Security Risk Assessment in an Australian Aged Care Village
In recent years, Australia’s aged care sector has come under increased scrutiny following serious security-related incidents, particularly external criminal intrusions. A notable case in Victoria resulted in injuries to 13 people, highlighting broader systemic vulnerabilities in aged care facility security.
In response to ongoing security concerns, including break-ins and repeated breaches, an Australian not-for-profit aged care provider engaged Matryx to conduct a comprehensive Security Risk Assessment (SRA) of one of its residential villages.
Objective
The primary aim of the assessment was to:
- Identify weaknesses in existing security standards and work practices
- Recommend practical, proportionate remedial actions
- Establish a formal, organisation-owned framework for managing security risks
Key Review Areas
The review evaluated several core elements contributing to the site’s overall risk profile:
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
- Local Risk Context
- Incident History
- Work Practices & Governance
- Visitor and Contractor Management
- Electronic Security Systems
- Security Personnel
- Perimeter Security
- Critical Infrastructure
- Receiving and Dispatch
Key Findings
- Repeat Security Breaches: Incidents were likely to recur due to a lack of deterrents against highly motivated intruders, particularly groups of youths targeting the property.
- CCTV Deficiencies: Current camera placements often missed critical activity. For example, repositioning cameras to capture every vehicle entering/exiting would greatly enhance incident tracking.
- Lack of Standardisation: Security providers were defining operational standards in the absence of clear organisational governance. Uniform standards—covering equipment, camera types, and emergency procedures—were urgently needed.
- Patrol Ineffectiveness: Mobile patrols offered minimal deterrent value and often gave advance warning to intruders. Foot patrols were recommended for improved situational awareness and stealth.
- Lack of Direction in Patrols: Random, discretionary patrols allowed security providers too much autonomy. The organisation must provide precise, written patrol instructions to ensure accountability.
Recommendations
Our overarching approach when providing recommendations is to avoid a disproportionate Security Response. Overly aggressive security measures would compromise resident comfort and amenity—counterproductive in a residential aged care setting and best practice security strategy.
The following recommendations were put forward:
- Establish CPTED Guidelines: Develop organisation-wide CPTED standards and educate residents on the principles to foster collective security awareness.
- Strengthen Incident Reporting Culture: Encourage residents to report all incidents—regardless of perceived severity. Serious issues should be escalated to internal risk advisors or external experts.
- Governance Overhaul: Implement centralised oversight for all security functions, including formalised standards and documentation.
- CCTV Standards: Define installation, placement, and commissioning protocols to ensure consistent and effective coverage.
- Emergency Management Planning: Expand plans to include responses to violent incidents, weapons threats, and other security-related scenarios beyond typical emergency procedures.
- Standardise Security Equipment: Ensure consistency in devices (e.g., emergency release colours, monitored door strikes) to avoid confusion and maintain quality.
Security in aged care facilities must strike a delicate balance: protecting vulnerable residents without creating an oppressive environment. Through proper governance, environmental design, and evidence-based strategies, providers can improve safety while maintaining quality of life. The formalisation of standards, especially in electronic security and operational procedures, is essential in building a resilient and accountable security framework.
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