Employment Opportunities
  
Employment of security officers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. An added emphasis on safety and security, along with roles across a broad range of industries, will mean excellent overall job opportunities for security officers.
   
The Australian Federal Police conducts recruitment for Protective Service Officers on an annual basis. Protective Service Officers undergo an intensive 13-week training course in Canberra. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a manual drivers licence.

Security officers are employed by private security firms, banks, large department stores, industrial and commercial organisations and property companies that own office blocks and hotels.

Security officers may be promoted to supervisory or managerial positions or to central control duties, checking that visits or patrols have been undertaken. Opportunities for promotion are generally better with larger organisations, although it is possible to move from a small employer to a more senior position with another firm.

If you’ve ever walked into a club, music venue or bar and had someone at the door checking your ID, this was a Bouncer or Doorman. They are in charge of making sure everyone who enters a premises is supposed to be there - this may require referring to a guest list and checking identification to ensure that everyone is of legal age to enter an area. A doorman or bouncer, is a security officer stationed at the entry of a facility. They are responsible for monitoring and policing who comes into that premises and confirming all entry procedures are followed and the person entering is allowed to be there.

Bouncers or Door Supervisors are responsible for the safety and security of customers and staff in venues such as pubs, bars, nightclubs and other licensed premises. They maintain order within the premises, manage crowds, deal with conflicts and emergencies inside the venue, and cooperate with management and police. They ensure the smooth running of a venue, keeping patrons safe and balancing logistics to adhere to the rules and regulations of the industry.

(Source: Sydney Criminal Lawyers)

ANZSCO ID: 442213

Alternative names: Door Supervisor, Security Supervisor, Doorman, Doorwoman,
  
Specialisations: Doormen work in all different kinds of industries including hospitality and entertainment. As a doorman you could work at a club, at a bar or a pub. You could work as concierge at a hotel, or at a large venue like an entertainment centre.

   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

To be an effective door supervisor, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:

• Knowledge of public safety and security
    
• Strong knowledge of the venue’s policies is necessary in order to properly enforce their rules, and this job requires a commanding presence to project authority. Though this is important to control the flow of people into the venue, it is also important to be friendly to avoid unreasonably intimidating guests.
    
• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    
• Ability to work well with others
    
• Attention to detail - you will need excellent attention to detail to complete this role. It’s paramount to your position that you are able to scan and assess the patrons requesting entry to the premise. This means you’ll need to be able to quickly and accurately scan for signs of drunkenness, inappropriate attire or drug use.
    
• Stickler for the rules - Working as a bouncer you will need to be a real stickler for the rules. Your job is make sure all rules and regulations are adhered to for patrons entering the venue. You will need to have an excellent understanding of the rules and regulations for this industry and the venue you work with in order to execute the rules appropriately.
    
• Concentration skills
    
• Customer service skills
    
• Excellent verbal communication skills - It’s your job to communicate the rules, ensure they are followed and keep patrons calm and orderly as you guide them through the process for entry at a venue.
    
• Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

(Source: Asset College)

Duties and Tasks

Door supervisor duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty. For example, if they work at a club, they will be required to charge the cover charge, make a visual assessment on the appropriateness of a patron’s clothing, are they wearing the right kind of shoes to come into the club, are they wearing a collared shirt? They might also be required to assess the sobriety of the patron looking to enter the club and their general demeanour; are they drunk, are they belligerent, will they cause trouble if they are let in?

Bouncers may also perform pat-downs and check bags of people entering a venue to ensure that no restricted items are brought inside.

Some responsibilities are common to most:

• Access Control: Checking identification, tickets, or credentials to ensure only authorized individuals are allowed entry to the establishment or event. Manage crowds to avoid crushing and queue jumping
    
• Crowd Management: Maintaining order and controlling the flow of patrons inside the venue to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safe environment.
    
• Conflict Resolution: Diffusing conflicts or potential altercations among patrons using verbal de-escalation techniques, mediation, and assertive yet non-violent methods.
    
• Physical Security: Monitoring the premises for suspicious or disruptive behaviour, potential threats, or unauthorized activities. This may involve patrolling designated areas, conducting searches if necessary, and enforcing venue policies.
    
• Ejection and Removal: Removing individuals who pose a threat to the safety or well-being of others or who violate the establishment’s rules and regulations. This may involve escorting them off the premises and coordinating with law enforcement if needed.
    
• Emergency Response: Responding quickly and effectively to emergency situations, such as medical incidents, fights, or evacuations, by following established protocols and providing assistance as necessary.
    
• Customer Service: Assisting patrons with inquiries, providing directions or information, and ensuring a positive and welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
    
• Liaison with Law Enforcement: Cooperating and communicating with local law enforcement if incidents occur that require their intervention or if legal issues arise.
    
