Improved Safety in Brimbank's Parks

22 Oct 2008

In response to reports about socially unacceptable behaviour in parks, Brimbank City Council in Victoria piloted a “Safety in Parks” initiative with the help of SNP Security.

SNP Security officers were specifically trained in negotiation techniques, including dealing with young people, youth motivation and ‘language’. These security officers were then engaged to patrol parks across the municipality on weekend evenings – not in an effort to “evict” people from parkland, rather to improve communication with them, encourage appropriate use of facilities within the park area, while monitoring and reporting back to police.

Branch Manager of SNP Security Protective Services, Darren Smith, says he was impressed with the positive response his security officers received over the summer.

He highlights that the patrol officers they supply to clients are not just “guards”.

“The days of supplying beefy blokes to guard an entrance or area patrols are a thing of the past. Our security officers are far more than that,” says Darren.

“They provide safety and customer service, in addition to general security services, just to name a few.”

A review of the pilot by Brimbank City Council showed an increase in the ability to respond more quickly and effectively to community concerns regarding socially unacceptable behaviour in parks.

Local residents indicated that the presence of officers may have actively contributed to a decrease in unacceptable behaviour displayed in the area.

Council plans to continue the program over the 2008 – 09 summer, due to the reported increase in community perceptions of safety. The program will also provide additional positive activities being provided for young people in Brimbank’s parks.


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