A letter from Australia: addressing deficits in venue security officer training in Cairns

Abstract

As with other front-line agencies, the role of licensed venue security officers is risky, as they put their bodies on the line at work. As 'the watchers' of public behaviour and disorder, security officers are rarely asked about their needs or how to improve their industry and their role within it. A study of alcohol-related assault in and around licensed premises in inner city of Cairns (far North Queensland, Australia) identified the need for basic training in human behaviour, as it is essential to staff safety and protection. As part of the Cairns study researchers provided this training in response to senior management's request. This article describes the training provided and security officers' responses to it. The industry may be failing licensed venue security officers if rudimentary skills-based learning and workplace health and safety training and support are not addressed.