NCJ Number
70717
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The responsibilities of the security guard are discussed and appropriate procedures are given for reports of rules violation, arrest, and search and seizure.
Abstract
The characteristics of a good security guard are as follows: alertness, confidence in handling problems, mental and physical fitness, courtesy, tact, self-control, and sound judgment. The guard's responsibilities include the protection of employees, the protection of the company's rules; however, he can make an arrest if he is assaulted by an employee. Because arrest is a serious and complex procedure, the powers of arrest of the security guard are those of citizen's arrest, which are defined under penal law. When making an arrest, guards must be certain that a felony has been committed by the subject; furthermore, they must be certain to inform subjects that they are under arrest. Generally, the guard should try to avoid making an arrest, should avoid the use of force, and should use it only when necessary, when all other means have been exhausted, and only to protect life rather than property. Search and seizure are justifiable when protecting life, preventing escape, or confiscating contraband. Ways to increase guard effectiveness include knowledge of methods of forced entry (such as use of picks and plastic cards), acquaintance with maintenance people and their routines, careful checking of locks, and avoidance of predictable routines.