I’ve worked in and out of the Security industry for almost 3 decades, much of that time whilst also serving in Management in the hospitality and gaming sector and also managing, directing and ultimately the principal of several Real estate companies. Most of that time I have written, discussed, and reported on both the social and individual factors of understanding crime in the community. Unlike most that just talk the talk, I have spent decades implementing plans of action to counter the very obvious and predictable failures of social conditioning from those in the far left and those who seek to provide a variety of “solutions” through Government interventions. Based on my work, and experience here is a comprehensive plan for those interventionalists to implement practical policy measures to reduce crime:
1. Increase Police Presence: One of the most effective ways to reduce crime is to increase the presence of police on the streets. This could involve hiring more officers, expanding community policing programs, providing funding to private commercial entities with additional statutory powers (and accountability) and using technology such as cameras and sensors to monitor high-crime areas.
2. Focus on Hotspots: Rather than trying to reduce crime across an entire city, it is more effective to focus on specific high-crime areas, or "hotspots." This could involve deploying extra police resources as a temporary measure, or additional “public order response units”, increasing lighting in the area, or if funding permits providing validated KPI (key performance indicator) dependant social services to address underlying issues.
3. Address Underlying Social Problems: Crime is often a symptom of larger social problems such as poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse. Addressing these underlying issues can help to reduce crime in the long term. This could involve providing private industry job training and RTO job related educational opportunities, expanding on the social welfare programs that have very little evidential benefit, and increasing access to affordable private mental health services.
4. Implement Restorative Justice Programs: Restorative justice programs aim to repair the harm caused by crime and prevent reoffending by bringing together victims, offenders, and community members to discuss the impact of the crime and work towards a solution. These programs have been shown to reduce recidivism rates and improve community relations with law enforcement.
5. Use Evidence-Based Practices: To ensure that policies are effective, they should be based on rigorous research and evaluation. Not revisionist ideas and incredulous activist academic studies that fail to identify sources and promote social division and bigotry. This could involve testing interventions in randomized controlled trials, monitoring outcomes, and adjusting policies based on the evidence. Not all interventions fail, however, the evidence is that their use must be used like a scalpel, not a hammer, to achieve successful surgical precision and positive results.
6. Engage Communities: Community engagement is crucial for building trust between law enforcement and the community and reducing crime. This requires honesty and transparency, especially when dealing with juvenile offenders. This could involve holding town hall meetings, establishing voluntary member community advisory boards, and partnering with voluntary member community organizations to promote public safety.
7. Utilize Technology: Advances in technology can provide new tools for preventing and responding to crime. This could involve using predictive analytics to identify high-risk individuals or areas, profiling, using social media to engage with the community, or using electronic monitoring to track offenders. Having this monitoring on a public accessible database has been proven to regulate behaviour and provide additional whistle blower services to catch criminal offenders seeking to take advantage of home incarceration. 8. Broken Windows Policing: This approach, which involves targeting minor crimes and disorderly behaviour, has been shown to reduce more serious crime. The idea is that by cracking down on smaller offenses, such as graffiti and public drinking, it sends a message that crime will not be tolerated. This helps create an environment of order and respect, which can deter more serious crimes from occurring.
9. Improve community infrastructure: Providing safe and well-maintained community infrastructure, such as parks, libraries and recreation centers, can help promote healthy community engagement and reduce the likelihood of criminal activity.
10. Address systemic inequalities: Addressing systemic inequalities, such as poverty, housing insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare, can help reduce the likelihood of criminal activity by providing individuals with the resources and support they need to live healthy, productive lives. These sectors have proven that a lack of government intervention is far more effective in providing for the needs of the public, than actual government interventions. The public is far better at spending its own money to meet needs than through the direction of incentivised bureaucrats.
11. Increase access to legal representation: Providing greater access to legal representation for individuals who may not be able to afford it can help ensure that everyone has a fair trial and reduce the likelihood of wrongful convictions.
12. Foster collaboration between government, community, and business: Collaboration between government, community, and business leaders can help identify solutions to reduce crime and promote community safety. Encouraging and supporting these partnerships can lead to more effective policies and strategies for reducing crime.
Reducing crime requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both social and individual factors. By implementing evidence-based policies that focus on community engagement, hotspot policing, and addressing underlying social problems, it is possible to create safer and more secure communities. None of these actions alone is a panacea to the problem and mutual support by the parties involved is required to engage the policies effectively. To effectively reduce violence and abuse in the community here are several practical applications for policy.
