At County UK, we make sure that none of our security guards overstep the line and only act as protection against harmful substances, harmful people and bad situations. What security guards can and can’t do is well known and understood by our security guards and our services are carried out in the most professional manner possible.
If you’re going to an event or need security for an event you’re putting on and want to know what security guards can and can’t do, we’ve put together a short guide. We are transparent about the service that we offer and are proud to boast the finest security guards.
It is a sensible move to ensure that your clients can enjoy themself without the fear of injury or theft, which is surprisingly common at large events. If you are looking for security services, get in touch with County security UK.
What security guards can and can’t do
What security guards can do
Citizens arrest
Technically, any member of the public can perform a citizen’s arrest, as long as it is clear that someone is guilty, or you have a reasonable explanation of suspecting the person involved to be guilty. Security guards are properly trained and know and understand all the legalisation behind this and understand that police officers are the only people who can take a citizen’s arrest further.
Security guards can request a physical search
If you are entering a venue, security guards are legally allowed to request a physical search of your possessions carried with you and on your person before you enter the venue. They are also able to request a physical search of you and your belongings when you’re leaving and entering a shop on any grounds, more so if they can provide a reason of suspicion that you’ve stolen something. If you oppose letting them search you, security guards are allowed to stop you from getting into a venue or detain you at the scene if there are grounds of suspicion that you have committed an offence. A security guard can only request to do a physical search; if you don’t want to do it, they can detain you until police officers arrive.
What guards can’t do
Security guards cannot use brutal force
Unless the suspect resists, physical acts of enforcement should not be used at all. As well as this, guards should not use any additional force after the suspect has been restrained. Until police get to the scene and investigate it in more detail, the suspect should not receive any brutal force. None aggressive restraint should be used until the police get to the scene.
Security guards cannot carry a weapon
Just the same as the general public, security guards cannot hold weapons. Even something like pepper spray is a definite no. Even in cases where a weapon is not used to cause harm, it can still be used to cause fear which security guards cannot use as a deterrent.
For what reason can you be detained by a security guard?
The complexity of what security guards can and can’t do means there is confusion over what reasons you can be detained. Here are some following examples:
- They must witness or have a reasonable explanation to believe that a person has committed a crime.
- They have reason to believe or have witnessed an individual being in the middle of a criminal offence.
- To protect a person from causing harm to themselves or others.
- To prevent a person from damaging property.
- To not let someone leave the scene before an officer arrives to take over.
Thank you for reading our blog ‘What security guards can and can’t do’. If you are looking to hire security guards or need other security services put into place, get in touch with County Security UK today.