Table of Contents
Last Updated on February 13, 2025
Basic Security Guard Training – Unit 3, Lesson A
Law and Legal in Security Security Guard
Every country’s legal system grants individuals the right to life, liberty, and security, ensuring that these rights cannot be taken away except through fundamental justice.
As a security guard, understanding the laws security guards should know is crucial to performing their duties effectively while respecting legal boundaries.
Fundamental Rights Related to Security Guard Duties
Security guards must be aware of the rights and freedoms that directly impact their responsibilities, including:
- Right to Freedom and Security – Everyone has the right to live without unlawful threats or harm.
- Protection Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure – Security personnel cannot search or confiscate personal belongings without valid justification.
- Freedom from Unlawful Detention – No one should be detained or imprisoned without legal grounds.
- Right to Know the Reason for Arrest – If an individual is detained, they must be informed of the reason for their detention.
Legal Authority in Security Work
The law and legal in security security guard training emphasize the distinction between security guards and police officers. The police hold official legal authority in public security, while security guards act as a protective force for private clients and their property.
When dealing with potential criminal activities, security personnel must remember:
- Searches should only be conducted with reasonable grounds or when company policy explicitly allows it.
- Security guards do not have the same legal powers as police officers to arrest, search, or seize property.
- If a security guard violates someone’s rights, they could face legal consequences, including criminal charges.
Working with Law Enforcement
Security guards support law enforcement in maintaining safety. Key points to remember include:
- Private security plays a vital role in assisting police in protecting society.
- Police forces have different responsibilities depending on the state or jurisdiction.
- Cooperation between security guards and police is essential for effective crime prevention.
- In emergencies, always contact the police immediately.
- If law enforcement officers visit your worksite, ensure you gather details for your incident report.
Understanding the Legal System and Crime
Security guards must have a basic understanding of the laws security guards should know, including different types of laws:
- Civil Law – Covers disputes between individuals or businesses, such as landlord-tenant disagreements that security guards frequently handle.
- Criminal Law – Includes felonies, misdemeanors, and contraventions that result in legal penalties.
- Customary Law – Used in some cases to resolve disputes based on traditions and community norms.
- Legal Consequences – The severity of punishment depends on the nature of the crime, its seriousness, and the specific laws violated.
Security Guards in Court
If required to testify in court, a security guard must:
- Arrive on time, be well-prepared, and remain professional.
- Answer all questions truthfully—even if the answer is “I don’t know”.
- Follow the judge’s instructions carefully when giving testimony.
Arrest and Search Authority for Security Guards
Security guards do not have the same authority as police officers but can conduct a citizen’s arrest if clear evidence of a crime exists. When a company policy allows searching personal property, security guards must:
- Request permission for the search rather than forcefully conducting it.
- Ensure the search follows company policy and does not violate individual rights.
Key Takeaways
- Security guards must respect legal boundaries and avoid violating fundamental rights.
- Law and legal security guard training highlights the consequences of an unlawful search, detention, or seizure.
- Security guards work alongside police but do not have police powers.
- Understanding laws security guards should know helps prevent legal issues and ensures compliance with regulations.
While this lesson is brief, security guards must understand how the legal system affects their responsibilities. By following law and legal guidelines, security guards can perform their duties legally and ethically while maintaining public trust.