1. Focus on increasing the certainty and swiftness of punishment
Australian research shows that increasing the certainty and swiftness of punishment is a highly effective way to deter crime. Therefore, the first practical application of policy would be to increase the number of police officers, prosecutors, and judges. This can be done by increasing funding for law enforcement agencies and by providing incentives to encourage people to become police officers, prosecutors, and judges. Additionally, technology can be used to help law enforcement agencies improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Prioritize prevention over punishment
While punishment is important, prevention is even more crucial. Policies that focus on preventing crime, violence, and abuse in the first place should be prioritized. This can be done by investing in education program based on teaching conscientious behaviour and social services, such as mental health programs, substance abuse treatment, and family support services. These programs can help address the root causes of crime and violence, such as poverty, unemployment, and social isolation.
Whilst greater funding specifically in the education department in the NT has failed to provide nearly any improvements since the 1980’s, especially in the STEM and literacy, there is clear evidence that investments in public libraries and community halls for private extracurricular engagement has had positive effects both scholastically and through social conscientiousness.
The use of school facilities like assembly areas and sports grounds for private social engagement facilities has been extremely successful, however, recent attempts by taxpayer funded schools to monetise these areas after hours has reduced activities greatly and led to a reduction in scholastic grades in students that would often engage in these activities.
3. Focus on community policing
Community policing is a strategy that involves law enforcement agencies working closely with community members to identify and address local crime and safety issues. This approach can help build trust between law enforcement and the community, which can lead to more effective policing and a reduction in crime. Policies that support community policing can include providing training and resources for law enforcement agencies to develop partnerships with community organizations and leaders.
4. Implement restorative justice practices
Restorative justice is a process that focuses on repairing the harm caused by a crime, rather than just punishing the offender. This approach can help reduce recidivism rates and promote healing for victims and the community. Policies that support restorative justice can include providing funding for restorative justice programs and training for criminal justice professionals in restorative justice principles.
However, these programs do not work in cases where they are forced, forced mediation has a negative effect, often times the victim feels victimised by the bureaucrats, social welfare advocates and members seeking to force the two parties together. This just compounds the abuse to the victim’s and increases the need for retribution, rather than contrition.
5. Address the underlying causes of violence and abuse
Violence and abuse often stem from complex social and cultural factors, such as perceived discrimination, and trauma. Policies that aim to address these underlying causes can often help prevent violence and abuse from occurring in the first place. This can include initiatives such as promoting diversity, providing trauma-informed care, and addressing the root causes of poverty.
By prioritizing prevention, community engagement, restorative justice, and addressing the underlying causes of violence and abuse, policymakers can develop effective strategies to promote safety and wellbeing again for all members of the community.
Identifying what doesn’t work
I can’t effectively suggest policies that have evidence-based success without identifying and acknowledging a litany of policies that failed crime reduction policies and the reason for their failures. 1. "Stop-and-Frisk" Policies: Stop-and-frisk policies were used by law enforcement in the Territory after the implementation of additional powers in 2014 in dealing with those suspected of possessing Methamphetamines. The aim was to reduce crime rates in high-crime areas by allowing officers to stop and search individuals they consider suspicious. However, such policies have been openly criticized for being discriminatory and targeting associations, racial minorities, and leading to strained relationships between police and the community, and in many cases, violating individuals' civil rights in public.
2. (International/US) "Three Strikes" Laws: "Three Strikes" laws impose mandatory sentences of life imprisonment for individuals convicted of a third felony offense. While the laws were initially designed to deter repeat offenders and reduce crime rates, they have been criticized for being overly harsh and failing to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and mental illness.
3. Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Mandatory minimum sentencing laws require judges to impose a minimum sentence for certain offenses, regardless of the individual circumstances of the case. While the laws were designed to promote consistency and deter crime, they have been criticized for taking discretion away from judges, leading to overly harsh sentences, and disproportionately affecting minorities and low-income individuals. The reality is that these were a direct result of “activist” judges implementing their own failed social agenda’s in place of the rule of law. It has been proven far more effective and economically intelligent to remove the judges form their appointed positions. Often times the NT has had to import judges, including from grossly failed commonwealth jurisdictions like Canada, this has been extremely harmful and damaging on the rule of law in the NT. Better Judges are a better choice than mandatory sentencing.
4. "War on Drugs": The "War on Drugs" is a set of policies aimed at reducing drug use and drug-related crime. However, critics identify that the policies have been ineffective in reducing drug use and have led to the mass incarceration of individuals, particularly minorities, for non-violent drug offenses. In addition, the policies have diverted resources away from treatment and prevention efforts. In the NT the Governments continued use of these same tactics to combat Alcoholism, a trauma response issue with growing criminality has had an extremely destructive and violent response. The “war on Alcohol” is just another failed “war on drugs”.
