Restrictions on taxi rank security guards are contributing to late night violent assaults in the public transport precincts according to one victim.
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The anonymous source who also has experience in the industry said security guards were restricted to operating in close proximity to the taxi rank.
For the Station Place taxi rank, it is bounded by the two signs at the end of the median strip and across to the fence. Beyond this, guards aren’t covered.
It forces guards to decide between offering help or focusing on keeping the peace at the taxi rank.
Midcity Security Services (MSS) owner Glenn Shean said it was a challenging balancing act.
MSS provided security at the Station Place rank for five years and during that time Mr Shean said there were isolated incidents but no serious assaults within view of the rank.
Mr Shean said the priority was people at the taxi rank – both drivers or patrons.
“We managed conflict through negotiation,” he said. “You constantly assess everyone, you have to look after everyone whether they’re aggressive or not.”
Mr Shean said guards were required to observe and report and to contact police for a serious incident.
He said guards were aware of the limitations and had to balance wanting to help versus their safety.
A Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesman said security guards were deployed to selected taxi ranks to provide a safe environment for passengers and taxi drivers.
“Last year an additional secure taxi rank was provided in Wagga,” he said.
“These services are provided by companies selected from the Roads and Maritime Services’ list of approved contractors who are responsible for staffing, training and maintaining the service quality of their guards.
“The decision to provide secure taxi rank services is based on an assessment of need and risk to public safety.
“Roads and Maritime welcomes community feedback on ways to improve the safety and security of passengers and taxi drivers.”