Cecconi (AISS): "more protection for Control Services Officers"

(To Andrea Cucco)
30/12/24

In recent days, there has been an increase in attacks on Control Service Officers in various nightclubs.

Who are these operators? Who do they depend on? What are their prerogatives?

We interviewed the president of AISS (Italian Subsidiary Security Association), Dr. Franco Cecconi, the most representative association of the sector in Italy.

GThe Control Services Officers (ASC) are a central figure in the security of discos, concerts and venues. This professional figure, regulated in 2009, is often under pressure due to episodes of violence, as demonstrated by the recent case in Rome. What is your assessment of what happened?
The episode in Rome is emblematic of the complexity and risks that Control Service Officers face on a daily basis: rExpelled from the nightclub, two individuals with criminal records reacted by running over operators with a car, putting the lives of all those present at risk. A massacre was risked!

This case confirms that the choice to grant ASCs discretion over who to let in or not to the premises was correct and necessary to prevent disorder. However, we must recognize that these professionals operate in increasingly difficult and dangerous contexts, often without adequate tools and protections.
Your association, the largest at national level by number of companies represented, is requesting changes to the rules that regulate ASC and football Stewards. What is wrong with the current rules, and what are the main proposals that your association is bringing forward?
Our priority is the recognition of the role of public service for ASCs. This status would give greater authority to their function and would guarantee stronger legal protections in the event of attacks.

Cwe ask also to introduce mandatory technological tools to improve security, such as metal detectors in the premises. These devices not only help prevent the entry of dangerous objects, but also provide concrete support to ASCs in ensuring a safe environment for those who frequent the premises.

Are the institutions listening to you?

With the company ministery ofiInternally, over the years we have managed to obtain small changes to improve the service, making it more efficient in terms of the times for issuing authorisations, but subtraction There is still much to be done.

Would be adoption is also useful a more structured training path, with periodic updates to increase the professionalism of operators and prepare them to manage critical situations with competence.
In light of the latest episodes of violence, such as the one in Rome, what is the message that we canUOLand throw to responsible and public?
We ask the institutions for a concrete commitment: to review the legislation to guarantee greater protection and recognition to ASCs. We cannot allow those who work to ensure everyone's safety to be exposed to such risks without adequate support.

To the public, however, I remind the importance of respect for these professionals. The Control Services Officers are not simply "bouncers", but security operators who act to protect the safety of all.

Episodes like the one in Rome show us how necessary a shared approach is to improve safety in venues and ensure pleasant and risk-free evenings.