New book on world of private security mainly set in Bristol

A new book on the private security industry, Modern Samurai, predominantly set around the bars and clubs of Bristol, is proving to be an underground success.

Author of the book, Matt Stait, lived and worked in Bristol for more than 20 years and plied his trade at a number of the city’s venues including Colston Hall, Basement 45, both universities, and numerous bars and clubs on Whiteladies Road and Park Street.

Matt, who now lives in Chepstow, spoke to Bristol24/7 about the book and the often misunderstood work of door security.

Why did you decide to write a book about your work in the private security industry?

It started as a want to write. I enjoy writing and it turns out security is a rich vein for source material. As it was my whole life for many years, I was engulfed in the lifestyle and people would often question me on what it was like. Or tell me stories of their encounters with bouncers which was often negative, so I wanted to tell what it was really like. The truth is that it is a job like any other, taken on by people with thoughts, dreams, aspirations, and families just like everyone else. But what it also does at the frontline of the night time economy is expose the extremes of human behaviour and what drink, drugs and partying can do. It is a world hidden from many and for the majority of people on a night out, we are misunderstood and totally undervalued.

Has security work changed much during your career?

Yes, is the short answer. The introduction of the SIA license, which is now a legal requirement changed the face of door work forever. I teach the qualifications and physical skills required to gain your license and it is a four-day course with one and a half days of physical intervention training. It has brought about some changes for the better by squeezing out some of the criminal elements. When I started bouncers were quick to violence and most disputes were solved physically. Now to be a good door supervisor you need a host of skills. You have to communicate well, be able to organise, problem solve in the moment and multi-task while dealing with sometimes very volatile people. A good doorman is so many things now, the days of the uneducated thug are pretty much over.

How would you describe Bristol nightlife?

Having worked in a number of large cities and towns I think it is fair to say I rate Bristol highly as a destination. After all, I came here as a young man seeking excitement and adventure. The music scene is amazing and full of some incredibly talented people, although we could still do with that stadium people said was going to happen. Parts of Bristol have this amazing feel to them and you can find a club to fit your tastes. It’s great that it is big enough to hold all this but still geographically small enough to get to the different venues. One of the best things I found was that you never knew what the night would bring and there was always a new character or sight to take in.

What has been the reaction to the book from colleagues and the industry in general?

Very positive indeed. The book has hit #1 twice in its category on Amazon. The reviews and feedback from people in the industry have been universally positive. I have tried to keep the accounts honest and shied away from both ego and exaggeration which in this genre seems pretty rare. I have had messages from people I have never met who work security in America telling me how they enjoyed it which is surreal. Being honest I was never sure how the book would be taken as I have never written one before and I know that there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the industry. So I am very grateful it has been received so well.

Have you enough material for more books?

Yes. I am already into my next book which is not on this subject. I have more than enough material to write a sequel if I wanted to, and I regularly write on my blog. I enjoy writing and I hope to continue with it into the future.

Modern Samurai is out now. For more information, visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Samurai-revealing-security-industry

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