Axon body camera https://www.axon.com/products

First of all, who knew those who attend the theatre could be "rowdy" ?? ... but beyond that, this story brings up a very important topic -- should security professionals wear body cameras? Given that more and more, security officers are the first responders in situations and are required to do tasks that have in the past, been assigned to police officers, it stands to reason that security officers should be outfitted with similar tools. Footage from body cameras have helped to clear up misinterpretations in incidents involving law enforcement personnel, and also have been used in civil and criminal cases. With security officers taking on more roles, we may see a rise in criminal and civil cases against security companies and in an effort to mitigate this, there will probably be a trend for companies to purchase body cameras for their security officers.  -- IFPO.

By Haley Samsel, SecurityToday.com

After facing down aggressive behavior from attendees, security workers and ushers working in London’s West End theatres are stepping up their security operations with technology typically associated with police officers: body cameras.

Seven theatres with the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre have partnered with the security company Calla to try out body cameras for front-of-house staff in hopes of de-escalating incidents with guests, The Stage, a British theater newspaper, reported last month.

Phill Brown, the society’s head of risk and safety, told The Stage that the theatres had seen more problems with audience behavior and “increasing levels of aggression towards staff” in recent years. Part of the issue is alcohol consumption, he said.

“When you mix alcohol with the theatre environment that can exacerbate situations and we want to try to manage that before it becomes a major problem within our industry,” Brown said.

The incidents became so upsetting that some security guards and other staff were refusing to work at certain shows or at particular times of the week, particularly weekend evenings, Brown said.

Read the rest of the story.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Get certified and take your security career to the next level!

The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) is dedicated to providing meaningful and cost effective security training for security guards and protection officers.

We believe that education is a necessary and essential part of professional security training and the security officer’s background. IFPO serves individuals, security companies, and organizations that have their own private security staff. Our students and members benefit from the recognition and standing that the prestigious IFPO certification conveys.

LIKE and FOLLOW the IFPO on Facebook!

International Foundation for Protection Officers Mission Statement

Mission Statement Part I.

The International Foundation for Protection Officers provides professional learning opportunities for security practitioners, to impart the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to maximize job performance and enhance career potential.

Purpose: to make a positive difference in the quality of the participant’s job performance and elevate the professional status of students who partake of our learning opportunities.

Business: to supply committed security practitioners with a quality education to help achieve their highest potential and provide recognized accreditation for successful completion of educational goals.

Values: commitment, integrity, responsibility, and standards of excellence, provide the platform that supports our journey as we pursue our mission.

Vision Statement

Commitment to Excellence: To be the recognized center of excellence and primary provider of education and training products and services to the security industry.

Mission Statement Part II.

“The International Foundation for Protection Officers is committed to the support and professional development of protection officers and supervisors. Through advocacy, promoting training standards, and providing accessible training, education and certification opportunities, we seek to enhance their professional standing as well as increase and diversify the value of the vital services they provide.”