The value of identification scanner technology in monitoring and detecting banned patrons in entertainment precincts

Abstract

Introduction and Aims. Networked identification (ID) scanner technology is a novel approach to collecting licensed venue attendance data, and potentially reducing alcohol-related violence by detecting banned patrons. Using ID scanner data from three Queensland entertainment precincts (Safe Night Precincts; SNPs), we aim to: (i) examine patterns in patron attendance to licensed venues; and (ii) examine patterns in the detection of banned patrons. Design and Methods. We conducted descriptive analyses of licensed venue patron entries between 1 October 2017 and 30 June 2019. Scans during high alcohol hours (Friday and Saturday, 20:00-06:00) were stratified by patron sex and key age groups. We described scans associated with a detected banning notice issued by venues, courts or police across all Queensland SNPs and three key SNPs. Results. ID scanner data showed similar attendance trends across SNPs. The peak licensed venue entry hour was 23:00-23:59, with Saturday being the peak day. Approximately two-thirds of scanned patrons were male, and patrons had a mean age of 25.8 years (SD = 8.80). Scanners detected 48 657 attempted entries by banned patrons, with the majority of attempts made by males (85%) aged 18-24 years (61%). Discussion and Conclusions. This study adds to the limited evidence on the use of ID scanners in the night-time economy and highlights the feasibility of ID scanner use in this setting. Results demonstrate the value of scanners to passively collect data on patrons, identify banned patrons and assist in the enforcement of bans.[de Andrade D, Puljevi c C, Miller PG, Taylor N, Curtis A, Ferris J. The value of identification scanner technology in monitoring and detecting banned patrons in entertainment precincts.

A Civilianised Summary Power to Exclude: Perceptual Deterrence, Compliance and Legitimacy

“…To be effective, a deterrent must be sufficient to factor into an individual decision to behave in particular way -but individuals are influenced by a complex blend of personal, social, situational, contextual, psychological, attitudinal and risk-related factors (Miller et al 2013;Taylor, Keatley and Clarke 2020). For example, surveillance and enforcement mechanisms deployed within the night-time economy (NTE), such as the proximity of police IJCJ&SD 3 www.crimejusticejournal.com officers, visible CCTV, or the use ID scanners to identify patrons as they enter venues have the potential to influence behaviours, but the precise deterrent effects are variable and far from conclusive (Ariel, Bland and Sutherland 2017;De Andrade et al 2020;Piza et al 2019). Perceptions regarding risk or certainty of a sanction are individualised and the consequences are not homogeneous.…”

“…For example, following the implementation of Sydney's lock-out laws, non-domestic assaults decreased in the affected precincts, but rose by 18% in surrounding suburbs (Donnelly and Poynton 2019). In Queensland, the effect of ID scanners is mitigated by time-limited use, enabling patrons to enter venues without detection (De Andrade et al 2020). In England, Stafford (2019) found that individuals excluded from Business Crime Reduction Partnership 4 locations (following theft, disorder or other anti-social behaviours) typically continued to offend in other locations.…”

The impact of Queensland's Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence Policy on nightlife and business trade

“…ID scanners have been popular in a wide range of licensed venues across Australia for over a decade [2][3][4], aiming to promote social order in and around licensed venues, and deter people with a propensity to engage in violent or disorderly behaviour [4,5]. Prior implementation of ID scanners in Geelong, Victoria and Newcastle, New South Wales (amongst other measures) has been shown to be associated with reductions in alcohol-related harms, such as non-domestic assaults and street offences [6].…”

“…When paired with closed caption television cameras, ID scanner data can be used to identify and prosecute individuals who engage in violent behaviour or other criminal acts within licensed venues. In addition, ID scanners generate valuable data on the number of people attempting to enter licensed venues over time, including data relating to patrons' sex and age [5].…”

“…A previous study by members of our research team found that foot traffic counters provide a valid method of monitoring the number of people within night-time entertainment precincts in Australia [16]. As ID scanner and foot traffic counter data are able to measure trends in licensed venue and SNP attendance patterns [5], these data provide context when measuring policy effects, as counts of alcohol-related incidents can only be understood in terms of the total number of people attending an area. Changes in the number and type of liquor licenses operating across SNPs over time may also provide useful insight into the impact of the TAFV Policy on the number of licensed venues operating within these areas.…”