In ensuring the security and safety of the general public, security guards are crucial. Security officers are subject to restrictions on what they may and cannot do while performing their responsibilities, just like everyone else. With a focus on their responsibilities in Bangladesh, security guards’ capabilities and restrictions must be understood. In this article, we will discuss everything about What security guards can and can’t do.
What Security Guards Can Do
Conduct Security Checks
Security checks are one of the guards’ main responsibilities. To prevent anyone from bringing illegal objects onto the property, this involves checking IDs, bags, and other belongings. To protect public safety, security personnel may also run the community through metal detector inspections and employ other screening devices.
Patrolling Areas
Patrolling the area to check for any safety hazards and security breaches is the job of the security guards. They might also look for open doors, fire hazards, and other potential security issues.
Keep an Eye on Security Systems
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, alarms, and other surveillance systems are among the security measures that security personnel are tasked with keeping an eye on. Additionally, they are in charge of attending to any alarms or security breaches and, if necessary, notifying the appropriate authorities.
Access Control Services
Controlling access to the property is the responsibility of security officers. This entails verifying identity, distributing passes, and making sure that only authorized people are permitted to enter restricted areas.
Respond to Emergencies
Security guards are in charge of reacting swiftly and skilfully in an emergency to safeguard public safety. This includes removing people from the area, calling for help from emergency agencies, and giving first aid if required.
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What Security Guards Can’t Do
Arrest Individuals
Except in certain instances, security personnel are not allowed to make arrests. A security officer has the right to make a citizen’s arrest if they see a crime being committed. However, this is only legal if the person being detained is being investigated for a cognizable offense and the detention is taking place right away after the crime has been committed.
Use Excessive Force
The use of excessive force by security officers is not permitted when doing their jobs. If they do use force, it must be appropriate for the circumstances and reasonable. They are only permitted to use force in self- or other defines.
Security officers are only permitted to use physical force when it is required to defend themselves or others from harm. The amount of force employed must be reasonable and appropriate for the circumstance.
Additionally, the use of force must be justified and must not infringe on the rights of the person being oppressed. To guarantee that they can use it responsibly and securely, security guards should obtain adequate training in the use of force.
Carry a Weapon
Except in specific situations, security personnel are not allowed to carry weapons. If a security guard is authorized to carry a firearm, they are required to adhere to tight guidelines for its use and storage.
To ensure that they can use firearms safely and effectively if necessary, security guards should also receive rigorous training in their use.
Detaining People Illegally
Security personnel cannot hold people unless they witness a crime being committed and arrest a suspect as a citizen. Even in these situations, using force needs to be prudent and appropriate for the scenario.
Security guards are only permitted to detain somebody if they have seen a crime being committed and have reason to think the person is the one who committed it. The detention must be brief and carried out sensibly.
If a person is detained by a security guard, they are required to call the police right away and hand the person over to them. Security personnel are not permitted to detain somebody for any other purpose or use excessive force.
Be Discriminatory Toward Individuals
Security personnel are forbidden from discriminating against anyone based on their race, religion, gender, or any other trait. All people must be treated with respect and dignity.
If a security guard is determined to have acted discriminatorily, they may be subject to disciplinary action, which could include losing their job.
Search and Seizure
Security guards are not allowed to search people or seize their stuff unless they have been specifically permitted to do so by the law or by their company. If there is a good basis to believe that someone is carrying illegal or dangerous things, security officers may occasionally be permitted to pat someone down or examine their bags or other belongings.
However, these searches must be carried out sensibly and without violating the person being searcher’s rights. For searches and seizures to be done securely and legally, security personnel need to undergo the appropriate training.
Use of Chemical Agents
Unless specifically authorized to do so by law or by their company, security guards are not allowed to use chemical weapons like tear gas or pepper spray. Security guards may occasionally be permitted to employ chemical substances to defend themselves or others from attack.
The use of chemical weapons must, however, be justified and must not infringe upon the rights of the individual being targeted. To ensure that they can handle chemical agents responsibly and safely, security personnel should undergo appropriate training.
Use of Restraints
To detain people, security officers may utilize restraints like handcuffs or zip ties. However, restraints must only be used when necessary and by reasonable procedures.
To use restraints safely and effectively, security personnel must also get the appropriate training in their use. If a security guard restrains someone, they must keep an eye on that person to make sure their health and safety are not in danger.
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Final Words
In ensuring the security and safety of the general public, security guards are crucial. They are in charge of doing security audits, patrolling the property, keeping an eye on the security systems, controlling access, and responding to emergencies. However, there are restrictions on what security guards can and cannot do while performing their duties.
Security guards are not permitted to make arrests, use excessive force, possess firearms without a permit, hold people against their will, or treat people unfairly. Security officers can do their responsibilities safely and effectively while also defending the rights of citizens by being aware of their authority and bounds.