Security guards are a visible crime deterrent. Their frequent property patrolling is often enough to prevent trespassing, vandalism, or theft. They also enforce policies, document incidents, and detain suspects until police arrive.
Though their authority varies by location, US security officers can arrest citizens on certain grounds. Read on to learn more about these duties. Contact Baltimore Private Security now!
Security guards must monitor the flow of traffic and people entering and exiting industrial or commercial premises. This helps them spot potential security threats, including suspicious vehicles or pedestrians. It also allows them to quickly call police or other emergency services when needed.
Another aspect of this job involves monitoring entrances and exits of parking lots and other vehicle access points. This way, they can prevent unauthorized entry and keep their workplace safe. Additionally, they can track and report any unusual activity such as equipment damage or theft to their supervisors.
Hospitals are always busy, so a trained security guard is a vital part of the team. They ensure that only authorized individuals enter and provide a sense of safety and security for patients, visitors and staff alike. Security guards at healthcare facilities must also abide by strict compliance protocols to help protect sensitive medical information and valuable resources.
Security officers often patrol the hospital or healthcare facility to identify any potential threats and address them as they see fit. They may also use their training in conflict de-escalation to diffuse disagreements or disputes, preventing them from escalating into an emergency situation.
Lastly, they may need to conduct regular inspections of the building and its different areas. This includes checking the alarm systems, fire exits and other relevant components for any issues. Security guards must also write reports to document their daily activities, observations and any security-related incidents or occurrences.
Enforcing Rules
While security guards must be firm in deterring unwanted behavior, they also need to exercise restraint when it comes to physical force. Using excessive force can lead to civil and criminal charges, so security guards are taught to respond only as needed and only after exhausting other de-escalation tactics. Additionally, any physical actions by a security guard should be documented in an incident report. This ensures transparency and accountability for any use of force.
Another way that security professionals demonstrate restraint is by avoiding harassment and discrimination. They can do this by proactively establishing a safe and respectful workplace through education, monitoring, and enforcement. Harassment involves unwanted conduct based on a person’s race, diversity, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability status. It can manifest as verbal or physical, and may occur in the form of intimidation, threats, sexism, bullying, or retaliation. Security guards can prevent harassment by educating employees and visitors on expected standards of behavior, and by addressing any concerns promptly.
Security guards can also enforce rules by requesting consent for searches, or even denying entry to a property (e.g. at a concert). They can ask people to open their bags for a security check, or request that they sign a receipt for their purchase to deter shoplifting. In the case of a crime, they can detain suspects and alert law enforcement, who will then make the arrest.
However, security guards cannot legally perform police-like functions outside of the defined boundaries of their properties. They can’t chase a suspect down the street or pull over vehicles on public roads, for example. To avoid legal ambiguity, your security team should establish clear policy guidelines for when to detain suspects and how long they can do so. The timeframe should be determined by local laws and based on the severity of the suspected offense.
Responding to Disturbances
As they patrol a facility, security guards must be alert to potential threats and problems. This includes monitoring surveillance systems to identify suspicious activity and deter criminal activities such as vandalism, burglary, and arson. Security guards are also trained to quickly respond to alarms, disturbances, and emergencies, assessing the situation to determine what action to take. This might involve restraining and detaining individuals who pose a threat until law enforcement arrives.
During emergency situations like fires, medical emergencies, and disturbances, security guards must be able to remain calm and composed in order to assess the situation and take appropriate action. They also must be able to coordinate with emergency personnel, such as firefighters and paramedics, to ensure an effective response.
Additionally, security guards are often responsible for evacuating building occupants during emergency situations, so they must be familiar with evacuation procedures and how to safely and efficiently evacuate individuals from a scene. They must also be able to communicate clearly and concisely with the crowd in an emergency, ensuring that everyone understands what is expected of them and how to proceed.
In addition to evacuating individuals, security guards are often responsible for managing the flow of people during natural disasters, as they may be the first line of defense in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all individuals present. They must be able to manage crowds, direct individuals to assembly points, and create safe spaces where medical professionals can work without getting caught up in chaos or being overwhelmed by a large number of individuals seeking assistance.
Security guards are also well-versed in recognizing and responding to various types of medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and seizures. They are able to provide assistance and support with these situations, helping to ease the anxiety and panic of individuals by providing reassurance and direction. In some cases, they may even be responsible for restraining and escorting individuals until medical professionals arrive to address the situation.
Documenting Incidents
A security guard’s incident reporting is a crucial part of his or her responsibilities, as it helps with legal proceedings and operational improvements. Precise documentation also allows a clear communication of essential details between supervisors and clients.
An accurate report should include the following details:
Who: The names, descriptions, and roles of everyone involved in an incident, including witnesses. This includes individuals with malicious intent and those who simply call for help. It should also include any relevant information about property damage or injuries.
Where: The precise location where the incident occurred.
When: The exact time of the incident, in terms of day and date.
What: A detailed account of what transpired, including a description of the incident itself as well as any action security guards took to address it. In addition, this should include any significant outcomes of the incident, such as injuries, property damage, or arrests.
Effective handling of emergencies requires security guards to communicate calmly and clearly with individuals. This can reduce panic and ensure that those who require assistance receive it quickly and efficiently. In addition, security guards must be able to relay pertinent information to external emergency services such as police and fire departments. This requires strong attention and eye contact as well as a commanding presence that conveys authority. Poor communication can negatively impact an incident, resulting in a dangerous situation for those involved.
Detaining Suspects
Security guards have the right to make a citizen’s arrest when they witness a crime and can restrain an individual until law enforcement officers arrive. While this may sound like a superpower, it is a limited power and should only be used in the most dire situations. Guards must also follow certain legal boundaries to prevent liability and make sure they are acting within their authority.
Whether they are watching over an apartment complex or a corporate office, it is important that security guards know how to defuse and deescalate tensions. This includes teaching them about verbal communication skills and basic crisis intervention techniques that can prevent potential threats from escalating into violence.
It is also essential that security guards understand their legal boundaries when it comes to detaining suspects. They are not police officers and cannot hold people indefinitely unless they have seen the suspect commit a felony. It is best for companies to create a comprehensive policy detailing the maximum amount of time they can detain individuals and that it complies with local laws.
Security guards are essentially the eyes and ears of a business and are often the first to notice suspicious activity. By ensuring they receive the appropriate training to recognize and react to dangerous situations, they can help prevent theft, property damage, and even violent attacks. Those who value independence in the workplace will find satisfaction in this career, as this occupation allows them to work on their own and make decisions on their own. It is also helpful for security guards to remain calm and professional in challenging situations. This is an excellent way to promote safety and a positive workplace culture.