Abstract: A crowd control stanchion has a base and a post configured to be joined to the base. An insert is used to selectively couple the base and the post in a secure manner, the insert being secured to the base and disposed within the post. The insert has an upper portion that is selectively moveable relative to a lower portion. When the portions are manipulated, they apply radial pressure on the inside wall of the post. Such radial pressure increases the static friction between the insert and the post, thus reducing the probability that the post will move either vertically or rotationally relative to the base.