This Conflict De-escalation & Use of Force SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) is for licensed security officers who are trained and authorised to use physical intervention. It sets verbal de-escalation as the first response, then covers when force may be lawful, reasonable and proportionate, safe restraint and positional asphyxia, calling police, body-worn camera footage, withdrawal and post-incident reporting. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Security companies and contractors
Licensed crowd controllers and bouncers
Pubs, clubs and licensed venues
Event and festival security providers
Shopping centre and retail security teams
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Verbal abuse, threats and intimidation
Assault while controlling, detaining or restraining a person
Injury to the officer or the person during physical intervention
Positional or restraint asphyxia
Escalation from disproportionate, premature or unlawful force
Legal and licensing exposure from excessive or unauthorised force
Knives, firearms and improvised weapons
Psychological injury after a violent incident
Responding alone without backup
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from security licence and use of force training to duress alarms, body-worn cameras and site exits
An 11-step procedure covering warning signs, verbal de-escalation, lawful force, minimum force, safe restraint, calling police and withdrawal
Equipment control for duress alarms, radios, body-worn cameras and restraints, including preserving footage after an incident
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for weapons, multiple aggressors and immediate risk of serious harm
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Security Services SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Can my bar or retail workers use this SOP?
No. It only applies to employees who hold a current security licence and are trained and authorised to use physical intervention. Unlicensed customer-facing workers should use an aggression and conflict de-escalation procedure instead.
Does it cover firearms?
No. The SOP doesn't cover the use of firearms.
Does it address restraint asphyxia?
Yes. Officers never apply weight to a restrained person's neck, chest or back, avoid prolonged face-down restraint, and monitor breathing, colour and consciousness throughout.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