• Reporting and Documentation: Documenting incidents, disturbances, or any noteworthy occurrences in detailed reports, including descriptions of individuals involved, actions taken, and any necessary follow-up actions.
    
• Prevention and Deterrence: Actively observing and deterring potential security threats, such as underage drinking, drug use, or theft, through proactive surveillance and enforcement of venue policies.

(Source: ABC News)

Working conditions

Strong physical endurance is also important, as bouncers often stand for the majority of their shifts.

This job often involves working late-night and weekend hours, and positions are usually part-time or on-call.
  
You’ll need to be physically fit and able-bodied because you will be on your feet for hours and have to do long shifts, you’ll need to be able to work late nights and you’ll need to complete some study.

  
Tools and technologies

Depending on the venue, you might have to use a handheld to communicate with the venue and/or police and emergency services.

Education and training/entrance requirements

In order to work as a bouncer or doorman, you will need to complete the Certificate II in Security Operations and you’ll need to get your unrestricted security guard licence. The process for application includes filling in your paperwork, providing your certificates and having your fingerprints taken. Once you have submitted your licence application, it can take from three weeks up to 8 weeks to receive your licence.
   
In New South Wales (NSW), completing a CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations is a requirement to work as a bouncer. This certification provides the necessary training and knowledge to perform the duties of a security guard, including those specific to the role of a bouncer.

Once you complete the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations you can then apply to SLED for a Class 1AC Security Licence, a further cost of $200 per year will be required or $640 for a 5 year security licence.

Also, you will also need to complete the Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate - it is a requirement for anyone working in a venue where alcohol is being served in QLD specifically.
   
Bouncers may also have to pass background screening and have a clean work history. Generally, they must also be of legal drinking age to work in venues which serve alcohol. Some bouncers may have duties as a bar-back when needed, which involves assisting bartender and stocking the bar with beverages, and tips may be received in this position.

The Conversation 11 December 2023
"Overall, digital identity should mean less of our personal information is collected and used by third parties. For example, when someone enters a pub and a bouncer asks for ID, the only information the bouncer needs to know is that the patron is over 18. The bouncer doesn’t need other personal information on their licence, such as their address or organ donor status."

Crowd controllers are security officers who ensure the safety of a person or group of people. They work with crowds in public places and help keep them calm.

What is the difference between a crowd controller and a security officer?
    
Crowd controllers are a specific part of security. Security officers can complete a range of tasks, from body guarding to security analysing, but crowd controllers work specifically with crowds. There's often a crossover in the jobs. For example, security officers may become crowd controllers and vice versa. Crowd controllers can advance into other types of security, such as body guarding or surveillance.

ANZSCO ID: 442213

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Crowd controllers need soft and hard skills and some useful attributes. Here's a list of some of the main ones:

• Information technology: Crowd controllers usually operate specific IT equipment to carry out their duties. For example, they may use ID scanners to check that a person's identification is legitimate. It's helpful for crowd controllers to know how to operate these machines and to be quick to learn how to use any new machinery.
    
• Authority: A big part of crowd control is informing patrons whether they're allowed to enter a building or giving them instructions once they're inside. It's important that crowd controllers are authoritative and comfortable giving people directions. Sometimes patrons contest authority, so it's essential that a crowd controller is firm and direct with their approach.
     
• Emotional control: As crowd controllers sometimes interact with people who are aggressive, it's useful for them to control their emotions. Professionals rarely allow emotion to affect their work and stay calm even if others are angry. They learn how to control any negative or impulsive emotions while working to maintain an air of calmness. Interviewers may ask candidates about their ability to control emotions and query how they may handle different situations.
     
• Physical strength: As crowd controllers may physically detain people, they often have impressive physical strength. They may also have the fitness level to spend a lot of time on their feet and potentially help people leave crowds if they feel unwell. Crowd controllers typically maintain their strength by adding lifting weights or other strength building exercises to their weekly routine.
     
• Communication: Crowd controllers work with other professionals, including bar staff, stewards and managers. They typically brief their colleagues on any security issues and give detailed instructions on specific things to consider. Crowd controllers also speak to patrons, communicating any instructions or detail about why they're not allowed into a venue or why you're detaining them. Solid communication skills help everyone understand the situation and could ensure that they stay calm.
     
• Attention to detail: is important for a crowd controller. They may use this skill to pick up on small incidents inside a venue and assess whether they have the potential to escalate. Attention to detail also helps professionals to discern whether identification is genuine and what to look for when checking bags.

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

Through an authoritative persona and detailed security knowledge, a crowd controller ensures the safety of their clients. They may work in public places, like nightclubs, sports stadiums or shopping centres and they keep their customers safe. Here are some of their primary duties:

• Guarding a venue: Crowd controllers stand outside a venue and monitor its security. They monitor the queue of people who wish to enter and check that they meet any venue requirements. They also check that nobody is trying to get into the building via an unofficial entrance.
    
