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Aimbridge Hospitality, the operator of a Hyatt hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, terminated several security associates on Wednesday for breaching company policies during an incident that led to the death of a man last month.
The incident occurred on June 30 when 43-year-old D’Vontaye Mitchell allegedly entered a women’s restroom during what his family’s attorney described as a mental health crisis. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a confrontation ensued between Mitchell and hotel security, resulting in Mitchell being restrained on the ground and beaten. He passed away around 4 p.m. local time that day. The Milwaukee Police Department is currently reviewing the case as a homicide, with felony murder charges under consideration for four individuals involved.
Aimbridge Hospitality stated that the actions of the security personnel did not align with their organizational values. They are continuing their independent investigation and cooperating with law enforcement. The spokesperson did not disclose specific policy details or whether the security staff were in-house or contract employees.
Understanding Security Training and Protocols:
Erik Antons, CPP, PSP, former chief security officer, notes that hotels often face challenges due to limited security resources and varying levels of training among personnel. “Typically, you get what you pay for,” he says, highlighting that many security guards receive minimal training before starting their roles. This lack of training can lead to complications in managing high-stress situations.
Antons recommends allowing police to handle physical confrontations unless there is an immediate threat. He emphasizes that security staff should use the least amount of force necessary and focus on de-escalation.
The Role of De-Escalation Training:
Eddie Sorrells, CPP, PCI, PSP, president of DSI Security Services, stresses the importance of comprehensive de-escalation training. Effective programs teach communication strategies, conflict resolution, and non-verbal cues to help security officers defuse situations before they escalate. Sorrells warns that inadequate training can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, as seen in cases involving excessive force.
U.S. states like Tennessee are also responding to incidents by mandating specific training for security officers, especially in environments serving alcohol.
Best Practices for Security Personnel:
RC Miles, CPP, global director of safety and security at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, emphasizes hiring and training security personnel directly with a focus on de-escalation. His foundation’s approach includes maintaining physical space between staff and individuals and using verbal de-escalation techniques.
Miles also notes the increasing challenge of slow police response times, which puts more pressure on private security to handle potentially dangerous situations effectively. “Nobody should die when they’re being restrained,” he asserts.
Conclusion:
The tragic Milwaukee incident underscores the critical need for rigorous training and proper protocols in security operations. Ensuring that security personnel are well-trained in de-escalation and aware of the appropriate use of force is essential to preventing such incidents and protecting both individuals and organizations from severe consequences.
