Posted: 12/8/2006 9:21:09 AM EDT
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I'm currently looking into security guard jobs here as a means to get by financially upon separating from active-duty military. This could be temporary, or permanent, - but the job market here sucks regardless. Part of the application I have to fill out asks, "You are a security officer assigned to XYZ client site. You are performing your assigned duties, conducting patrols in the client's parking lot, when you observe someone breaking into a vehicle. In the space below, explain what you would do." Explanation must be given in the form of an Incident Report based on both "What did you observe?" and "What would you do?". Any advice on what authority and/or jurisdiction is typically granted to corporate security guards? Do security guards typically have authority for citizen's arrest or detaining an individual? I'm familiar with military ROE and use of force for some LE applications. I have no previous experience with civilian security work. Any advice from LEO's or security guards would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. |
| I had the same question a while back. Every time I get hired, I end up going on a deployment instead, cuz security money is crap. I just took liberty with the question, on date @ time, I officer blah blah blah, observed an individual blah blah. As a security guard the companies want you to let the subject know that your there only after calling the cops. As for arrest powers you only have civ. No weapons, unless your on a hot site like a power plant or somthing, seems like a really boring job, sitting on a flightline is more exciting. Hope this helps. |
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If you can citizen arrest or not depends on the laws in your state. In Montana, you certainly could citizen arrest or detain until police arrive. However, you must also consider your safety. Are you armed in any way? What kind of backup do you have available? Do you have a method of restraining the person if you do detain them? Do you have the latitude necessary based on company policy and local law to pursue the person if they flee, is that a wise choice? What about off the property? I'd be considering the what ifs for if things go south. No matter what part of your response needs to include "Immediately inform the police of the break-in that is in progress and request assistance. Provide a description of the individual and a description of any vehicles involved.". If it is unsafe or I am unable to approach/detain the suspect for whatever reasons based on the totality. I would be doing my best to be an awesome witness. Such as taking pictures or recording video of the crime doing my best to get clear shots of the suspect(s)' face or other identifying factors and any vehicle they were leaving in. As well as direction of travel once they did leave so police may apprehend them off-site. Actually that all sounds like a good idea of things to do before approaching the person if you do make that choice. That will make solid probable cause for arrest and charging the individual. Also would want to search the lot for other vehicles that may show evidence of a break in or attempted break in. |
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Some cities have a test to be licensed as a security guard as part of the application process. In Kansas City the answer to that question to be licensed by the city would be: Call the police, observe the incident and provide all information to the responding officer. They want to impress that you have no powers of arrest, and your job is to observe and report. |
| In the City of St.Louis, and in the county, one has to take a two-day class given by the police to be licensed as a security officer. the I.D. card and rule book state you have now bought search and arrest powers like any police officer while on-duty at your assigned location.You can also take a gun class and do so armed.If a county officer wants to work in the city,he needs a city lic,yes they take cash.If a city officer wants to work in the county,no lic as St.Louis Metropolitan police are STATE officers and have arrest powers anywhere in this state. |
| Thank you for all the informative responses so far - this will help a lot. I've never viewed most private security companies as having much, if any, real power to respond. While I don't view this as a career path, the info. provided so far will help me articulate myself better on the job application. |
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Observe and report. You are there to be a visible deterant, and to report suspicious, or unlawful activities to the Police, or to management as per your agency's policy. When you witness the criminal activity, call the Police. It's thier job to apprehend the criminals. Look at it like this. Your life is worth more than some guy's car stereo... 
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Is there any protocol for interviews as a security guard? I think wearing a suit is overkill - I'll probably dress somewhat casual.
