Research by Deakin University has cast doubt on the effectiveness of ID scanners as a way of reducing disorder and violence in and around licensed premises.
Lead author of the research and criminology expert, Associate Professor Darren Palmer, said there was little evidence ID scanner reduced violence.
He said the results needed to be considered carefully, the study provided limited support for claims alcohol-related assaults in and around Geelong’s late-night venues have declined since the introduction of ID scanners.
“Between May 2007 and May 2008 there was no discernible reduction in either reported assaults or emergency department admissions,” he said.
“Assaults continued to rise despite the ID scanners and other interventions. Emergency Department data was similar with no evidence of decline after ID scanners were introduced.
“Interviews found key figures were supportive of the use of ID scanners and believed they were having an impact inside the venues as troublemakers were being deterred by removing anonymity and enabling the banning of troublesome patrons.
“The overriding finding of the research showed single interventions such as ID scanners might seem to offer a quick solution, but violence in and around licensed premises is not so easily fixed.
Associate Professor Palmer said ID scanning had been introduced in the Geelong CBD in 2007 and eventually made mandatory.
“By the time this study started in 2009 national media coverage widely praised the Geelong ID scanning initiative for its innovation and effectiveness in reducing alcohol-related violence,” he said.
“We wanted to test those claims.
“Most assaults and other offences are not planned in a rational, calculating manner but occur, often quickly or on the spot.”
