Last Updated on March 30, 2025
Basic Security Guard Training: Unit 2 Lesson (D)
An incident scene is any location where an event requiring investigation has occurred, regardless of whether it’s a crime or another significant event.
A crime scene specifically refers to a place associated with criminal activities, containing crucial evidence for criminal investigations.
As a security guard, your role is crucial in the incident scene assessment. Your primary responsibilities include securing the scene, protecting evidence, and interacting effectively with witnesses.
Conducting thorough incident scene assessment ensures no vital information is lost or compromised before police or investigation officers arrive.
Incident Investigation Procedure: Maintaining Scene Security
Maintaining scene security is a critical component of the incident investigation procedure. Proper control and security prevent evidence from contamination, ensuring accuracy in the investigation process.
Effective methods for maintaining scene security include:
- Stationing security personnel strategically.
- Utilizing ropes, tape cordons, or barriers.
- Positioning vehicles to block unauthorized access.
- Employing markers, flags, and clear warning signs.
- Locking doors and windows if the incident is indoors.
- Creating designated safe pathways at a secure distance.
Incident Investigation Training: Handling Evidence
Proper handling of evidence is key during this Incident investigation training. Evidence is anything helpful in understanding and reconstructing the incident.
There are three primary evidence types:
1. Verbal Evidence
- Confessions or denials from suspects.
- Testimonies provided by witnesses or experts.
- Audio recordings relating to the incident.
2. Documentary Evidence
- Photographs, printed newspapers, or digital records.
- Invoices, contracts, emails, or agreements.
3. Physical Evidence
- Weapons or tools used during the incident.
- Illegal substances, cash, or stolen items.
- Biological samples (DNA, blood).
- Footprints, tire tracks, or other forensic traces.
Proper collection, labeling, and securing of these types of evidence are integral to effective incident investigation procedure and are emphasized in this incident investigation training programs.
Incident Investigation Procedure: Dealing with Witnesses
Witnesses provide essential context and additional information critical to the incident investigation procedure. Security guards must approach witness interviews with professionalism, using effective listening and communication skills.
Best Practices for Interviewing Witnesses:
- Conduct interviews in a quiet, secure environment.
- Sit or stand at eye level with witnesses to create comfort.
- Remain focused and attentive; listen actively.
- Take accurate, concise notes of key points.
- Request witnesses speak clearly and slowly if necessary.
- Record witnesses’ contact information for follow-up by investigators.
- Maintain confidentiality, sharing information strictly on a need-to-know basis.
- Respect witnesses’ rights; avoid coercion or pressure.
Effective Questioning Techniques in Incident Investigation Training
Ask Open-ended Questions: These allow witnesses to describe events in detail and should be used initially in the interview.
- “Can you explain what happened?”
- “What exactly did you see?”
- “How did you react after witnessing the event?”
Ask Closed-ended Questions: These questions are specific and typically answered with “Yes” or “No,” providing precise details.
- “Did you notice any other people?”
- “Was it dark when the incident occurred?”
- “Did you see the suspect?”
Conclusion
Understanding and implementing proper incident scene assessment, incident investigation procedure, and incident investigation training is crucial for security guards.
Effective management of the scene, proper handling of evidence, and professional interactions with witnesses ensure accurate investigations and reliable outcomes.
