Security Guards: Their Role and Responsibilities

Officer Scott Hallock explains and clears up any confusion as to what exactly a Security guard’s role and responsibilities are. This article will educate both Security guards and the private citizens who may encounter them.

Many forms of security actually do the same job, which is to protect people, property and deter crime. For instance, video cameras, surveillance cameras and recording devices all deter, discourage and prevent crime, protect people and property. Guard dogs in a fenced yard, business or other areas certainly keep problems away. Lighting, alarms, walls and fences also give us security.

However, in some situations and locations, it is more secure to have a living breathing person who can watch and observe, deter, gather information and call the Police.

What powers do Security guards have?

The first thing to understand is that Security guards do not have any Police powers. They are a private citizen with no more authority than any other private person has. When a Security guard makes an arrest, he is making a citizen’s arrest, as can any private person, and has to comply with all state laws regarding citizen’s arrests.

Some States require all Security guards to be certified, carry on their person a certification card that shows they have been through a training course and are State certified. This still does not give them any Police powers but only educates them on how their job is performed properly, the legal areas of the job and how to handle various situations and what to do next.

What is the role of a Security Guard?

A client will hire a Security guard for various reasons. It may be to watch over his property and be a deterrent to anyone who may want to steal, trespass or damage the property. A bodyguard is security that watches over the client, and makes sure no one gets too close to the client.

Neighborhoods may hire Security patrol to drive through the streets, shine spotlights on anything suspicious or park and observe. Banks can hire armed security guards that have completed the State requirement to carry a loaded gun as a private citizen working in the capacity of a Security guard.

These Security guard rolls are strictly to be a deterrent before anything happens. No criminal wants to take a chance being identified so he will stay away from property where a Security guard is posted. No one wants to get close to a person who has a bodyguard the size of a house standing next to him or her. It is all prevention, a deterrent or obstacles for anyone not supposed to be there.

What are Security guard responsibilities?

Security guards primary functions are to be highly visible, prevent an incident before it happens, observed and then report it to the Police. If a Security guard notices something suspicious than the proper thing to do is report it to the Police. He is the eyes and ears of the Police and a great resource for stopping crime before it happens.

If a guard sees something, he can shout, turn on lights or sound an alarm that will scare the perpetrator away. Guards wear special uniforms and someone wearing a uniform is a deterrent enough for most people.

What can Security guards NOT do?

Security guards cannot represent in any fashion that they are the Police. It is a crime to impersonate a Police Officer. In fact, Security guard uniforms cannot resemble in any way the local Police department’s uniform. This would give the appearance and misconception that they could be Police Officers. Although this is a good deterrent, it is still against the rules.

A security guard cannot pull you over in their security car or have any flashing red or blue lights. Guards cannot beat you up, hit you with a club or lay their hands on you, spray you with pepper spray or taser you without having the same justification that any private person or even a Police Officer would have to protect another person’s life or his own.

Conclusion

Private security is an enormous business because the Police cannot be everywhere and are not enough to stop all crime. Security guards are a tremendous asset to public safety when properly trained, know, and understand their roles and responsibilities.

Article also posted on Triond.com by Scott Hallock