5. Zero Tolerance Policing: Zero tolerance policing is a policy that aims to crack down on minor offenses, such as loitering, vandalism, and public drinking, to prevent more serious crimes from occurring. However, the policy has been criticized for being overly punitive, criminalizing minor offenses, and exacerbating tensions between police and communities. Using affordable, yet annoying fines, instead of criminal harassment has proven substantially more effective.
6. Apartheid Policing: Apartheid policing was a system of policing that was used in South Africa during the apartheid era to enforce racial segregation and control coloured populations. The police were given wide-ranging powers to arrest and detain individuals without trial, and were often accused of using excessive force and torture to maintain control. The policy was widely criticized for its human rights abuses and failure to address the root causes of crime and social unrest.
Regardless of the colour of the offenders, The NT Government and the Department of public prosecutions has been widely criticised as using Race as a major contributing factor on whether or not to prosecute. Even if this has mainly been due to activist judges and the perceived waste of taxpayers funds and failure to secure effective prosecutions, it is better to remain fair and equitable, to provide evidence for the removal of such activist judges, rather than cater to their agendas.
7.Forced Reconciliations: Forced reconciliations were policies that were used in various countries to promote national unity and reconciliation after periods of conflict or repression. The policies typically involved public apologies, truth commissions, and reparations for victims. While these policies were intended to promote healing and reconciliation, they were often criticized for being insufficient and failing to address the underlying political and economic issues that led to conflict in the first place.
True reconciliation requires a genuine exchange of ideas and a willingness to understand and empathize with all parties involved. Any attempt to impose a solution without considering the rights and interests of individuals and communities can be counterproductive and may lead to further harm.
It is essential to recognize the impact of historical injustices and work towards redressing them, but this should not be done at the expense of individual rights and freedoms. The goal of reconciliation should be to create a just and equitable society that respects the dignity and worth of all its members, not to perpetuate a cycle of blame and victimhood.
Ultimately, the key to achieving reconciliation is to foster open and respectful dialogue between all parties and to seek common ground based on shared values and principles. It requires a commitment to fairness, and justice for all, and a willingness to work together towards a better future.
8. Lack of Oversight in Non-profit Organisations: Non-profit organisations, including those in the healthcare (mental in particular) sector, have been criticized for a lack of oversight and accountability. This has led to instances of financial mismanagement, conflicts of interest, and failure to provide adequate care for vulnerable populations.
9. Inadequate oversight of Child Welfare Services: Child welfare services, such as foster care and adoption services, have been criticized for prioritizing carer profit over the well-being of children. Carers have been accused of cutting corners and failing to provide adequate care, leading to instances of abuse and neglect.
10. Inadequate Oversight of Government Care Facilities: Government-run care facilities, such as health care, nursing homes and mental health facilities, have been criticised for inadequate oversight and failure to protect residents from abuse and neglect. This has led to instances of physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and mistreatment of vulnerable populations.
11. Failure to Address Systemic Issues in Government Care: The failure to address systemic issues in government care facilities, such as understaffing and inadequate training, has been criticized for contributing to instances of abuse and neglect. Without addressing these root causes, policies aimed at preventing abuse are unlikely to be effective.
How can the security industry contribute to the above policies?
These are several ways I identified that private security industry personnel can contribute to the policy measures described above:
1. Community engagement and education: Private industry can support community engagement programs aimed at educating the public about crime prevention and the importance of reporting criminal activity. Security industry personnel can be trained and employed as community liaison officers to help build trust between the community and law enforcement agencies.
2. Technology and innovation: Private industry can invest in the development of new technologies and innovations to enhance crime prevention and detection, such as CCTV systems, facial recognition software, and other surveillance tools. Security industry personnel can be trained to operate and maintain these technologies and to respond quickly to criminal activity.
3. Collaboration and information sharing: Private industry and security industry personnel can collaborate with law enforcement agencies to share information and intelligence on criminal activity. This can include sharing data on crime patterns and trends, as well as providing support to law enforcement during major events and incidents.
4. Training and development: Private industry can provide training and development programs for security industry personnel to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively prevent and respond to criminal activity. This can include training on de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and other relevant topics.
5. Risk management and assessment: Private industry and security industry personnel can work together to conduct risk assessments and develop risk management strategies to prevent and respond to criminal activity. This can include identifying potential hotspots for criminal activity and implementing measures to mitigate those risks.
MY Plans These are the several ways I identified I could change the security industry and contribute to the plans outlined:
Public Safety Officers – which was adapted and became - The Public Order Response Unit: These units have been trained to respond to community unrest, protests, and other potential sources of conflict in a way that minimizes the potential for escalation and violence. This involves de-escalation techniques, crowd control measures, and communication strategies that help to defuse tensions and promote understanding between different groups.