• Checking patrons on entrance to a venue: Crowd controllers also station themselves at the entrance, screening anybody who wishes to enter. Their primary duty here is typically checking identification, confirming that patrons are old enough to enter the venue. They might also scan identification to assess that it's valid. Other crowd controllers search bags, either by hand or using machinery.
     
• Observing security systems: Some crowd controllers work in an office at the venue, monitoring security cameras. They could look for unlawful or troublesome activity within the venue. They may then alert colleagues who are working within the venue to resolve any challenges.
     
• Confronting and detaining customers if necessary: If there's any trouble in or around the venue, crowd controllers may confront those involved. They might warn these customers, ask them to leave the venue or detain them. If they detain the person, they may lead them to a designated place and ensure that they stay there.
     
• Communicating with the police: If trouble escalates to police involvement, crowd controllers may communicate with the police. They might make an initial call to ask for police involvement and speak to them when they arrive. If cases progress, they may also provide witness statements.

(Source: NPB Security)

Working conditions
   
A crowd controller's working hours can vary significantly. Shifts could be anything from four to 24 hours. Shifts may occur during the day or overnight. Some employers ask employees to work a mix of shift types. Some positions require round-the-clock surveillance, so multiple crowd controllers usually work on each shift. Crowd controllers might work full or part time, depending on the specific job and other employees. Some positions may be suitable for students or people with other responsibilities who prefer to work part time.

Crowd controllers often work in public buildings, such as hotels or sports stadiums. They're usually positioned at the entrance to the building but may also work with the crowd inside or patrol the outside. These venues are typically very busy. Sometimes, lifeguards or ushers can act as crowd controllers. Usually, these professionals don't need the same licensing, but their duties can often be similar.

Tools and technologies

Walkie-talkies or other communication equipment are essential to keep in contact with other crowd controllers especially when help is required. Mobile phones with speed dialing to Police and Venue Managers.

They may use ID scanners to check that a person's identification is legitimate. Hearing Protection is essential for any loud workplaces as well as a small torch.

(Source: Asset)

Education and training/entrance requirements
  
All candidates can obtain a qualification from a registered training organisation (RTO) which they verify with the police. Below are some steps to becoming a crowd controller, but it's advisable to check the requirements for your particular state or territory:

1. Finish secondary school
Most employers prefer their crowd controllers to have finished school. There are usually no specific subjects required to become a crowd controller, but good grades in mathematics, English, information technology (IT) and science could strengthen your application. Generally, crowd controllers are at least 18 years old.

2. Acquire a security qualification
Next, acquire a suitable security qualification, like a Certificate II or III in Security Operations. This certificate proves you have the skills and knowledge to be a crowd controller. Usually, the certificate involves a written examination. Some employers ask for proof of passing this examination before considering a candidate.

3. Obtain additional qualifications
There are some other qualifications that could help when applying for crowd controller roles. Many employers ask for first aid certificates, which are qualifications that show you can administer emergency treatment if necessary. This is usually a quick and easy process to obtain, perhaps by attending a training day and taking an assessment. Employers may also require you to have a clean driver's licence. They may also specify a certain level of fitness, as crowd controllers can require physical activity. You could work on strengthening exercises to get fitter and stronger.

4. Apply for a security or crowd controller licence
Next, apply for a security or crowd controller licence. This permits you to practice security in your state and is typically a requirement of any employer. You usually undergo a criminal record check and fingerprinting during this process. Depending on your role, you may also undergo several other reviews, especially if you're working with vulnerable people. This can be a lengthy process, taking four to six weeks to complete in some instances.

5. Search for opportunities
Use an online job board to find opportunities. You may find venues and companies that are looking for crowd controllers. Often, they're happy to accept entry-level staff, provided you meet all of their qualifications and skills requirements.

6. Complete ongoing training
Most crowd controllers complete ongoing training every three years to keep their licence and ensure that their security knowledge is current. Upon receiving your licence, you may see the expiry date for each module. You usually complete online training before this date, after which you receive another licence.

Alarm, security or surveillance monitors protect people, organisations and property and make sure they are kept safe. They observe security alarms and surveillance equipment to prevent crimes from happening and contact mobile security guards when problems occur. They also notify supervisors, police or fire brigades if security is breached or fire is detected. Alarm, security or surveillance monitors may also be required to respond in person or perform patrolling duties.


ANZSCO ID & description: 442211: Monitors security alarms, CCTV and other surveillance equipment, and contacts supervisors, police or fire brigades if security is breached or fire is detected. Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative names: Control Room Operator

Knowledge, skills and attributes

​An alarm, security or surveillance monitor needs: