SEARCH POLICY

The following list of property is deemed to be ‘CONTRABAND GOODS’:

• Excessive amounts of cigarettes (any amount over personal use for the duration of the Event)
• Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages
• Glass containers / bottles
• Paint pens, spray paint or similar
• Flares; such as emergency or distress flares manufactured for legitimate military, maritime or transport purposes (under any circumstances)
• Smoke Bombs
• Fireworks, including sparklers
• Lasers / Laser Pens
• All animals (except registered Guide Dogs)

The following list of property is deemed to be ‘PROHIBITED ARTICLES’: –

• Illegal drugs
• All substances defined as a ‘Psychoactive Substance’ under the new Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. These substances will be those substances previously referred to as ‘Legal Highs’ and will include herbal materials, powders, tablets, crystalline substances, gas or liquids and may be packaged and marked as ‘smoking materials’, ‘research chemicals’, ‘room deodorisers’, ‘herbal incense’ and ‘cream chargers’, some may even state the product is not for ‘human consumption’
• Nitrous Oxide (‘Noz’) in any form
• Alkyl Nitrates (otherwise known as Poppers)
• Knives
• Weapons and potential weapons; anything adapted for such a purpose
• Any object that security considers to be potentially harmful to public safety, being a single item or a potential component part for another object.
• Forged tickets and wristbands or an access pass of any description.

SEARCH PROCEDURE

We will notify attendees that all bags and personal items will be subject to search upon entry, this will be reiterated by clear and visible signage indicating that search is a condition of entry.

We ensure that the security staff conducting the search are properly trained and have an understanding of the search procedures for this event and assign enough security personnel to conduct the searches, so that the queues can be kept moving and attendees don’t have to wait too long.

We ensure that the searches are conducted in a non-discriminatory manner. All bags and personal items should be searched, regardless of the attendee’s race, gender, or any other characteristic. We will politely request attendees to remove any large or bulky items from their bags during the search to make it easier for security personnel to conduct the search.

If prohibited items are found during the search, these will be confiscated and the attendee will be informed that they will need to be approved for entry by one of the festival managers. If an attendee refuses to comply with the search procedures, they may be denied entry into the festival.

We will ensure that the search procedures are conducted in a manner that respects the privacy and dignity of the attendees. Searches will be conducted carefully and respectfully of the attendee’s property.

These are some general search procedures that can be followed when conducting a search at a festival. It is important to follow local laws and regulations and to have clear and visible signage indicating the search policies.

The security personnel conducting searches will be thoroughly trained and briefed to treat all attendees with respect, professionalism, and courtesy.

Here is a list of some skills or characteristics that we train and expect our staff to possess:

• Attention to detail: Trained staff should have a keen attention to detail to detect prohibited items that may be concealed.

• Good judgment: Staff should be able to identify any suspicious behaviour and determine when it is necessary to escalate concerns to security personnel.

• Technical competence: Staff should be trained on how to use search equipment, including metal detectors, X-ray machines, and other specialised equipment.

• Communication: Staff should have excellent communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, to make customers feel valued and safe, as well as to communicate clearly about the search process.

• Reliability: Trained staff should be reliable, punctual, and committed to completing searches thoroughly and accurately.

• Integrity: It is essential that staff members who are conducting searches possess high ethical and moral standards and are able to maintain confidentiality.

• Physical fitness and stamina: SIA search trained staff should be able to stand for long periods of time, have the ability to handle items that need to be searched, including lifting and holding backpacks, and maintain a high level of alertness.

• Multitasking: Staff should be able to handle multiple searches simultaneously and under a time crunch.

• Impartiality: Staff should remain neutral in their search duties and refrain from discriminating on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, or other characteristics.

Setting up search area

Identify the right location: Choose a location for the search area that is easily accessible to attendees. It should be close to the main entrance or exit to avoid any confusion.

Use signage and barriers: Place clear and conspicuous signs directing people to the search area. Use physical barriers like ropes, cones or fencing to control the flow of traffic and prevent overcrowding.

Set up tables: Use tables to allow the staff to search bags and belongings. The tables should be sturdy, at a comfortable height for the staff, and be able to support the weight of the items they are searching.

Provide bins: Place bins or trays nearby to help with the search process. These can be used to collect loose items, such as wallets, phones or keys while the bags are being searched.

Provide adequate lighting: Make sure that the search area is well-lit, especially if the search is happening during the night or in low-light conditions.

Use search equipment: Depending on the size and type of event, you may need specific search equipment like metal detectors or X-ray scanners. Ensure that the equipment is working correctly and that staff have been trained to use it effectively.

Provide restroom facilities: Ideally, we would have restrooms that are easily accessible and in close proximity to the search area. People should not have to leave the search area once they’ve entered the line.

Ensure proper ventilation: If the search area is an enclosed space, ensure that there is proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of body heat or fumes from people or items being screened.

Follow Covid-19 protocols: With the pandemic still an ongoing issue, it’s important to ensure that the search area provides for adequate social distancing and has hand sanitizer and masks available if necessary.

By following these steps, we hope to create an efficient and well-organised search area that meets the needs of the event and its attendees, while adhering to recognised safety protocols.