Security guard Vince Palumbo booked for carrying baton has charges dropped

A security guard who was booked by police for carrying a small wooden baton while working at a suburban Adelaide shopping centre has received an update on his situation.

Security guard and martial arts expert Vincent Palumbo has been reported for carrying an offensive weapon. Picture: Brett Hartwig

A security guard who was booked by police for carrying a small wooden baton while working at a suburban Adelaide shopping centre has had his charges withdrawn.

Martial arts expert Vince Palumbo, who has almost 40 years’ experience in the security industry, was reported for carrying an offensive weapon while he was working at an inner-west shopping centre in October – after a member of the public complained to police.

The 59-year-old has since left his job providing protection at Romeo’s Foodland, saying he doesn’t feel safe without the 20cm balsa wood baton.

Under the charges, Mr Palumbo faced a maximum penalty of a $2500 fine or six months behind bars if found guilty.

The 59-year-old has since left his job providing protection at Romeo’s Foodland, saying he doesn’t feel safe without the 20cm balsa wood baton. Picture: Brett Hartwig

“It’s just so hurtful seeing my wife and daughter in tears, as they think I’m going to jail,” Mr Palumbo said.

“I bust my arse everyday to protect people, I work hard and this is what they do to me.

“I’ve been treated like a criminal when I haven’t broken any laws, they’ve put me through hell.”

The father-of-one is a 32-time world champion in stick fighting and holds black belts in taekwondo, jiu-jitsu and judo, making him one of the most experienced martial artists in Australia.

He also operates his own martial arts academy and has trained police officers and special forces across Australia and overseas in how to use a baton as a defensive weapon.

Mr Palumbo said police ticked off on the use of the non-extendible baton in 2022, as it is not a prohibited weapon, but have stopped answering his calls.

Independent MLC Frank Pangallo is proposing changes to legislation that would allow security guards to have beefed-up powers, including the ability to carry batons, hand cuffs and pepper spray.

Mr Pangallo said the decision to drop the charges was the right thing to do.

“Common sense has prevailed with SA Police telling security guard Vincent Palumbo that they will drop offensive weapon charges for carrying a lightweight wooden baton,” Mr Pangallo wrote on Facebook.

“Vince had sought consent from SAPOL to carry the baton three years ago and was told in writing by the firearms branch that it was OK.

“Vince is a person of great integrity who has enormous respect for SAPOL and law enforcement and was devastated when he was charged.”

SAPOL were contacted for comment.

Originally published as Security guard Vince Palumbo booked for carrying baton has charges dropped