SAIWA Crowd Control Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under WA law, at what blood alcohol concentration is a patron considered unduly intoxicated for crowd control purposes?
- 0.05%
- 0.08%
- There is no specific BAC level; it is based on behavioural signs (Correct answer)
- 0.15%
Correct answer: There is no specific BAC level; it is based on behavioural signs
WA liquor licensing law does not specify a BAC level; intoxication is assessed based on observable behavioural signs.
Individuals respond differently to alcohol, so assessment is based on indicators such as slurred speech, unsteady gait, impaired coordination, and aggressive behaviour.
Question 2: What primarily determines the maximum capacity of a venue in Western Australia?
- The venue owner's preference
- Fire safety regulations and liquor licence conditions (Correct answer)
- The number of security staff available
- The size of the car park
Correct answer: Fire safety regulations and liquor licence conditions
Venue capacity is determined by fire safety regulations and liquor licence conditions.
Exceeding capacity creates serious risks including crush injuries and impeded emergency evacuation. Crowd controllers must monitor patron numbers.
Question 3: When refusing entry to a patron, what is the most important principle for a crowd controller?
- Use physical force immediately
- Communicate the reason clearly, remain calm, and avoid discriminatory behaviour (Correct answer)
- Refuse without explanation
- Allow entry but monitor closely
Correct answer: Communicate the reason clearly, remain calm, and avoid discriminatory behaviour
Clear communication, calm demeanour, and non-discriminatory practice are essential when denying entry.
Proper refusal procedures reduce confrontation risk, complaints, and potential legal action under anti-discrimination legislation.
Question 4: A crowd controller identifies a patron carrying a concealed weapon at a venue entrance. What should they do?
- Confiscate the weapon and allow entry
- Refuse entry, maintain a safe distance, and immediately contact police (Correct answer)
- Physically disarm the patron
- Ignore it if the patron seems calm
Correct answer: Refuse entry, maintain a safe distance, and immediately contact police
Weapons require immediate refusal of entry, maintaining safe distance, and contacting police.
The agent should not attempt to physically disarm the person, alert other security staff discreetly, and move patrons away if possible.
Question 5: During a large outdoor event, what is the primary technique for preventing crush incidents?
- Allowing unrestricted movement
- Implementing controlled entry points, barriers, and crowd density monitoring (Correct answer)
- Closing all exits
- Using loud music to distract the crowd
Correct answer: Implementing controlled entry points, barriers, and crowd density monitoring
Controlled entry, barrier placement, and density monitoring are essential for preventing crush situations.
Emergency exits must always remain clear and accessible. These principles are based on lessons from crowd disasters worldwide.
Question 6: Two patrons at a licensed venue are about to fight. What is the recommended first response?
- Physically separate them immediately
- Verbally intervene using calm, authoritative communication to de-escalate (Correct answer)
- Wait until the fight starts
- Call police without any intervention
Correct answer: Verbally intervene using calm, authoritative communication to de-escalate
Verbal de-escalation should always be attempted first before physical intervention.
The crowd controller should approach calmly, position at a safe angle, use a calm but authoritative tone, and redirect attention. Physical intervention is a last resort.
SAIWA Crowd Control Procedures 2
Under WA law, at what blood alcohol concentration is a patron considered unduly intoxicated for crowd control purposes?