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What To Know About Security Guards Before You Hire Them

August 21st, 2023



Are you managing a property? Whether it’s a residential or a commercial one, property management goes beyond the cleanliness of the facilities. It’s also about making everyone on the property secure and safe. With that, aside from having security systems such as CCTVs and alarm systems installed, it’s essential to have security guards roving around the property.

If you plan to hire security officers, there are some things you should know about them first:



Types Of Security Officers



There are three main types of security officers:



  • For private and public businesses and individuals
  • For the government
  • From private security agencies



Under those three, there are more options such as armed and unarmed, uniformed or not, and on-site or remote.

For properties, in-house security guards are an available option. These are officers directly hired by companies and businesses requiring security. They are paid by and report to the companies that hire them, and they operate under the expectations of the business. 

On the other hand, you can get contract security officers from an agency as well. If you go for this option, you will turn to an agency that will then provide security in the form of whichever type of officer best suits your needs. Some private security agencies also let their clients hire in-house security.



What Can They Do?



It’s important to know the legal authority of this type of officer. They have legal powers such as: 



  • Powers Of Arrest - A security officer is required to have witnessed an actual crime for an arrest to be legal, unlike police officers who have powers of arrest on probable cause. A security guard can detail the criminal and contact the police right away for a true arrest to take place.
  • Private Property Jurisdiction - A security officer’s jurisdiction is limited to the property they’ve been hired to protect. They can order individuals to stop prohibited acts and ask them to leave the property. The security officer may have the right to arrest an individual under citizen’s arrest if the behavior persists.
  • Use Of Force And Weapons - Reasonable force is allowed when ejecting or detaining a person of private property. However, the use of force must be reasonable and based on the severity of the crime. Moreover, it is essential for security officers to act with caution and not with impulse because use of unnecessary force, especially when it involves weapons, may result in damages. 
  • Search - A security officer is not licensed to search a person without express permission. The power to search is restricted due to the US law’s protection of the rights of the individual. 

With this information, you will be able to hire the right security guards who will address all of your property’s unique needs. If you need help with your security system, contact us today.

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