What is a Ranger Guard's Security Guard in Fort Worth Authorized to do?
1. Detain Suspects
Security officers have the right to hold suspects until police can arrive. A security guard can detain an individual if they witness a felony offense. For example, if a security guard at a retail store sees someone picking up, concealing, and leaving the store with merchandise, they have the right to ask that person to stay back for questioning. If the person refuses, the guard is allowed to detain the individual in a ‘reasonable manner.’
2. Carry Weapons
There are generally two types of security guards: commissioned and non-commissioned. Commissioned guards have the right to carry guns while on duty. Armed security guards must undergo a much more stringent set of tests and evaluations than unarmed security guards. It’s up to you, the business owner, to decide if your company requires armed or unarmed guards. This may depend on the type of operation you are running and where it is located, which will help you make an accurate assessment of the risk level.
3. Conduct Searches
Security guards have the right to search personal property where relevant. This empowers guards to search customers’ bags as they’re leaving a store and check the person’s receipt against the contents of their bag. The goal is to make sure nothing has been shoplifted. This is one of the most effective and popular ways to use security guards in business, especially if it is a retail shop where items are available for sale on shelves. Even knowing that these checks are conducted acts as a significant deterrent against shoplifting.
A large reason why many people hire security guards is to be able to evict unwelcome individuals from the property to keep customers safe and prevent property damage. Security guards are empowered to ask someone to leave and to use reasonable force to evict someone from a property they refuse to comply with instructions to leave. Nightclubs, casinos, hotels and other establishments with high numbers of guests often rely on private security guards for this purpose.
Corporate security guard functions are far more extensive today than simply checking doors were locked, modern corporate security guards have many more duties. Unfortunately, as random acts of violence have become much too common in the workplace, contemporary security guard services require anti-terrorism training, verbal de-escalation techniques, and much more. Their role combines ensuring safety with acting as a public face of the company.
Any kind of large office or complex needs guards. Whether you have a large industrial complex, office building, or other facility, corporate security guards on regular patrol will keep out trespassers and secure the building. Most of these facilities require guards posted on duty at the main entrances and exits. One of the best ways to make any area safer is to use randomized patrols and surveillance methods during all shifts, including those after regular business hours.
Special events with large numbers of guests require a more complex security plan. Since there are often many high-level executives and others present at these events, it is important to have well-trained security guards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. Guards make sure only those on the guest list can enter and keep the event area clear of any weapons or other dangerous items. This may range from managing a registration desk at the front, to patrolling the event and evicting trespassers.
Loss and Fraud Prevention
Sometimes employees steal, often in inventive and difficult to track ways. These may arise that require careful examination in terms of possible illegal activity. However, this does not mean police need to be initially involved. Professional loss prevention specialists and security agents can examine problems without letting the public know, ensuring negative publicity won’t accompany the process.
Different security situations have different requirements for officers which requires specific training. In a large corporate office this includes overseeing evacuation procedures, assistance with elevator entrapments, emergency communications, and many other areas. Professional guards need formal training in multi-floor evacuations, how to safely evacuate those with various handicaps or other disabilities or illnesses, and how to coordinate an evacuation with emergency personnel who will be responding to the scene.
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When putting together your security policy, it is important to schedule a consultation as soon as possible with experienced advisors. Ranger Guard offers a free consultation and risk assessment to help design the right security plan for your business. That way we will be able to find the right security professionals for you.