John Cox: Security Manager, Christchurch Casino
John Cox is one of four Security Shift Managers employed at Christchurch Casino.
How did you get started in Casino Security?
I have been with Christchurch Casino since it opened in 1994. I initially applied for a security officer position but with 20 years’ service in the New Zealand Police and training experience with Red Cross, I was offered a security shift managers position. I am particularly happy to be using all of my life skills in this role.
What are some of the highlights of your career?
I have been appointed as the security training officer so now I am also involved in the design and delivery of the training programmes. I enjoy up-skilling the young people that the casino employs. I am proud that I have been able to bring a more relaxed ‘Kiwi’ approach to how we do business.
I enjoy building relationships with visitors to the casino. For example there was a lady that was given a forged $20 note from her bank. It was picked up by our staff and I became involved. I was able to help her through the process of being interviewed by the police and reassure her when she was quite upset. Ever since then we have been really good friends.
Can you explain the main difference between surveillance and security?
There is a big difference. Surveillance officers are the covert watchers. They use the cameras to monitor the entire casino. Surveillance officers gather the evidence or spot potential problems for the security staff to then deal with.
Security officers staff the floor and interact with the casino’s visitors, not just with security issues. They guide visitors to the various parts of the casino or can offer advice on the games.
Both play an important role in making the casino a safe environment for the visitors and staff as we work to maintain the requirements of both the gaming legislation as well as liquor licensing requirements.
What are some of the things you enjoy most about working in the casino security industry?
I really enjoy the people that I work with and the visitors that I meet. The security function only makes up a small part of the role. I spend a lot of my time talking to our visitors. It is like we become a part of their family, and they are a part of ours.
I am respected and liked by my staff, who often approach situations with the question "what would John do?".
What training did you have to do to get to where you are today?
I have gained the National Certificate in Casino Security (Level 3) and the National Certificate in Casino Security (Supervisor) (Level 4). These are great qualifications that you can start to work towards once you are trained and working in the casino.
What is the future of the industry, and where do you see yourself in that future?
The gaming industry is always evolving. The games played in the casino are getting faster and technology is helping the casino industry develop.
What are the traits of a good security officer?
Our security staff need to be completely honest. They need a high level of attention to detail and must be meticulous in the recording of their work. You need to be a confident people-person who is able to build a rapport and maintain positive relationships with the casino's visitors. Security staff also need to be able to deal with physical confrontation as this does occur from time to time, so a good standard of fitness and a strong presence will help.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in casino security?
If you have an interest in being a casino security officer, have a clean police record and have the traits that I have listed, then apply. Do not wait for a job to be advertised, get your name on our waiting list.