First Responder Training: Security personnel receive training in emergency response and first aid, allowing them to provide immediate assistance to victims of crime or accidents. This helps to minimize the damage caused by incidents, reduce the risk of further harm, and save lives.
Trauma Counselling: Security personnel have been trained by me since 2018 in trauma counselling techniques, allowing them to provide support to victims of crime or other traumatic events. This helps to mitigate the long-term psychological effects of trauma, promote healing and recovery, and prevent the development of mental health disorders.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Security personnel receive training in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), which is an evidence-based psychological treatment for a range of mental health conditions. By providing CBT to individuals in the community who are at risk of committing crimes, security personnel help to address underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to criminal behaviour. I’ve personally invested 10’s of thousands of dollars to be trained by world renowned industry experts, Tony Robbins, Syd Jacobson and others, to ensure that the training I provide is world class and the evidence based.
Personality Profiling: Security personnel are trained use personality profiling tools to identify individuals who may be at risk of engaging in criminal behaviour. By identifying these individuals early, security personnel can intervene with appropriate support and guidance to prevent the development of criminal tendencies. Personality profiling can also be used to identify individuals who may be better suited to certain types of employment or training, helping to reduce unemployment and increase social inclusion.
Additional security personnel skills and techniques that I have adapted and train to entry level guards that can help reduce crime:
1. Surveillance and monitoring: Security personnel can use CCTV cameras, (eventually drones), and other monitoring systems to keep an eye on high-risk areas and deter criminal activity.
2. Access control: Security personnel can control access to buildings and sensitive areas, such as hospitals, to prevent unauthorised entry and reduce the risk of theft or damage.
3. Security screening: Security personnel screen visitors, employees, and contractors to ensure that they do not pose a security risk.
4. Risk assessment: Security personnel conduct risk assessments to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate them.
5. Emergency response: Security personnel can be trained to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, such as fires, floods, or terrorist attacks, to minimize damage and protect lives.
6. Intelligence gathering: Security personnel can gather intelligence on criminal activity, potential threats, and other security issues to help law enforcement agencies prevent crime and protect the public.
7. Conflict resolution: Security personnel can use conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate tense situations and prevent violence.
8. Crisis management: Security personnel can help manage crises, such as natural disasters or cyber-attacks, to ensure the safety and security of people and property.
9. Crime prevention education: Security personnel can educate employees and the public on crime prevention techniques, such as theft prevention and personal safety, to reduce the risk of crime.
10. Cybersecurity: Security personnel can help prevent cybercrime by implementing security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. They can also provide basic cybersecurity training to employees to reduce the risk of phishing and other social engineering attacks.
11. K9 handling and patrols: Canine units can be used to detect drugs, explosives, and other contraband. They can also assist in tracking and apprehending suspects.
12. RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol): Security personnel trained in RSA can help prevent violence and crime in bars, clubs, and other venues where alcohol is served. They can monitor patrons for signs of intoxication and intervene before situations escalate.
13. Traffic control: Security personnel can be trained in traffic control to help manage traffic flow and reduce congestion. This can also help prevent accidents and other incidents on busy roads.
14. Drug testing: Security personnel trained in drug testing can help identify individuals who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can help prevent accidents, violence, and other crimes.
15. Crowd control: Security personnel trained in crowd control can help manage large groups of people at events, protests, or other gatherings. They can prevent violence and maintain order by identifying and neutralizing potential threats.
16. Loss prevention: Security personnel can be trained in loss prevention techniques to help reduce theft and other crimes. This can include monitoring surveillance footage, conducting inventory audits, and identifying suspicious behaviour.
Why me? Why Not?
I realised early on that I am only one man, and that the only way I can share the abilities, skills, and experience I have attained is through trade. I have trained as of the 1st of May 2023, 502 individual Security Personnel, providing much-needed skills and abilities in Australia’s fastest-growing industry. I have written training manuals adjusted Units of competency and mapped pathways in a range of courses to meet the needs and future requirements of an industry that is under constant public scrutiny and responsible for the safety and security of others. I anticipate training at least an additional 500 security personnel and several more trainers to share these skills and abilities into the next 5 years, whether the powers that be decide to take the time to understand and implement effective policies or they don’t, there must always be a private alternative to pick up the slack from incompetent or incapable elected representatives. Security personnel have been around for thousands of years prior to the creation of policing entities, they shall be around if the experiment eventually is decided to have failed. The success of my personnel is firstly in their presence, and every skill and ability that they bring to the industry on top of that serves to protect the safety and security of the public, and the people I love. Yep, I don’t do it because I’m a saint, I do it because my Wife, my children, and my family live in the community, and I need to know they are safe, when I am not around, I’m protecting my legacy and my loved ones, and it’s the source of my motivation. LOVE.
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