Putting us all at risk
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, so-called ‘grown-ups’ still let you down.
By the numbers
Last month I worked an event in Melbourne’s east. As always, I conducted my pre-party assessment with the host parent. This saw us discuss the usual things, including:
- Security management options.
- Alcohol control.
- Gatecrashers.
One week before the party:
- Confirmed the guest list.
- Identified responsible adult helpers.
- Notified police.
On the night of the party:
- Assigned my security crew to the site.
- Established a secure bar.
- Permitted entry only to invited guests.
- Ensured alcohol was served only to guests with relevant ID or parental consent (per secondary supply law).
Sitting ducks
With such thorough preparation and professional execution, you’d forgive me for thinking this party might have been, you know … fun.
Alas, no.
At 10:30 pm, I attended to a young girl with a suspected drug experiment gone wrong. I then returned to the front entrance to see the host father chatting to my security partner.
As I approached, the host stood and started to walk into his home. But then he turned back and said he had something to tell me.
I thought he was going to reveal he was a drug dealer or a ‘good’ crook. But, no. He said there was a current family violence intervention order (IVO) on his brother. Which had been taken out by police. Even better, this violent brother was due to crash the party at any second.
Raising Cain
After retrieving my chin from the ground, I told the host how annoyed I was with his failure to mention his fun family fact when we were planning his party. I went on to explain that he was putting everyone at risk.
So, my crew and I spent an anxious night, waiting for trouble. In the end, the violent brother didn’t even show up.
Yet I still can’t get my head around why the host parent of a teen party didn’t see fit to let their hired security experts in on the secret.
I was also surprised that, when I told police about the party, the surname and address details didn’t ring any warning bells. Perhaps something could be added to their system.
My company is well insured for this kind of thing. Had the violent brother turned up and hurt someone, however, the legal ramifications for all other parties would’ve been murderous.
So, next time you’re planning an event, please check your IVOs before they walk through the door!
Naomi Oakley, Founder,