How to Write a Security Management Plan (Victoria)

A security management plan (SMP) is a formal document that outlines how security risks will be identified and managed for a specific event, venue, or commercial site. In Victoria, SMPs are required for many licensed events, major public gatherings, and venues operating under certain permit conditions.

Even when not legally required, a well-written SMP demonstrates to councils, police, insurers, and clients that you have thought systematically about security — and it provides a clear operational framework for your security team.

This guide walks through what an SMP needs to contain and how to write one that will satisfy council requirements and stand up to scrutiny.

When Is a Security Management Plan Required?

In Victoria, you will typically need an SMP when:

• Applying for a temporary liquor licence or extended trading permit for an event
• Applying for a council event permit for a public event above a certain attendance threshold (varies by council)
• Operating a licensed venue with a high-risk trading classification under the Liquor Control Reform Act
• Required as a condition of planning permit for a venue or development
• Requested by Victoria Police as part of their event liaison process for major events

Even if not required, many event organisers and venue operators prepare SMPs voluntarily because they reduce liability, improve insurance outcomes, and give the security team a clear brief.

What a Security Management Plan Must Include

1. Event or Venue Overview

Start with a clear description of what is being secured: event name and type, date(s) and hours, venue address and layout, expected attendance, and the nature of the activity (licensed event, public gathering, sporting event, etc.).

2. Risk Assessment

The risk assessment is the foundation of the SMP. It identifies potential security threats and rates their likelihood and consequence. Common risks to assess include:

• Crowd crush or uncontrolled entry surges
• Alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour
• Drug use or dealing on premises
• Medical emergencies requiring evacuation
• Prohibited items being brought onto site
• Unauthorised access to restricted areas
• External threats (protests, uninvited groups)
• Terrorism or active threat scenarios (for major public events)

For each risk, document the likelihood (rare / possible / likely), potential consequence (minor / moderate / major / catastrophic), and your mitigation strategy.

3. Security Staffing Plan

Detail how many security officers will be deployed, their roles and positions, their licence endorsements, and the chain of command. For guidance on calculating the right number of officers for an event, see our event security staffing guide. Include:

• Total security headcount and the basis for that number (ratio, risk assessment outcome)
• Position descriptions for each role (entry/exit, roving, supervisor, first aid liaison)
• Name and licence number of the security supervisor or chief warden
• Shift times, handover procedures, and relief arrangements
• Whether officers are from a licensed security company (include company licence number)

4. Entry and Patron Management

Describe how patrons will enter the venue, including:

• Number of entry points and how each will be staffed
• ID checking and age verification procedures
• Search procedures (bag checks, wand searches) if applicable
• How prohibited items will be managed
• Queue management strategy for anticipated peak arrival times
• Capacity monitoring and how the venue will manage reaching capacity

5. Incident Response Procedures

Document how your team will respond to common incident types:

• Medical emergencies — who calls 000, who clears space, who liaises with paramedics
• Violent incidents — de-escalation protocol, when to call police, use of force policy
• Evacuation — triggers, assembly points, how the crowd will be directed, who coordinates with emergency services
• Suspicious items or persons — how officers report and escalate
• Fire — coordination with venue fire warden system

6. Communication Plan

Detail how security officers will communicate with each other and with venue management, police, and emergency services. Include radio channel assignments, mobile contact numbers for key personnel, and the protocol for escalating incidents to the security supervisor and then to police or emergency services.

7. Alcohol and Responsible Service

For licensed events, include how the venue will manage responsible service of alcohol (RSA), how security officers will identify and manage intoxicated patrons, and the process for refusing service and removing patrons. See also what Victoria law requires for crowd control at licensed venues — these obligations must be reflected in your SMP.

8. Post-Event Review Process

A good SMP includes a brief section on post-event review — how incidents will be documented, what records will be retained, and how the learnings will feed into future events.

Getting Your SMP Approved

Submit your SMP to the relevant authority — council events team, Liquor Control Victoria, or Victoria Police — well before your event. Allow at least 4 weeks for review, and be prepared to respond to queries or requests for additional detail.

Security Guard Company Melbourne can assist with SMP preparation for events and venues across Victoria. Our team has extensive experience producing plans that satisfy council and police requirements. Contact us to discuss your event requirements.