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What Security Guards Can & Can't Do in the UK?
In the UK, security guards are in the role of maintaining the security and safety of their customers’ properties. What are security guards permitted to do legally? Can security guards detain your situation?
They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including property protection, CCTV monitoring, physical searches, citizen arrests, and emergency assistance. They cannot, however, perform strip searches, carry weapons, interfere with police investigations, or detain someone permanently. Trained SIA security guards may undertake three sorts of tasks: protecting premises, guarding products, and guarding individuals. Security guards maintain order in crowded commercial spaces, event venues, and other public areas. Companies rely on the presence of a security team to discourage criminal conduct such as burglary, theft, and assault, while visitors rely on security guards to assure their safety. Here are some points about what security guards can and cannot do:
What can security guards do?
1. Protection of property:
The primary role of security guards is to defend the property of the organisation or individual who has employed them. Also, it involves protecting the property from theft, destruction, and vandalism. Security guards may patrol the property on foot or by vehicle, monitor access points, verify the identity of anyone accessing the premises, and take necessary action if they see any suspicious behaviour. They may also utilise physical obstacles or security systems to secure the property, such as gates, fences, alarms, and video cameras.
2. Monitor Surveillance cameras:
Surveillance cameras may also be monitored by security guards to catch any illegal or suspicious behaviour. It entails detecting strange activity or incidents that may endanger the property’s or its residents’ safety and security. They can report any unusual conduct to the authorities like the police or the owner of the property to take necessary action.
Also Read: 9 Reasons Why You Need CCTV Security at Your Property
3. Conduct physical searches:
Security guards have the legal authority to inquire about a physical search of people and their property before visiting a venue or departing or entering a store on any grounds if they have evidence to suspect that someone has stolen something. If the person refuses to participate in the search, they can hold them till the police show up. Security guards can carry out searches of people and their possessions, but only if they have received particular training and the requisite authorization. Metal detection devices, x-ray equipment, and physical pat-downs can be used in searches. When performing searches, security guards must adhere to specific rules to make sure that someone’s confidentiality and dignity are respected.
4. Make citizen's arrests:
If they observe someone conducting a crime, security guards have the authority to initiate a citizen’s arrest. They must nevertheless use caution not overstep the boundaries of their authority and be prepared to defend their conduct if questioned in court. A citizen’s arrest can be carried out by anyone who is part of the general public if it is obvious that the individual is ashamed or has adequate reasons to believe them to be at fault. Security guards are more skilled at the physical moves of making an arrest, but the police are the only ones who can proceed further by conducting a physical arrest. Under some conditions, security guards can arrest a person, but they have no more authority than the rest of the public.
5. Apply adequate force:
If required and appropriate considering the circumstances, security guards are permitted to use adequate force to apprehend someone they think to be involved in a crime. Therefore, they have the right to use physical force if necessary to protect the surroundings, and the individuals around them, or to stop a criminal act from being executed. Security officers have to be competent to stand by the application of force and assure that it does not go beyond what is fair and needed in the scenario at hand.
Also Read: How to Run a Secure Retail Business?
6. Offer assistance:
In situations of emergency such as fires, incidents, or medical problems, security guards can help the general public. It may entail offering first aid, fleeing the area, or alerting the appropriate emergency services. Security guards are additionally in charge of retaining order and providing people’s safety at gatherings such as festivals or athletic competitions. Their responsibility is to guard the property, and the inhabitants might be involved in assisting.
What security guards can’t do?
1. Cannot carry out strip searches and weapons:
Under no conditions are security guards permitted to conduct strip searches. A strip search entails stripping part or all of someone’s clothing to identify their body. It is a sensitive process that can be performed by security officers who have undergone special training and authorisation. Furthermore, security guards in the UK, are prohibited to carry guns unless they get professional training and possess suitable authorisation. Moreover, to assure that weapons are used when strictly needed and their usage is closely monitored by licensed professionals. Security guards are strictly forbidden to have weapons, not even pepper spray. Even though the weapon isn’t used to harm, it remains capable of being used to instil fear, which security guards can’t use as a deterrence. Front-of-house security guards are more likely to utilise methods for dispute resolution rather than physical force. Handcuffs are allowed to be used to make a citizen’s arrest, and guards will be taught how to use them effectively and safely, but anyone who’s part of the general public can practically carry them.
Also Read: 9 Ways to Improve Security for Events
2. Security guards cannot use excessive force
Physical restraint shouldn’t be used until the target refuses, and security shouldn’t use additional pressure once the criminal has been detained. Security guards, personal security, and mobile police officers are also prohibited from using excessive force when effecting a citizen’s arrest. An extra amount of force could negatively impact the security guards and the company’s image. When arresting someone, security guards are not permitted to use too much force as this might be deemed assault. Force must be used only when required and appropriate to the scenario, and it shouldn’t be used more than what is acceptable under the conditions. When using force, security guards must adhere to rigorous standards and be able to explain their conduct in court.
3. Cannot Interfere with police investigations:
Security guards are not allowed to interfere with police investigations or assume the roles of security officers. This is due to the fact that the police have defined rules and authorities that must be followed while investigating crimes, and security guards are not authorised to interrupt or engage in these processes. If security guards see a crime, they must immediately report it to the authorities and offer them with all aid needed for an effective prosecution.
4. Detain someone:
Security guards are legally permitted to keep a person for a reasonable time until the police come. They must ensure that the detention is necessary and reasonable to the situation, and they must adhere to tight protocols to protect the individual’s safety and well-being. They are not empowered to hold people indefinitely or to use their power to threaten or compel people. Detaining someone requires a good reason, such as observing or having adequate evidence to believe an individual has carried out a crime, securing a person from injury or damage to property, and avoiding a person from escaping the scene before a crime has been committed.
Also Read: What is ASCONE procedure and how it helps prevent shoplifting?
In Verdict
To execute their tasks successfully and responsibly, security guards are qualified professionals who must follow stringent norms and regulations. Agile Guarding‘s security guards are SIA qualified and provide security services. Before initiating manned guarding services, they go through a training plan and undergo evaluations and monitoring for improvements. Do you require a security guard or private protection for your office or home in the UK?
Speak with a security professional right now to discuss your security requirements.
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