A BIT OF HISTORY: In November 2005 and March 2006, the AGLC and Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security held roundtable meetings to discuss the issue of violence within the context of bars, nightclubs, and other licensed premises. The Roundtable's purpose was to gather input, information and advice from stakeholders on the front lines - from the people who work in, own, manage, regulate and protect province's licensed premises.
Roundtable participants recognized that trained staff can play an important role in identifying and handling aggression before it escalates into violence. They also noted that properly implemented training programs can reduce licensees' risk of liability and help to lower insurance costs.
Roundtable participants commended the ProServe (formerly ASIP) program and proposed the development of complementary, certificated training programs for security and door staff.
ProTect Security Staff Training is derived from Ontario's Safer Bars training program (developed by Dr. Kathryn Graham). The program covers the following topics:
- Roles and responsibilities of security and door staff
- Legal issues and responsibilities
- Understanding how aggression escalates
- Assessing the situation
- Keeping cool
- Understanding and using effective body language
- Responding to problems
- Procedures for documenting events after the incident
The AGLC began conducting ProTect seminars in various locations around the province in February 2008. The program went online in March 2010, allowing for increased accessibility for workers who require the certification.