Types of Security Incidents and How to Handle Them Effectively in 2024

Security guards are essential for a variety of settings. They help ensure that safety and order are maintained be it commercial property or some public place. While on duty, security guards have to deal with numerous security incidents which need to be handled properly.?

These minor disruptions can be unauthorized entry or loitering, but incidents may also involve theft, vandalism, and even violent disputes. Each requires quick thinking and proper training for the safety of all persons concerned.??

Therefore, with potential threat of incidents, it’s important to understand the role security personnel play in safeguarding people and property.?

The article tends to portray the types of security incidents and the ways to handle them effectively.?

1. Theft and Vandalism

A security guard at a shopping mall observes a suspicious individual who is trying to hide some merchandise. The guard had kept the person under observation and then confronted him at the exit and retrieved the stolen goods before they could leave.?

An example of vandalism can be a security guard patrolling a parking lot observes two teenagers spray-painting numerous walls. The guard, in a non-threatening manner, detains them and calls the appropriate authorities, preventing further destruction.?

Guards monitor locations possessing valuable property. So, they must be alert for theft and damage by monitoring for suspicious activity that could lead to the loss of property or merchandise.?

Prevention?

• Set up sound monitoring systems and provide maximum visibility in the most disposed areas.?

• Regular patrolling to be encouraged.??

• Utilize cameras to deter theft and vandalism.?

• Train guards to keep calm.?

• Gather evidence whenever possible, such as video and eye-witness.?

• Communicate quickly with law enforcement and fill out incident reports with thorough descriptions.?

• Determine why the incident happened.??

• Rearrange patrol routes and/or security to deter theft or vandalism.?

2. Unauthorized Access?

A security guard stops a visitor attempting to use an expired employee card to gain access to restricted floors in a corporate office building. He then checks visitor’s ID and verifies it from the building's management. Thus, preventing any unauthorized access by following all the security protocols.?

Such incidents deal with the attempts of people to enter areas where they are not allowed to. These are usually deterred by security who halt people and request credentials, badges or identification cards in allowing entry.?

Prevention

• Access control systems can be deployed in preventing unauthorized entry into a secure area, such as keycards or biometric security systems which recognize personnel with the appropriate authorization to enter an area.?

• A check on credentials should be a practice.?

• In case of unauthorized access, guards are expected to escort the individual from restricted areas and report to their supervisor about the breach.??

• Details of such incidents are also supposed to be filled in by them for future reference.?

• Take more rigid access actions whenever necessary.?

• Give supplementary training to employees so that they may become fully aware of implementing the security policy.?

3. Disturbances or Altercations?

Two attendees become involved in a heated argument at a concert. The argument resulted into pushing and shoving. The guard steps in, separates the subjects, and tells them both down. In this example, the guard's skills of de-escalating conflicts prevented a larger fight.?

Disturbances may vary from verbal to physical assaults. Security guards should handle such incidents tactfully to avoid violence, restore order and keep all participants safe from injury.?

Prevention?

• De-escalation training can be very helpful in mitigating an incident before it intensifies.?

• Guards are to be trained to speak calmly and in a non-threatening manner.?

• When there are any arguments, the guard must try to sensibly intervene and separate the persons concerned. If necessary, police authorities shall be called.?

• Security officials must never to take sides and avoid using physical force when there is an imminent threat.?

• Review the incident and ensure more patrol security presence according to the requirement.?

4. Emergency Situations?

After a fire alarm in a fully packed sports arena, the security team would organize a quick and effective evacuation, guiding spectators toward the emergency exits. While carefully escorting out elderly patrons or young children. This way, there is no or minimum loss of lives.?

Hence, guards are supposed to act fast in cases of emergencies such as fire and other medical situations. This is done by managing the evacuation processes and ensuring that there is free access to the area (evacuation) for the emergency responders.?

Prevention?

• Conduct regular drills for fire, medical, or evacuation emergencies.?

• Ensure that all employees clearly understand the emergency procedures and communicate them well.?

• The guards should be first emergency responders by directing people to safe areas and guiding the emergency services.?

• They should link with the emergency response team and also should keep calm to avoid panic.?

