Search Procedures Flashcards

A venue's licence conditions, imposed by the local authority, require searching of all patrons. On a busy night, the head door supervisor decides to stop searching to speed up entry. What are the potential consequences?

Answer: The venue could face a licence review, suspension, or revocation for breaching licence conditions

If searching is a specific condition of the premises licence imposed by the licensing authority, failing to comply is a breach that could trigger a licence review under the Licensing Act 2003. This could result in the licence being suspended, having additional conditions imposed, or even being revoked. The head door supervisor and venue management could face serious consequences.

When searching a patron's bag, which of the following is considered best practice?

Answer: Ask the patron to open the bag and remove items themselves while you observe and direct the search

Best practice for bag searches is to ask the patron to open the bag and remove items themselves while the door supervisor observes and directs. This reduces the risk of allegations of theft, damage, or planting of items. It also maintains the patron's dignity and ensures a thorough search of all compartments.

Under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which of the following items was added to the list of prohibited offensive weapons?

Answer: Zombie knives and cyclone knives

The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 specifically added zombie knives, zombie-style knives, and cyclone knives to the list of prohibited offensive weapons. These are defined as bladed weapons with a cutting edge, serrated edge, or more than one hole in the blade, marketed in a way that suggests they are suitable for violence. Possession carries a maximum sentence of 4 years.

How should a door supervisor handle a situation where a patron becomes aggressive after being told they will be searched?

Answer: Use calm, assertive communication, maintain a safe distance, and call for support if the situation escalates

The door supervisor should use calm, professional communication skills to de-escalate the situation. Maintaining a safe distance (reactionary gap) protects against sudden attack. Calling for support from colleagues ensures safety in numbers. Physical force should only be used as a last resort in self-defence or to prevent a crime. Allowing an aggressive, unsearched patron entry compromises venue safety.

What is the 'reactionary gap' and why is it important during search procedures?

Answer: A safe physical distance maintained between the door supervisor and the patron during a search

The reactionary gap is the safe physical distance (typically an arm's length or more) that gives a door supervisor time to react to a sudden threat. During searches, maintaining this gap where possible is crucial because the door supervisor may be in close proximity to someone concealing a weapon. Being aware of this distance can prevent injuries from sudden attacks.

A patron who was refused entry after declining a search returns 30 minutes later and consents to be searched. The search is clean. Should they be admitted?

Answer: Yes, provided they pass the search and there are no other reasons to refuse entry

If a patron was refused entry solely because they declined a search, and they return willing to be searched with a clean result, there is generally no reason to refuse entry again. The original refusal was about the search, not the person. However, if the patron was also aggressive or abusive during the earlier interaction, that may be a separate ground for refusal.