Armed Robbery Response Procedure

Product Overview

The Armed Robbery Response Procedure is a comprehensive, ready-to-use safety document designed specifically for Australian retail and wholesale, hospitality and events, and security services operations. It provides clear, practical guidance for workers and managers on how to prevent, respond to and recover from armed robbery incidents, with a strong focus on work health and safety and legal obligations.

This procedure has been developed to align with Australian WHS legislation and accepted industry practice. It helps businesses manage the significant physical and psychological risks associated with armed robbery, while supporting consistent, calm and effective responses across all sites and shifts.

Key Features

• Step-by-step instructions for what to do before, during and after an armed robbery or attempted robbery.
• Detailed roles and responsibilities for managers, workers, security staff and Health and Safety Representatives.
• Integrated risk management approach, including hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures tailored to customer-facing environments.
• Clear guidance on communication, incident reporting, scene preservation and working with police.
• Worker support and recovery section addressing psychological injury, critical incidents and access to EAP or counselling.
• Practical checklists for preparedness, immediate response and post-incident actions.
• Tables and structures ready for you to populate with your own site-specific information and records.

Benefits

• Strengthens WHS compliance by demonstrating a systematic approach to managing the risks of occupational violence and armed robbery.
• Reduces risk of harm to workers, customers and security personnel by prioritising safety over protection of property.
• Saves time and resources with a fully drafted procedure that can be quickly adapted to your operations, locations and staffing arrangements.
• Supports consistent training and drills across multiple stores, venues or events, improving worker confidence and competence.
• Improves quality of incident reporting and investigation, enabling better corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Provides clear evidence of safety documentation and due diligence for regulators, insurers and clients.

Who is this for?

• Retailers, supermarkets, bottle shops and convenience stores handling cash and high-value stock.
• Hospitality venues including pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and gaming rooms.
• Event organisers, stadiums, arenas and ticketing operations managing large crowds and cash transactions.
• Security service providers, including crowd controllers, patrol services and cash-in-transit operations.
• Safety managers, HR professionals, compliance officers and business owners seeking robust, defensible safety documentation.

Legislation & References

This Armed Robbery Response Procedure is designed to support compliance with key Australian work health and safety duties under the model WHS laws and equivalent state and territory legislation. It reflects recognised guidance on managing the risks of occupational violence and aggression in retail, hospitality and security environments.

While not a substitute for legal advice, this document provides a strong framework you can align with your own legal, insurance and client requirements, ensuring your safety documentation is thorough, current and fit for purpose.