.
Crowd Control Strategies
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Use barriers, fencing, or signage to guide attendees to and from designated entry and exit points. Ensure these pathways are wide enough to prevent bottlenecks.
For ticketed events, establish checkpoints for ticket scanning or bag checks.
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Use signage and staff to direct attendees to key areas such as restrooms, seating, and concessions.
For parades or races, ensure spectators are kept a safe distance from participants using barricades or rope lines.
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Install barriers or fencing around restricted areas, such as stages, equipment zones, or alcohol-serving areas.
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Monitor crowd density in real time. Use volunteers or staff equipped with communication devices to report issues.
Limit access to certain areas once capacity is reached and consider implementing timed entry tickets for high demand events.
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If alcohol is served, create designated consumption areas and employ staff trained in recognizing intoxication and managing difficult situations. Comply with Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) regulations for alcohol service.
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Establish a clear chain of communication among event staff, security personnel, and emergency services. Advice on communication plan such as, two-way radios, mobile apps, or other tools to keep everyone connected.
Police Staffing Requirements
Police staffing may be required, particularly for events involving road closures, large crowds, or alcohol. Tacoma Police Department (TPD) officers may need to be present to manage traffic and maintain public safety. Organizers are responsible for staffing costs.
In some cases, event applicants will be required to hire off-duty police officers to monitor the event. Police fees range starting at $125 per hour, with a minimum of four hours per officer.
Tacoma Police Departments Special Events Sergeant is the point of contact for police requirements and staffing offers for events. For more information on requirements, costs, and scheduling officers email Sgt. Jason Mills at jmills2@tacoma.gov.
Post-Event After Action
After the event, conduct an after-action safety review to evaluate what worked well and what could be improved. Document any incidents and submit reports to Tacoma Venues & Events when requested.