New anti-terror guidance for security guards that advises ‘challenging’ suspicious behaviour can thwart attacks

South Australia’s civilian security guards could be a vital first line of defence in preventing terrorism or mass casualty events, the document says. Vote in the poll.

Westfield Marion was locked down in June. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Security guards “challenging” unusual or suspicious behaviour can stop terrorism or mass casualty crimes, official guidance states amid debate on how best to protect public locations.

For the first time in five years, the state government’s consumer watchdog, and SA Police, have released revised “counter terrorism awareness” advice for security industry personnel.

The Consumer and Business Services guidance states the physical presence of security reassures the community while “challenging” unusual activity can thwart any attacks.

Community debate on security guards, concerns at a lack of uniform rules and calls for a police boost have mounted after a spate of shopping centre attacks nationwide this year.

Police figures, released to the opposition under Freedom of Information laws, reveal officers are called to major SA shopping centres almost six times a day.

The anti-terror dossier, which national security and intelligence agencies helped compile, details how to prepare for, and respond to, terrorism-related or other serious public attacks.

This may involve an active armed offender, use of improvised explosive devices, chemical weapons, a “hostile” vehicle or similar reconnaissance.

The 14-page advice, reviewed this month for the first time since 2019, states security personnel “play a valuable role in preventing terrorist or criminal acts”.

“The physical presence of security often provides a level of deterrence as this heightens the risk of detection and intervention,” it states.

“(It) can minimise the impact of an incident by preventing or controlling where an attack occurs, (for example) outside a venue rather than inside.

“By watching for and challenging unusual, out of place or suspicious behaviours, security officers are able to establish if an individual or group poses a threat and/or report the behaviour for further investigation.”

The national terror threat level was this year raised to “probable” after Australian Intelligence Security Organisation (ASIO) director-general Mike Burgess warned of a “greater than 50 per cent chance of a terrorist attack in the next 12 months” amid a rise of radicalism.

Relieved customers leave the Westfield Marion where armed gangs were reported inside. Picture: NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Mike Burgess ASIO boss has warned about the rise of radicalism. Picture: NewsWire / Dean Martin

While the nature of terrorism is “constantly evolving”, authorities hope the SA dossier will assist security to deter, detect, respond and support help law enforcement.

“Naturally, the community will look to and expect security personnel to keep them safe,” it states.

It also warns venue owners, operators, private security providers, governments and community “all have a role to play in identifying suspicious behaviour” and helping prevent terrorism.

The Bondi attacks at a Sydney Westfield building in April.

Then Westfield’s Marion complex was locked down in June while a stabbing occurred at Elizabeth City Centre in October.

A CBS spokesman said the document “distributed widely” after recently being “reviewed and subsequent minor revisions … made”.

“Security guards have an important role to play in public safety and protection of the community,” he said.

Police at Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Police guard the crime scene of a stabbing of a 17 year boy near Boost Juice at Elizabeth City Centre in October. Picture Mark Brake

“This document is aimed at ensuring they have an easily accessible source of information.”

An SA Police spokesman had no further comment.

SDA state secretary, Josh Peak, said issues have been highlighted in the government’s retail safety task-force but wants a review of shopping centre security including training and powers.

“To our knowledge there’s no government regulations for the number of required security guards or their level of training in how to deal with an attack in a shopping centre,” he said.

The opposition wants a boosted police presence, while independent MP, Frank Pangallo, is calling for stronger powers including being allowed to use batons.

The government has said a range initiatives include banning abusing customers from shopping centres and tackling knife crime via greater powers.