Petition launched to arm security guards with more power and protections after spate of violence

A petition has been launched to arm security guards with more protection following a spate of violent incidents across the country.

A call to arm security guards with more power and protections has been launched, following a spate of violent incidents in public places across the country.

The petition launched by Roland Springis on Change.org, claims that “anti-social behaviour by gangs of youth, and individuals that have malicious intentions” has caused an increase of violence in public places.

“I’ve worked as a court security guard and worked at nightclubs,” Mr Springis, a 24-year-old security guard, told The Advertiser.

“I’ve definitely seen an increase in the amount of people using weapons, like knives, alcohol and drug fuelled violence.

“Based on the way it’s going, security guards definitely need added protection.

“The only time I’ve been equipped, was when I worked as a court security guard, but they follow a different act.

“They go under the court security act, which they classified as an authorised officer.”

Rear view of a security guard listening to his headset. Generic photo of security guard.

Faraz Tahir, a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during at Westfield, Bondi Junction, Sydney on Sunday.

Mr Springis referenced one of the six victims, Faraz Tahir, who was fatally stabbed inside a Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction, Sydney on Sunday.

The 30-year-old security guard was on duty at the Westfield complex when he was knifed by Joel Cauchi during his crazed killing spree.

“If that security guard had protection to protect himself and other people such as, capsicum spray, baton, handcuffs or a taser, the situation could have been under control a lot faster,” Mr Springis wrote in the Sunday petition.

“He could have saved himself and some more lives could have been saved.

“Honestly how is a security guard, who has no protection or proper equipment meant to protect themselves against someone who has a knife?”

Petition launched to arm security guards with more power and protection across the country.

Mr Springis said he would have “felt safer and gotten control” of a situation quickly and “in a more efficient manner” if he had the appropriate equipment to de-escalate a situation.

“How many more people have to be seriously injured, or have their life lost due to security guards not having sufficient resources to protect themselves and the public?,” Mr Springis said.

The petition has garnered over 1,770 signatures towards the 2,500 signature goal.

Last year in April, a security guard was stabbed at City Cross Arcade after confronting a gang of alleged teenage shoplifters – one believed to be aged 12 – just before 5.30pm on a Friday night during the school holiday dinner rush.

In November, a Melbourne man was charged over the assault of a Police Security officer at SA’s Government House.

You can sign the petition at: www.change.org