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Crowd controller

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A crowd controller keeps order at a public place by:

screening the entry of people into a place
monitoring or controlling the behaviour of people in a place
removing people from a place.

For example, a hotel security guard needs a crowd controller licence but an usher does not.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a crowd controller licence, you must:

be 18 years or older
have no recorded conviction of a disqualifying offence within the previous 10 years, or an unrecorded finding of guilt of a disqualifying offence in the previous five years
not be considered a risk to public safety
have successfully completed the training.

Training requirements for a new licence

To qualify for an unrestricted crowd controller licence, you must successfully complete the following competency units from the National Asset Security Training Package.

PRSSO210A or CPPSEC2011A Control access to and exit from premises
PRSSO211A or CPPSEC2012A Monitor and control individual and crowd behaviour
PRSSO215A or CPPSEC2014A Operate basic security equipment
PRSSO216A or CPPSEC2015A Patrol premises
PRSSO303A or CPPSEC3003A Determine response to security risk situation
PRSSO305A or CPPSEC3002A Manage conflict through negotiation (TR)
PRSSO309A or CPPSEC3007A Maintain security of environment
PRSSO316A or CPPSEC3013A Control persons using empty hand techniques (TR)
HLTFA301B Apply first aid (TR) or Senior first aid (Workplace Level 2) (TR)
PRSSO201A or CPPSEC2001ACommunicate effectively in the security industry OR PRSSO301A or CPPSEC3005A Prepare and present security documentation and reports
PRSSO202A Maintain workplace safety or CPPSEC2002A Follow workplace safety procedures in the security industry OR PRSSO302A Maintain a safe workplace and environment or CPPSEC3001A Maintain workplace safety in the security industry
PRSSO203A or CPPSEC2003A Work effectively in the security industry OR PRSSO307A Manage own performance and development or BSBCMN302A or BSBWOR301A Organise personal work priorities and development
PRSSO204A Work as part of a team or CPPSEC2005A Work as part of a security team OR BSBFLM302A Support leadership in the workplace or BSBFLM303B or BSBFLM303C Contribute to effective workplace relationships
PRSSO205A Provide security services to customer or CPPSEC2006A Provide security services to clients OR PRSSO308A or CPPSEC3006A Coordinate a quality security service to customers

If you have relevant work experience, your skills may be formally recognised, meaning you may not have to complete all of the training units. Skilling Solutions Queensland can do a free skill assessment for you.

Triennial training (revalidation training)

Some units in the above list have the letters 'TR' at the end, which stands for 'triennial revalidation'. Every three years, as a licensed crowd controller, you need to successfully complete these units again through a nationally recognised training provider to ensure you remain up to date with the latest techniques. You will receive the required completion dates for these competencies on the notice supplied with your security licence.

Recognition of prior learning will not be accepted for triennial training units.

Training requirements for renewing a licence

If you held a crowd controller licence on 30 June 2008, you automatically qualify for renewal when it becomes due. You can continue to work as a bodyguard until your existing licence is due for renewal. However, you will then need to apply for a bodyguard licence if you wish to continue working as a bodyguard.

If you had a security officer licence on 30 June 2008, you are eligible to get a crowd controller licence if you successfully complete these competency units:

PRSSO305A or CPPSEC3002A Manage conflict through negotiation
PRSSO309A or CPPSEC3007A Maintain security of environment
PRSSO316A or CPPSEC3013A Control persons using empty hand techniques
Apply First Aid (HLTFA301B) or Senior First Aid (Workplace Level 2).

Registered training organisations

You can select a registered training organisation from the list on the National Training and Information Service website.

Restricted licence

You can apply for a restricted licence as a crowd controller. This licence allows you to complete your training requirements while working under the direct supervision of a licensed crowd controller.

A restricted licence is issued for a term of six months only. After the term ends, you cannot apply for a further restricted licence as a crowd controller. You must complete the training requirements and apply for an unrestricted licence within six months.

Direct supervision of restricted licence holders

A crowd controller supervisor must:

remain on the same premises as the restricted licensee
remain in the restricted licensee’s line of sight, where practical
be able to provide immediate assistance to restricted licensee if needed
give the restricted licensee detailed written instructions about the work they need to do
document the tasks that the licensee performs
document and give the restricted licensee regular progress checks
supervise no more than three restricted licence holders at any time.

Apply for a crowd controller licence

To apply, you must:

meet the eligibility criteria
complete the training requirements and attach proof of qualifications
complete the Security Providers Form 1-1 - Application for a security provider class 1 individual licence (PDF, 510 KB)
provide originals or certified copies of your birth certificate, birth extract, passport, Australian citizenship certificate or drivers licence (see below for advice on getting certified copies)
pay the appropriate licence fee
pay the criminal history check fee
lodge the application (see the application form for lodgement details).

Criminal history checks

Applicants must undergo a criminal history check to confirm their suitability.

The criminal history check costs $35.50 (which includes $1.13 GST) for each person who appears on the application form. The fee applies to all applications and renewal notices.

Processing time

Processing time is 4-6 weeks. However, it can take longer if we need to contact you for missing information or fees.

The processing time may be up to six weeks because the criminal history check process, handled by Queensland Police, is thorough and time consuming.

Making the process quicker

Send certified documents

Take the original document and a copy to a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, solicitor, barrister or a Notary Public. They will stamp and/or sign the copy and write ‘This is a true copy of the original document’.

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General has a list of JPs in your area. Otherwise, contact your local post office, courthouse, bank, shopping centre manager or pharmacy.

We will send your original documents to you after we assess your application. Please note that a photocopy is not a certified document.

Pay all criminal history check fees

Remember to pay a separate fee for yourself and each person on the application form.

Refunds for unsuccessful applications

If your application is unsuccessful or it is withdrawn, you will receive a partial refund. Your application fee is non-refundable, but we will refund your licence fee and any unused criminal history check fees.

Last reviewed 14/09/2009