Work

Intervention or Involvement: A Video Observational Analysis of Bouncers in Aggressive Encounters

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Little is known about how bouncer-patron interactions may influence a bouncer’s use of physical aggression. To address this gap, we offer a micro-interactional analysis examining real-life aggressive bouncer behavior captured by venue surveillance cameras. Quantitative results show that bouncer physical aggression is associated with interactions where bouncers are directly involved as a conflict party, compared to situations where they solely intervene as a third-party. Further, a qualitative analysis of emotional cues identifies anger as a plausible mechanism underpinning bouncer aggression. We consider the implications of these findings for night-time economy violence prevention strategies and discuss the relevance of video data for barroom research.

Source: Deviant Behavior

DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2019.1619421