People hire security guards to maintain peace and safety in busy events areas, commercial spaces, and other public venues. Most businesses rely on a security team to ensure the safety of their business from criminal activities like assault, theft, vandalism, and to ensure the safety of their visitors. Hiring security guard services continues to be the primary consideration when it comes to planning events and protecting businesses.
It is not difficult to understand the purpose and benefits of hiring a security team for your business or social events. Because when you hire a security team, they make sure that your visitors and clients can enjoy themselves without any fear, and that you don’t have to bear any economic loss due to theft or other criminal activities. Safety should always be of prime importance for you as a business owner which can be ensured by hiring a security team.
Police officers and security guards have a lot of things in common. They both wear uniforms, carry weapons and their job is to protect people and maintain law and order in places. However, in reality, a security guard is not a police officer. A security guard is not a public servant; instead, he/she serves a private citizen and has to work with some limitations.
Sometimes the lines that define the legalities of a security guard’s actions are blurred. So, in this blog, we will explain what things a security guard can and can’t do.
Can Perform An Arrest
There are certain conditions under which a security guard can arrest a citizen. When someone commits a crime or an offense, they can be arrested by a security guard. You, as the general public, can request for an arrest of a person guilty of doing any criminal activity. But since security guards are more equipped and experienced at this, they are a better option for arresting someone.
However, a security guard can only arrest a person after that, the police officers are the only ones who can take the arrest further. So, a security guard can arrest a person but cannot take any further action after that.
Can Do A Physical Search
A security guard is allowed to do a physical search. When you hire a security guard to protect your premises, they are allowed to physically check people before letting them into your personal premises.
They are also allowed to request a physical examination of someone entering or exiting a shop, if they suspect that they have stolen something. And, all this is entirely lawful, if someone rejects a physical examination, a security guard can arrest them and can even bar them from entering into the venue.
Can’t Use Unreasonable Force
A security guard can arrest a citizen but can not use undue amounts of force while doing so. Security personnel can only use physical force if the suspect is resisting or is trying to escape. Improper use of handcuffs, abusive language, and threatening the individual are prohibited.
A security guard can detain a person until the police arrive. Excessive use of force will mean that the citizen’s arrest is not lawful, which will damage the reputation of the security guard and their company.
Can’t Carry Weapons
Not all security guards are allowed to carry weapons. Only armed certified security guards can carry weapons with them. Front house security personnel have to focus more on conflict management tactics than physical force. These guards are allowed to carry handcuffs and are given proper training to use them effectively. However, armed guards can carry weapons with them.
About GPS Security Group
GPS Security Group is a leading security service provider in Canada. We have a team of security personnel with the right training and efficiency to deal with any security threat. Contact us now for more information about our security services.
