What Are Security Guards Authorised To Do?
What do security guards have the authority to do? How are they trained to act?
While this depends on the local regulations and differs from one country to another, for the most part, security guards have the authority to:
RESTRICT YOUR MOVEMENT (TEMPORARILY)
Security guards can temporarily restrict your movement in the case of potential crimes or preserving evidence.
SEARCH YOU
When entering and leaving the protected object or premises, security guards can search you, your belongings and your vehicle to prevent any damage caused to the protected area.
DETAIN YOU (TEMPORARILY)
If direct observation is necessary for determining the facts, security guards are obligated to secure the scene until the arrival of the police. They have the right to detain a person they estimate can give information relevant to clarifying the event, after which they must contact the police.
USE FORCE
As guards are tasked with keeping the assigned property safe, they are allowed to use reasonable force to carry out their duties. If lawfully issued warnings and orders do not guarantee success, they have permission to use minimal necessary force.
CARRY A WEAPON
Security guards may carry prescribed types of short firearms in various situations for examples when protecting financial institutions, serving as a bodyguard, protecting and accompanying money transfers, etc.
VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY
Security guards can check a person's identity when:
A person is entering and leaving a protected object or premises
A person in a vehicle is entering or leaving a protected object/premises
A person is in an area where the entrance is temporarily restricted
A person is committing a crime or offence
On demand of a police officer
GIVE WARNING AND ORDERS
Security guards can interfere if a person behaves in a way that may endanger personal safety or the safety of others. If given, a warning will typically serve to eliminate danger to people's lives, prevent damage to protected property or prevent any criminal activity.
USE GUARD DOGS
Specially trained dogs can be used to secure people and facilities, but only under the supervision of security guards.
Note: Security guards should always communicate with individuals before resorting to physical measures.