Searching in the private security industry

Having been a police officer for a number of years ‘stop and searching’ of vehicles and persons was something I was accustom to. I would like to think that my ex colleagues and managers would agree that I was a very proactive officer. Stop and searches was an area I felt strongly about. I understood the importance of conducting searches and how effective they were, if done correctly.

It was always difficult to prove that each and every stop and search had an impact on crime rates and the safety of any given geographical area. After all, it is almost impossible to prove you have stopped an offence from occurring, simply by searching someone who may or may not be intent on committing offences. In the police services, the success of a stop and search was judged on a positive outcome. A positive outcome would be a search that resulted in an arrest or detected crime. If you had to many ‘negative’ searches, you were held accountable.

I do not agree that a search needs to result in an arrest/detection for it to be positive.

So, for this very reason, I wrote a paper to senior officers explaining my view that every single stop and search had a positive outcome. Be that directly finding illegal articles, stopping criminals on route to committing crimes or just simply gathering intelligence.

In its simplest form, police stop and search powers allows for: -

A police officer to stop and search you if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect you’re carrying:

·??????illegal drugs

·??????a weapon

·??????stolen property

·??????something which could be used to commit a crime, such as a crowbar

Since moving over to the private industry. I feel strongly about searches. I know how they can have a positive impact on any project. The main difference from police searches to private sector searches is consent. The police do not require your consent to conduct a search. However, in the private industry, a search needs to be consensual. This consent often comes from a venue/sites entry policy and will be a condition of entry.

I always consider a search policy for every project. Be that a licensed premises, event, or construction project.

When you enforce a search policy, you are setting the security tone of the venue early on. You are showing you take the safety and security of patrons and clients seriously. It is also important to make the search meaningful.

As soon as a search policy is being implemented, all parties concerned will feel more confident in the security regime. This will have an impact on the atmosphere of the venue. Guests will feel safer knowing that the guy standing next to him with the large rucksack has been searched on entry.

A good search strategy will also help prevent crime from taking place. It is vital that the venue/site is not seen as an easy target for criminals. This includes hostile reconnaissance for the purpose of terrorism.

At Blue Light Security, we consider a search strategy for each and every project. To help our staff and clients understand the benefits we use the following guide: -

S- Strategy. What are you trying to achieve in relation to your search policy? There are many reasons for implementing a search strategy. Is the search for Preventive reasons, offence detection, public safety, counter terrorism reasons? Each project will have a different threat. A clear strategy is the very first part of a successful search policy.

E- Effective. The search has to be effective. The policy needs to have a clear goal and the objective needs to be explained clearly to the client. It is important to understand that a search is still effective even if nothing suspicious/illegal/prohibited is found. In most searches conducted, I would not expect anything to be found.

A-Atmosphere. All searches will have an impact on the atmosphere of the venue/site. The guests should feel safer, reassured. They should have confidence that nobody in the venue has anything that may cause them harm. If implemented correctly, the search policy can have a positive impact on other issues within a venue.

R- Reactive. The search strategy needs to be relevant to the threat the venue may encounter. The search strategy should also be flexible enough to be altered when reacting to a specific threat, intelligence or issue the venue may face.

C-Consistent. The searching should be consistent. Inconsistent searching will lead to ‘holes’ in the venues security. People will observe the searching. If they feel it is not meaningful, it is pointless implementing a search strategy. Staff should be coached and monitored to ensure they are carrying out consistent, meaningful searches.

H-Hidden. In the private sector, the search would never be intimate. Therefore, it does not need to be hidden from view. In fact, the more overt the search is, the more effective it is.

Unfortunately, the world we live in today has everyone (especially ex police officers) on high guard. Being observant when going about your business in a crowded place is essential. When you enter a venue or any location which has a security strategy in place, you are offsetting some personal safety responsibility onto them.

However, if the search policy is not good or non-existent it is difficult to do that. When I enter premises, be that pub, large event, theme park or other crowded place I always observe the searching. If it doesn't follow the SEARCH system above then I simple do not feel safe.

Blue Light Security are available to consult on your search policy and any existing security strategy you have in place. If you feel we can assist with your project please do contact me at [email protected]