It is important to remember:
• As a security guard, you are NOT a peace officer!!!
How security is guards DIFFERENT from peace officers?
Security guards do not have:
• The same job duties as peace officers;
• The same training; or
• The same powers as peace officers, according to the law.
What happens when a security guard PRETENDS to be a peace officer?
Any security guard who pretends or even implies (lets others think) that he is a peace officer is committing a crime. A person who is found guilty of impersonating a peace officer could be punished by a fine or county jail sentence and his registration may be denied or revoked.
What is the security guard’s ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES?
• A security guard’s role is to PROTECT people and property of his employer or contracted clients.
• A security guard’s responsibility BEFORE an incident/offense has occurred is PREVENTION.
• A security guard’s responsibility DURING or AFTER an incident/offense has occurred is to OBSERVE and REPORT.
How should security guards PERFORM their job?
The major responsibility of a security guard is prevention BEFORE an incident/offense occurs. Thus, a security guard should be highly visible. By being seen, the guard may discourage anyone who might be considering theft, damage, or personal injury. A security guard’s job is PREVENTION. To do the job well, the security guard MUST:
• Be alert
• Listen
• Watch
What is a sign that a security guard is doing a good job?
The absence of incidents or offenses (crimes) is one sign that a security guard is doing a
good job.
What should a security guard do if an incident/offense does occur?
If an offense occurs, a guard does not charge in. Instead, the security guard should:
• Stay calm
• Observe and remember events
• Report to the police/or the security guard’s supervisor (fellow employer policy).
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
WHAT IS A SECURITY GUARD’S JOB?
A security guard is assigned to protect specific people and property. This may include detecting some of the same offenses that would cause a peace officer to act, such as a fight or burglary. But it would not include other offenses such as motor vehicle traffic violations or prostitution.
For example, if you were on duty at a plant gate and you observed two teenagers having an auto race down a public road, you would not try to arrest them. You may decide to report it to the police if a telephone is nearby. But you were hired to protect the plant - not to arrest speeders.
(In fact, you should be suspicious of any activity that may draw you away from your post. It could be a plan to draw your attention away from your duties.)
WHAT IS A PEACE OFFICER'S JOB?
Peace officers are law enforcement officers such as Sheriffs and their Deputies, Constables, Marshals, members of city police forces and other officers whose duty is to enforce the law and preserve the public peace. If a law is violated, peace officers are required to pursue and apprehend the person responsible. This is not required of a security guard!
REMEMBER, a peace officer’s responsibilities are different from a security guard’s responsibilities.
• SECURITY GUARDS only protect specific people and property.
• POLICE (PEACE OFFICERS) protect all people and all property and enforce laws.
WHAT OTHER DUTIES COULD A SECURITY GUARD HAVE?
A security guard may be responsible for maintaining certain company rules established by the client (company). These could include:
• Requiring employees to show their badges when entering the property; or
• Inspecting lunch pails as employees leave the plant; or
• Monitoring safety standards and reporting hazards; blocked exits, fire safety, slippery floors, etc.
A guard’s supervisor or the client (company) will give him instructions on helping employees observe company rules and policies.
PREVENTION IS THE KEY
The security guard’s concern is to protect persons and prevent damage or destruction to property. PREVENTION is the key word.
For example, if you spotted some young people trying to climb a fence to enter private property, you should shout at them or turn on the lights. Do anything lawful that would discourage their trespassing, don’t wait until they cross the fence so you can arrest them.
Another typical situation might be: A person intends to steal from a store, but suddenly sees a uniformed security guard on patrol. The person leaves the store without stealing anything. The guard, simply by being in uniform, has prevented a crime.
OBSERVE AND REPORT
If you can’t prevent an incident, the proper action is to observe and report. You should:
• Observe carefully and
• Report immediately to the local law enforcement and/or your supervisor.
SITUATION SECURITY GUARD’S ROLE
BEFORE the incident: PREVENTION
DURING OR AFTER the incident: OBSERVE AND REPORT

FOR CONTACT DETAILS:
10, DIYA STREET, GBAGADA, LAGOS-NIGERIA
+2348072292381
info@chogonguards.com
www.chogonguards.com