• The post-incident reviews provide insights on how some areas of the emergency response need a makeover.?

• Extra drills and training are also needed based on the gaps that may have been observed.?

5. Suspicious Activity?

A night guard patrolled a warehouse at late night when he saw a person exploring the boundary and checking the fence repeatedly. The officer approached the man, interrogated him, making him rushed away. Hence, possibly preventing an attempted burglary.?

Guards are trained and instructed to know what to look for- hanging around, interfering with security features, or acting in other odd behaviors. Intervention, if appropriate, can stop the mishap.?

Prevention?

• The guards should be trained in methods of surveillance and observation that allow for the first signs of suspicious behavior.?

• Allow and promote communication between employees and security personnel to report unusual activity.??

• Guards must observe from a distance and engage the individual diplomatically.??

• Always involve law enforcement when necessary.??

• Log suspicious activities for future analysis.?

6. Vehicle Incidents?

A security guard in an office parking lot witnessed a minor accident involving two vehicles. The guard responded immediately by contacting the proper authorities while assisting the drivers to exchange information. Thereby ending the incident with no harm.?

Security personnel in the parking lots often deal with incidents: vehicle-related issues, theft of a vehicle, or illegal parking. They are very helpful in order to restore order and assist the involved parties.?

Prevention?

• Accidents and thefts in parking lots can be minimized by the installation of clear signage, speed bumps, and CCTV cameras.??

• Guards must be more vigilant during high-traffic periods.?

• In the event of an accident, guards should manage it safely, administer first aid if required, and facilitate an exchange of insurance information.?

• The guards are also supposed to call the emergency services.?

• Make provisions to remove the perennial causes of accidents, such as poor lighting or traffic flow.??

• Routine maintenance of security systems like cameras could help monitor incidents.?

7. Alarm Response?

The security alarm in a museum goes off at midnight. After reviewing the video surveillance, it takes only a minute to realize there is a view of one broken window. The guard calls the police, who assist in securing the location to prevent further loss.?

In case any alarm gets triggered, security guards have to reach the scene immediately and investigate and take appropriate action according to situations. These may include informing police, detaining someone, or finding out the reasons for the alarm.?

Prevention?

• The alarm systems are subjected to regular testing to ensure their proper functioning.?

• Security guards must learn the way alarm systems work and how to respond to alarms.?

• On receipt of any alarm, the guards must investigate the cause as soon as possible.?

• If it is a false alarm, then corrective action shall be taken.??

• In the case of an emergency, the guard shall sound the alarm to law enforcement agencies and fully cooperate in securing the premises.?

• Investigate false alarms to prevent such recurrences and also improve policies on situations concerning the real alarm.?

8. Health and Safety Violations?

A security guard at a construction site notices one of the workers entering the site area without putting on the required helmet and safety gear. The guard brings this negligence to his attention and reports the violation to the site supervisor to prevent injury.?

Such practices are mostly assigned to enforce health and safety regulations at workplaces, construction sites, and other places. In most cases, these help avoid accidents by ensuring that employees and visitors observe safety rules.?

Prevention?

• Regular safety audits can be used in the identification of potential hazards.?

• The guards should ensure the enforcement of safety protocols e.g., workers using protective gear where required.?

• In case of a violation, the guards should intervene, and then document and report it to the concerned supervisors.?

• In case the violation would result in an imminent hazard, guards must be authorized to stop work in the concerned area.??

• Collaborate with management to enforce more restrictive safety policies.?

• Conduct extra training for workers on health and safety standards.?

Final Thoughts?

Security incident management cannot be effectively handled without ensuring safety and minimizing risks. The security personnel should be competent and trained in handling incidents relating to theft, vandalism, trespassing, and even emergencies such as medical issues and fire incidents.??

Skills and strategies ensure that guards are capable of diffusing the situation at hand and providing maximum protection to property and the general public.? Finally, incident management necessitates rapid response times, clear-cut communications, and clarity of procedures. Ongoing training, along with tools like surveillance systems, and situational awareness help manage those challenges successfully. Keeping the guards, staff, and property safe.?