Video Shows Altercation at Prince Albert Walmart, Sparking Security Concerns
Police in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, are examining a disturbing video that depicts an altercation involving a security guard at the Walmart location on 15th Street East. The footage, which has gone viral, shows a confrontation between a woman and multiple security personnel at the McDonald’s restaurant within the store.
Incident Overview
The video lasts around 19 seconds, capturing a chaotic scene where three security guards are present. A man attempts to restrain the woman, who appears agitated and makes an aggressive move before striking a guard. This prompts the guard to retaliate by slapping her across the face. Many have raised concerns about the appropriateness of the guard’s response.
Expert Opinions on Security Protocols
Steven Summerville, a retired Toronto Police Service staff sergeant and current safety instructor, reacted to the footage. He stated that the guard’s actions did not reflect proper control techniques. Summerville emphasized that security personnel should prioritize de-escalation and safety rather than retaliation.
– Key points from Summerville’s analysis:
– Security guards should manage distance to allow for calm communication.
– Proper training in de-escalation is crucial.
– Retaliatory actions can escalate situations unnecessarily.
Walmart released a statement confirming their awareness of the incident and vowed to take it seriously. They mentioned that the security company, Allied Universal, has been notified.
Context of Security Concerns in Saskatchewan
This incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny of security guard conduct in Saskatchewan, particularly after previous controversial cases. Notably:
– In December, guards at Prince Albert’s Victoria Hospital were reprimanded following a distressing incident involving a First Nations man.
– Recently, security actions at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon came under fire after a patient’s death following an altercation.
Police Response and Public Reaction
Prince Albert police responded to the altercation call around 8:15 PM CST on February 5. They reported that the altercation involved a woman who was attempting to provoke conflict with staff. After officers arrived, they removed her from the premises.
The video, recorded by a witness named Cheyanne Morin, more than 400,000 views on social media. Morin noted that the altercation escalated quickly and expressed concern about the woman’s emotional state following the slap.
Implications for Security Training
This incident highlights the ongoing conversation about security guard training protocols. Many experts advocate for improved standards, emphasizing that effective communication and empathy are vital for security personnel. The dialogue continues regarding how best to prevent such confrontations in the future, underscoring the importance of appropriate responses in high-stress situations.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what measures will be implemented to address both the incident and the broader implications for security practices in Saskatchewan.
