When planning an off-campus party, it is important to consider security for guests and property. Hiring a professional, licensed security company can help reduce risks like assaults, theft, or legal issues. The security guards should be friendly but firm, experienced, and preferably uniformed. Notifying campus safety about the party ensures authorities are prepared to help with any issues. As a host or guest, being respectful of neighbors and ensuring safe transportation for intoxicated guests are important responsibilities.

1. Best Practice Guide for Planning an Off-Campus Party
When you plan a party it’s important to think about security for your guests and property.
Parties should be a fun way to socialize and for people to enjoy themselves, but parties need to
be safe and secure. Most parties occur without any problems and fun is had by all. But we all
know that assaults, theft of property, financial loss, and even legal implications are a reality
nowadays. Good security at your party can reduce the risk of potential problems.
Things to consider when hiring a private security company
1) What do you expect out of them?
 Control who gets into the party?
 Check ID’s?
 Protection? What level is desired?
 Monitor noise levels to minimize disruption to your neighbors?
2) What to look for in a security officer.
 The guard should be friendly, but firm and comfortable interacting with Colorado
College Students
 If you hire an independent “security” guard without professional affiliations, there is
really no assurance that the guard working for you is truly qualified and competent.
If a security contractor indicates he/she can’t tell you their complete background
because of a security clearance or client confidentiality…….that should be a red flag.
 Do the security personnel have real-life experience in making decisions relating to
the use of force that would be viewed as “appropriate” in a court of law?
 Is the person/company you hire a bonded, licensed and insured security company? If
not, there is little protection if that guard's actions on the job somehow lead to a
lawsuit.
 When it comes to hiring security guards, it doesn't matter whether the guards are
employed by a security guard agency or hired directly by the end user; interviewing
is essential in order to find the right person for the position.
3) Uniform or Plainclothes?
 It is the opinion of Campus Safety and the Campus Resource Officers that a
uniformed guard is the best practice. The goal of a uniformed guard is deterrence
and deterrence is preferable. A uniformed guard can be very effective in deterring
uninvited guest from even attempting to get into the party.

2.  Hiring experienced uniformed security guards for your party can reduce the risk of
gatecrashers, prevent damage to your property and reduce disruptions to your
neighbors.
4) Armed or Unarmed?
 It is generally not a good idea for residential parties to employ armed guards in
public areas. An unarmed guard will deter thieves or party crashers just as well
without becoming a source or cause of violence in the event of an emergency. Also,
if the police respond, it helps them control the scene better and reduce mistaking
security guards as suspects.
 If your house is on Colorado College property, the use of armed security guards is
not permitted.
5) Medically Trained?
 If your friends have had too much to drink or have taken drugs and have passed out
this is a medical emergency and having security can reduce the risk of serious injury
to your guest or friend. Some security companies’ have patrol vehicles which are
equipped with AED (automatic external defibrillator) units, and guards are trained in
first aid and CPR.
It is recommended that you work with Campus Safety in making arrangements for security for
your event. Campus Safety regularly contracts with Wackenhut Security and has had positive
experiences with the company. http://www.g4s.us.
By notifying Campus Safety and the Campus Resource Officer of your party it will ensure that if
things go wrong, the proper authorities have the information needed to help.
Things to consider when planning a party or attending a party
Party hosts have a responsibility to develop good neighborhood relations when moving into a
new residence. Generally, new neighborhood residents, especially students, are encouraged to
meet their neighbors, exchange contact information, and notify other residents about
upcoming social events that will be hosted at their home.
If you are invited to a party in a neighborhood, realize that you have responsibilities as a
partygoer to help your friends and acquaintances maintain a good relationship with their
neighbors.

3. 1) Before your party:
 Inform your neighbors that a party is going to take place, especially if there will be
many vehicles and loud music.
 Ask your guests to respect your neighbors’ property and the common areas in your
neighborhood such as boulevards, entry gateways, and cul-de-sacs.
2) During your party:
 Avoid parking problems and consider the parking and driving needs of your
neighbors.
 Periodically, go outside and monitor the level of noise coming from your party.
 It is illegal to serve alcohol to guests under the legal drinking age of 21.
 Serve food and have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages available.
 Take steps to ensure that all guests have a sober ride home, escorts or Safe Ride.
You can contact Safe Ride at 719-389-6340.
 Discourage guests from wandering away from the property.
3) As the party ends:
 If guests are too drunk to drive, find another solution, such as allowing them to stay
at your home or asking a sober party attendant to drive them or utilizing Campus
Safety or Safe Ride. The host can be liable for damage or harm caused by
intoxicated guests.
 Remove all garbage from the yard and street immediately. Drive the neighborhood
streets the next morning to resolve any problems caused by your guests.
 If guests stay the night, make sure that they park in an orderly manner so their cars
are not blocking streets, sidewalks, or driveways.
4) Attending parties and gatherings:
 Respect everyone’s property by not littering or trespassing on the property of
others.
 Park legally on neighborhood streets. Blocking sidewalks, streets or driveways is
against city ordinance.
 Keep the noise to a minimum when going to and from a party.
 If you choose to drink, consume alcohol at the party only instead of while going to
and from a party.

4.  Dispose of alcohol containers in garbage cans before you leave the party. It is illegal
to operate a vehicle, ride in a vehicle or walk down sidewalks with an open alcoholic
beverage container.
 If alcoholic beverages are being sold illegally or illegal drugs are being used, leave
the party immediately.
 Always use the restroom at the party. Public urination is illegal, unsanitary, and
inconsiderate.
 Encourage friends who have consumed too much alcohol to stop drinking.