Uniformed security patrols at Dunedin bus hub

Safety concerns on Dunedin buses and at the city’s main bus hub will be tackled on an ongoing and visible basis, after Otago Regional Council awarded a tender for bus security services to First Security.  

In 2022, ORC funded trial security services at the hub in response to the issue of antisocial behaviour.

The trial services were originally an extension of the existing security services DCC had in place for the wider city centre and ORC transport manager Lorraine Cheyne  says First Security’s team of qualified and experienced security staff will monitor situations and take appropriate action, in conjunction with the Police.  

“First Security’s staff have specialised training and experience to safely identify and manage violent and/or anti-social behaviour. The priority of the security contractors is to de-escalate the risk to drivers and passengers, calling in the Police, when necessary,” Ms Cheyne says.

ORC’s bus hub current security contract had reached the end of its trial period and this presented an opportunity to review the existing service, Ms Cheyne says.

The company will provide a security service with uniformed staff patrolling the bus hub and on board buses at random, six days a week from November 1. They will be working from 2.30pm into the late evening.

 “Security staff are expected to demonstrate an understanding of, and respect for, cultural values, customs and protocols and have all undertaken cultural training., and in a change to the current arrangement, staff will be wearing body cams.” 

The contract is for an initial period of eight months, with the option to continue for two 12-month extensions. 

Main image (Supplied / ORC): Dunedin's bus hub to get uniformed security staff on a permanent basis.