FROM THE B.S.I.S. POWER TO ARREST OFFICIAL MANUAL

This is a sample of what you will learn in the course.  Oberve this is a sample only, not the course itself.  You have to register inside for the course, which provides multi-media (videos, reading material, audio reading, interactive testing).

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.

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:

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:

SITUATION SECURITY GUARD’S ROLE

BEFORE the incident: PREVENTION DURING OR AFTER the incident: OBSERVE AND REPORT

GET HELP

If a serious offense, such as robbery, burglary, or assault with a deadly weapon, has been committed, you will need help to apprehend the suspect.

CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY. Even police who are trained to make forcible arrests are encouraged to call for help in dangerous situations.

Sample situations:

#1: You are patrolling the grounds of a factory at 2:00 a.m. and see two armed adults entering the stock room. What should you do? (You should call the police, then observe and report.)

#2: While you are guarding a sporting goods store, a man runs out of the store. Ten seconds later, the owner runs to you and says there has been a robbery. What should you do?

(Have the owner call the police, then observe and report.)

#3: You are patrolling a store parking lot. A shopper loads Christmas gifts into a station wagon parked in the lot and goes back to do more shopping. The windows of the wagon are open, and three boys are gathered around the station wagon looking in. What should you do? (You should try to prevent a possible theft by making your presence known.)

#4: You are on guard in a jewelry store. An employee showing diamond rings to a customer is called to the telephone. The customer is left alone with the display box of diamond rings. What should you do? (You should try to discourage a theft by making your presence known.)