What Security Guards Can Do Legally? Security guards do not have the same legal authority as personnel from law enforcement agencies. However, security guards can exercise limited legal authority as per the circumstances. Hotel security guards use this legal authority on hotel premises. Here is the list of some actions that can be taken in a legal domain:
- Observing and Reporting
- Confirmation of Identification
- Search
- Watch and Ward
- Arrest a person conditionally
- Use of force
- In self-defense
- Protection of Person
- Protection of property
- Limitations of the use of force
- Excessive force is prohibited
- No off-site authority
Observing and Reporting
Security guards are trained to observe things. Personal security guard services deploy personnel with high levels of observation and attention. Observing is the primary harbinger that brings forth any irregularity or untoward thing. A guard, after observing any change in the normal course of things, reports the matter to the relevant quarters. If the incident or change pertains to the Police, he reports it to the Police. If the subject matter falls under the jurisdiction of a municipal authority, it is reported to that authority.
Confirmation of Identification
Identification is necessary to ensure the access control principle of a secured area. Identification is ensured by an identity card, etc. Further, the identification is conveyed to the control room or quarter room for proper permission, to determine if the person with this identity is allowed to enter. Upon receiving confirmation of the order, the necessary action is taken.
Search
Search is another legal task that a security guard can perform. Search can be of a body or property. Frisking is carried out with hands or gadgets. A body search physically with hands is considered more reliable than a metal detector or other body search equipment. Commercial security services ensure a thorough search of buildings and their areas before deploying guards at businesses. This search ensures that no unwanted or prohibited items can be carried in places where they are not permitted.
Watch and Ward
Watch and ward is the primary responsibility of a guard. Watch and ward endures the protection of a property or person. In this task, round the clock ward the property. No unauthorized person is allowed to enter. Any intruder or person trying to enter surreptitiously is kept out. This is a method of monitoring the premises and the entry and exit points of the property. Any change in the usual routine is observed through the watch and ward system. This serves the second D of 5 Ds of security principles. After this system responds, the following response is given to any intruder.
Arrest a person conditionally.
A security guard can arrest a person, but only under certain conditions. This arrest is to ensure the perpetrator is handed over to the Police. A security guard can charge any perpetrator who breaches the law. This arrest is immediately conveyed to the Concerned police station.
Use of force
The use of force is another legal authority for a security guard, but it is subject to certain limitations or conditions. The force can be used in:
- Self defense
- Protection of a person
- Protection of Property
Final Words
What Security Guards Can Do Legally? Security guards can perform a series of tasks under the law. A California security provides trained security guards who are licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). We ensure high security standards in serving our valuable clients.