Assault on Crowd Controller - Lesson Learned!

A recent assault on a Melbourne Crowd Controller when attacked from behind highlights an ongoing issue for operational security staff - mobile phones! Pre-licensing training seeks to highlight why use of mobile phones during work creates a safety issue and yet evidence remains that personnel are not adhering to good practices.

On 2 April 2015 a security officer performing door duties was assaulted in Melbourne’s CBD by a patron who had been removed minutes earlier.  Media reporting disclosed a short video moments leading up to the assault.

Risk assessors and security advisors know only too well that staff awareness is critical in minimising risk. The attached image shows a common workplace problem – distractions caused by mobile telephones.

To overcome this risk many workplaces are now prohibiting security staff from carrying mobile telephones during hours of operational duty. The evidence is this case is another example of why such a policy is necessary – for everyone’s security and safety