Shopping centre security personnel are becoming as eye-catching as some of the window displays as they join the ranks of high-profile police and emergency services personnel in wearing body cameras.
Personnel from Trident Services Australia, which manages the security for Maroochydore’s Sunshine Plaza, turned shoppers’ heads this week on regular patrols.
Their vests, emblazoned with ‘Security’ in capital letters on the back and what looked like body cameras on the front, left no doubt they meant business in keeping staff, stores and customers safe and secure, and protecting their property.
While no increase in incidents has been reported and the security presence remains the same, the region’s premier shopping destination – with more than 300 stores and about 10 million visitors a year – still warrants more beefed-up security than your average store measures to deter shoplifting.
“We’re continuously updating and reviewing the centre’s safety procedures to ensure they remain in line with the latest standards and best practices,” a Sunshine Plaza spokesperson said.
“As always, the safety of our customers, retailers and staff is our number one priority.”
The centre’s comprehensive security management program includes entrance and in-centre CCTV surveillance, 24-hour security patrols seven days a week, as well as the long-established on-site Police Beat.
NSW-based Constant Security Services sums up the expanded security needs of retail centres on its website: “In addition to the typical security issues that arise from crowds, shopping centres are also exposed to unique challenges due to the vast amount of services and shops within them. Retail stores, supermarkets, entertainment facilities and restaurants all face specific security concerns that can be intensified when set amidst the crowded context of a shopping centre.
“While many assume that the primary security concern within shopping centres is theft, there are a multitude of other concerns that a shopping centre may encounter in its day-to-day operation.
“Security personnel act as the main point of contact for shopping centre staff and guests if they experience or witness any kind of emergency or criminal activity. By providing a regular and consistent presence throughout the shopping centre, security personnel keep an eye out for suspicious activity and efficiently address any concerns should they arise.”
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The use of body camera recording devices is now widespread throughout the community, including within retail complexes.
“Trident Services Australia provides security services at more than 40 retail and commercial properties, airports and events across Australia, so it’s important we work with like-minded partners such as Lendlease in ensuring our security team is highly visible, approachable and have the latest technology at their disposal, keeping people and property safe,” a Trident Services Australia spokesperson said.
The compact devices are worn by police, security and military personnel, and rescue and emergency services officers, as well as on construction sites and in healthcare facilities.
The Trident Services Australia website currently has a full-time position available at Sunshine Plaza for a suitably qualified and experienced security officer.
Among the minimum requirements are current first-aid and CPR certificates, and security and crowd control licences in Queensland.
The officer’s duties and area of responsibility will include:
- providing high-quality customer service, frontline service and support;
- risk identification and issue resolution;
- reporting and recording incidents and various other activities while on shift;
- responding to all medical and security incidents;
- strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills;
- responding to emergency events in accordance with site systems and processes;
- the ability to develop professional relationships with emergency services; and
- developing understanding of conflict resolution and de-escalation.
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