Protest Season Preparedness: A Security Professional’s Guide for Puget Sound

It's almost May 1st, kicking off what I like to think of as Protest Season here in Seattle. As security professionals, we must understand and prepare for the propensity of violent protests. What does that look like?

1. Assess the Event Environment

Begin by charting the protest’s route and key locations—assembly points, march corridors, choke-points (bridges, narrow streets), and adjacent private or historic properties. Monitor organizers’ social channels for attendance estimates and tone, and note differences between downtown Seattle, Tacoma, and campus demonstrations.

2. Understand Regulatory Requirements

• Guard Identification: Every officer must carry and display a valid Washington State security license.

• First Amendment Protections: Demonstrators can assemble, speak, and record. Security teams must avoid infringing on those liberties.

• Use-of-Force Guidelines: Though private security isn’t bound by SPD policy, adopting their de-escalation and minimal-force principles reduces risk and liability.

3. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Identify and evaluate potential threats:

• Agitators & Counter-demonstrators: Groups that may clash.

• Lone Actors: Individuals carrying weapons or incendiary devices.

• Environmental Factors: Weather, terrain, and crowd density that could cause accidents or impede evacuation.

4. Establish Clear Communication Protocols

• Law Enforcement Liaison: Secure a dedicated channel with SPD or Pierce County Sheriff’s Office for real-time updates.

• Client Briefings: Conduct a concise pre-event briefing outlining anticipated risks, roles, and escalation paths.

• Defined Roles: Assign an Incident Commander, Communications Officer, and Medical Lead to clarify responsibilities.

5. Deploy a Strategic Security Posture

• Layered Presence:

  • Uniformed Posts: Static guards at entrances and critical nodes to deter misconduct.

  • Mobile Patrols: Foot or vehicle teams to identify and respond to emerging issues.

  • Plainclothes Overwatch: Discreet observers positioned to detect early warning signs.

• Essential Equipment: High-visibility vests, reliable radios (with backups), de-escalation tools (barriers, signage), and standard PPE.

• Medical Support: Embed trained first-responders or maintain a direct EMS liaison for rapid casualty care.

6. Execute Training and Exercises

• Tabletop Scenarios: Walk through “what-if” situations such as route deviations, crowd surges, or medical emergencies.

• Live Drills: Rehearse actual deployments to test timing, communication, and decision-making.

• De-escalation & Cultural Awareness: Train officers to maintain professional composure, recognize peaceful protest behaviors, and engage respectfully.

7. Foster a Positive Community Interface

• Professional Courtesy: Encourage officers to offer basic guidance (“This way to the designated protest area”) rather than appear confrontational.

• Visibility Balance: Combine a reassuring uniformed presence with plainclothes teams to manage risks without intimidating peaceful demonstrators.

• Feedback Collection: Solicit input from event organizers and participants after each deployment to refine tactics and strengthen relationships..

8. Conduct Post-Event Review and Continuous Improvement

• Incident Documentation: Record each notable event—times, locations, individuals involved, and actions taken.

• Debrief Session: Convene security leadership and client representatives to analyze performance, identify gaps, and agree on corrective measures.

• Key Metrics: Track response times, number of interventions, and client satisfaction to measure effectiveness and demonstrate value.

Varangian Guard Security can deliver principled, effective protection throughout the Protest Season- and beyond by systematically assessing the environment, adhering to legal standards, deploying a layered security posture, and committing to continuous refinement.