Robert C. Smith of Nightclub Security Consultants offers insight into the “lockdown generation,” their influence on club safety protocols and how utilizing metal detectors can attract these customers.
(NOTE: This story appears in the March 2025 issue of ED Magazine and was written by Robert C. Smith)
Question. Do you know what the “lockdown generation” is? The term describes Gen Zers in America who were born within a few years of the Columbine High School tragedy, forcing them to live in a world where school shootings and active shooter drills are a reality. This generation is already at or approaching the age where they’ll be going to your clubs, and they have an entirely different perspective on real and perceived safety than the rest of us.
After leading hundreds of talks, classes and private sessions, I don’t believe many people over 50 truly understand the massive mindset shift for this customer demographic. Club owners and operators have been slow to accept that getting more customers in the door is linked to a venue’s real or perceived safety.
If you use a metal detection system, you will absolutely lower the number of incidents involving firearms and bladed weapons in your club.
–Robert C. Smith
NO MORE does utilizing a metal detector mean a club is unsafe. NO MORE does a required wand scan or pat down at the door scare away customers. The lockdown generation wants you to implement these security protocols as they create a sense of safety for those inside your venue.
Metal detection made simple
If you use a metal detection system, you will absolutely lower the number of incidents involving firearms and bladed weapons in your club. Ask anyone under 35 if they mind being scanned by a wand or walking through a metal detector. They’ll often say, “No, I’m glad you’re doing it!” If you don’t believe me, go ahead and ask. This is real, and it’s the truth. So, which metal detectors are best for you and your club? Each venue is different and has distinct standards and a unique entrance. Maybe even multiple entrances. Don’t overthink it.
When making your decision, consider these tips:
High-tech detection systems: You don’t need the most expensive stand-up security systems like the Evolv Weapons Detection System to keep weapons out of your club. Not only is this option costly, but it comes with very restrictive operational points such as space requirements and necessary software updates. There have also been issues with their AI failing to detect smaller, compact weapons.
Walk-through metal detectors: You probably don’t need a TSA-style walk-through metal detector at your club. Like the Evolv Weapons Detection system, walk-through metal detectors are costly and cumbersome. Both also require additional staff training, increasing overall costs.
Handheld metal detectors: In my opinion, a standard handheld metal detector wand, such as a Garrett Wand, gets the job done for most venues. This simple tool has been around for more than 40 years and is lightweight, easy to operate, effective and affordable.
Nevertheless, metal detector wands have one main flaw, and it doesn’t come from the manufacturer. It’s user-based. Regardless of what kind of metal detector wands you have at your club, a staff who fails to use them can be very costly. Whether they “forgot” or claim the wands are lost or broken, there is no valid excuse for failing to use them, as it opens your liability window even wider. For this reason, it’s also important to buy more than one wand. Be prepared and plan for times when a unit unexpectedly breaks or gets stolen. A standard handheld wand is between 14 and 16 inches long and 4 and 5 inches wide. It runs on batteries and self-calibrates, can be muted to vibrate only and offers a wrist strap that allows the user to use both hands if necessary. Operating the device is simple, but getting the proper technique down will take some time. I recommend utilizing free training videos online or asking about hands-on training when comparing vendors. Depending on where the metal detector wands are purchased from, the seller might offer in-person training or even work the door with your team one night.
Guidelines for security policies
Once you’ve purchased a few handheld wands, you must create and implement a new club policy regarding their use. When coming up with a new written policy, I strongly recommend including these basic points:
Decide who gets screened: In my opinion, and I’ve said this a thousand times, “You can’t be halfway pregnant.” You either do it all the way or not at all. If not, you aren’t doing everything you can to keep weapons out of your club. Even the most pleasant customers will try to bring their guns inside. Everyone entering the club should get screened and denied entry if they have a weapon. This includes off-duty law enforcement officers or those in legal concealed carry states. No weapons. Period.
Be prepared for a pat down: Any staff member performing wand scans needs to be prepared to conduct a pat down. The wand will beep or vibrate when hovering over the area where it detects something. Part of your club’s policy should include what questions to ask the customer in this instance and when to request that they empty their pockets or raise their shirt above their waistline. You must have your team prepared and trained to pat down the area that signaled something metallic.
Hire a female security guard: You must have a trained female guard on your security staff to assist with pat downs on women who set off the metal detectors. If you can’t find a female security guard or choose not to hire one, consider implementing a policy that only allows customers who pass the wand scan to enter the club, bypassing the pat down entirely. It might sound extreme, but it’s just a new process that your guests will learn to accept.
Here’s an example of what the process will look like for security staff:
- Scan with the wand.
- If there is a wand alert, ask the person to empty their pockets or lift their shirt. Be sure to have a small table or counter area for guests to place their keys, phone and other acceptable metal objects.
- Rescan the area. If there is no sound or alert, the guest enters.
- If there is an alert during the rescan, ask the guest if they will allow a pat down in that area. The guest can say yes or no.
- If they agree, use the back of your hand to pat that area down for other metal objects.
- If the guest denies a pat down, be polite and let the guest know they can’t enter the club. Any pushback from the guest may require attention from a manager.
You must have a trained female guard on your security staff to assist with pat downs on women who set of the metal detectors.
–Robert C. Smith
These points are not all-inclusive and your club’s written policy may require further details based on the security tools you utilize and your state’s laws. I understand this topic can be challenging for club owners and operators to address and attack, but know that utilizing metal detectors will not scare guests away but reassure them they’ll be safe during their visit. Nightclub Security Consultants can provide you with more guidance on your club’s security needs or answer any questions.
Robert C. Smith, President of Nightclub Security Consultants, has developed online and in-person security training and liability assessment programs for bars and clubs. His programs have been reviewed by state courts and insurance companies and were deemed well above the “Hospitality Industry Standard of Care.” Now retired after 20 years as a San Diego Police Officer and Detective, Robert continues to help lower liability for liquor-licensed establishments through his teachings. For more information, please visit nightclubsecurity.com or send an email to rsmith@nightclubsecurity.com.
