Being a Door Supervisor doesn’t have to be synonymous with big, huge and rude as some people think. Whether you are called Bouncer or Doorman you are the gatekeeper of the leisure industry, handy in times of lopsided brawls and to ensure everyone has a good time.
As a Door Supervisor, you must have attended the SIA Training and have an SIA Licence and understand the proper conduct and procedures in order to avoid misunderstanding and of course a lawsuit. Here are 10 things a Door Supervisor needs to know in order to not only do the job correctly but be a good ambassador for the establishment.
1 – Behavioural Standards
Patience is a virtue so it is important not to lose your cool in this line of work, especially when dealing with annoying customers. Be gentle when frisking and inspecting purses and bags. Be professional and put a smile on your face, you don’t have to be grumpy all the time.
2 – Civil and Criminal Law
Troublesome customers will definitely be around from time to time so you must have an understanding of civil and criminal law in order to identify how and when to use force and know the difference between reasonable and necessary force, you just can’t batter everyone whenever you like. Knowledge of these subjects gives you an idea of how to identify options when a law is broken.
3 – Search Procedures
Some people don’t care and some are extremely paranoid when it comes to searching their property so learn how to obtain permission. If items are found during a search which is barred on the premises determine whether it’s an offensive weapon, drugs or even pets and proceed with whatever steps are necessary and make sure the customer knows why you are taking whatever steps you proceed with.
4 – Arrest Procedures
Every now and then you’ll be faced with someone who’s intolerable and can’t be controlled so it is important to determine the offences made and proceed in contacting the police and conducting an arrest. Arrest should only be made as a last resort.
5 – Drugs Awareness
Dealing with drug users and dealers can be tricky. You must learn how to identify users based on their symptoms. Knowledge of some common types of drugs and how they sell might come in handy. If customers are found in possession of drugs, the drugs should be confiscated and reported to the police.
6 – Licensing Law
Determine the contracts and permissions regarding the establishment. Explain the law in relation to refusing entry and ejecting customers. Tell underage teenagers to go home and do their homework.
7 – Equal Opportunities
Don’t judge anyone about their choice of wardrobe as that’s not fair although if there are dress code rules set by the management they need to be followed. Gays, lesbians, people with disabilities and all religious groups should be treated equally.
8 – Health and Safety
Take care of yourself physically and take time off in you are seriously ill. It can be off-putting for customers if you are coughing and sneezing all over them. Apart from physical health make sure you are aware of the health and safety regulations of the establishment and adhere to them at all times.
9 – Emergency procedures
Mind your surrounding exit routes, emergency stairs, fire exits, first aid cabinet and fire extinguishers. Identify common human responses in an emergency. You must learn how to conduct first aid and how to handle situations of panic like bomb scares.
Work in the security industry
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