{"id":42762,"date":"2018-10-17T08:31:32","date_gmt":"2018-10-16T21:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/?p=42762"},"modified":"2018-10-17T08:31:32","modified_gmt":"2018-10-16T21:31:32","slug":"protecting-communities-australias-licensed-security-personnel-and-counterterrorism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/protecting-communities-australias-licensed-security-personnel-and-counterterrorism\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting communities: Australia\u2019s licensed security personnel and counterterrorism"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There are more than 120,000 licensed security guards in Australia.\u00a0No one knows the exact number as each jurisdiction has a different way of defining security operators and determining who should be licensed and how. Some practitioners have licences in more than one state or territory, and of course not all security personnel are, or need to be, licensed.<\/p>\n

The private security manpower sector plays a significant role in both preventing and responding to critical incidents, including terrorist attacks. Private security staff provide the \u2018eyes, ears and hands\u2019 before any attack and an ability to be first responders after any security-related incident.<\/p>\n

By observing non-routine behaviour and unusual objects, they provide a deterrent through their presence, maintaining checkpoints, conducting bag screening and so on. They\u2019re already on the spot and generally have an intimate knowledge of the normal comings and goings at each site. They\u2019re uniformed and easily recognisable. They\u2019re trained, albeit to varying levels, and can provide a cordon or direct people away from dangers. They understand command and control and communications.<\/p>\n

The government, the private sector and the public rely on security guards to protect them and their assets. They\u2019re used at large public gatherings such as major sporting events, community festivals, celebrations and special events, such as the Commonwealth Games. Private security also provides an important and significant presence at public transport hubs such as airports, railway stations and shipping ports as a line of defence and deterrence.<\/p>\n

In a new ASPI report<\/a> published today, the actual and potential capabilities of the private security sector are examined in the context of Australian counterterrorism policy and planning. The report looks at the problems that are holding the sector back from being an active participant in national counterterrorist efforts.<\/p>\n

In manpower numbers, the private guarding industry is much more significant than the police or military. The security industry has more than double the personnel of Australia\u2019s combined police agencies and permanent Australian Defence Force.<\/p>\n

National and jurisdictional forums for addressing terrorism include venue owners and operators, but the providers of guarding services aren\u2019t always at the table.<\/p>\n

While the guarding services workforce is expected and may even be contracted to carry out actions that relate to counterterrorism, the lack of appropriate and consistent training, the lack of consistent \u2018fit and proper person\u2019 requirements, the poor pay, the general low esteem and the inconsistencies between jurisdictions limit its potential in this role.<\/p>\n

Clients (including government) of guarding providers tend to seek the lowest prices, often below award rates, without considering the quality of service provided. There are, however, pockets of excellence where private security is fully integrated, trusted and delivering effective security outcomes. But multijurisdictional inconsistencies and poorly delivered training remain key problems for the security guarding workforce.<\/p>\n

The report makes seven recommendations:<\/p>\n