Any site specific information that you are provided is strictly confidential. You must not communicate the information provided to anyone other than the clients' authorised representatives, Leisuresec's authorised representatives and Leisuresec Security Operatives. Breach of confidentiality, whether intentional or not, can have serious implications both to the Company, the client and the Security Operatives. Any breach should be reported immediately. 

This Risk Assessment is a general evaluation of the hazards that could occur at a site. Some of the areas included will not be relevant to all sites, for example lone working. 

Site specific details should be included when you complete your induction. Sites will also have their own policies and procedures in place for Health & Safety, Emergencies, etc.

Additional Risk Control Information:

• CCTV may be in operation at some sites and usually covers the main areas, however, some areas might not be covered
• Most Leisuresec sites have a direct contact to police camera control
• All sites can be supplied with Body Cameras but to adhere to strict GDPR procedures
• All sites have access to Radios 

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Published By: Night Time Industry Association 

Published By: Close Career and Off Duty Officers

Although the Security guard duties and responsibilities depend on the client’s needs, the primary duty of the security personnel is prevention and deterrence of the crime and enforcing the rule and regulations where they are guarding; protecting the people, property and information. 

1. Protection of People

Security guards are responsible for the safety and well being of anyone who may interact with the site.

Who are protected by security guards?

• The client and his staff
• Public: people who use the client’s property
• Government officials
• VIP’s

How does the security guard protect people?

• Observation of crime against a person.
• Keeping the people out of danger hazards areas.
• Being alert to the dangerous situation of hazards.
• Ensuring a safe environment.

2. Protection of property

Security guards are responsible for protecting property from stealing or damaging by someone.

What kinds of properties do security guards protect?

1. Client property (Building and contents)
2. Personal property (property of clients/Employees/customers)
3. Store & merchandise
4. Public property (Parks/Roads/government Building

Tools used to protect properties.

• Barriers
• Surveillance Equipment (CCTV)
• Your observation power (Eyes)
• Awareness of your surrounding
• Patrol
• Searches
• Crowd control
• Alarm
• Locks

Patrolling around the site deters theft, robbery, and vandalism. Property damage happens in many ways such as fire can completely damage the building and property, water leakage, flood, melting snow, and frozen pipe. If you see them while they are small and be able to report them in time it prevents property damage.

3. Protection of Information

Protection of information is becoming a more crucial part of the security job all the time. Stealing intellectual property and cybercrime is increasing even though most companies and governmental institutes have fought against this. Security guards protect the information as follows:

• Confidentiality- As a security guard, you know privileged information such as access and egress routes of the company and how they can be accessed, i.e. keys and access codes. You should not allow anyone to use the key and access card if they are not authorised to do so. If the camera and alarm system are under repair or not working you should keep this between those permitted to know. A big part of protecting information is knowing when it is “okay” to talk and when not “okay” to talk.
• Computer crime- Nowadays most of the business data is stored on computers and many wifi enabled devices are used to access and use the data, however, people can steal/access and  this data or devices for goods, and services and sell for profit, financial records can be used to access accounts or credit cards, and data can be withheld for ransom.

To achieve these objectives, your duties and responsibilities may include: 

1. Be a visible deterrent to crime. 

Criminals are far less likely to perpetrate a crime such as theft, vandalism or a physical assault when there is a security guard present. The mere presence of security personnel will stop would-be burglars, muggers and shoplifters from attempting to cause harm to people or property. 

2. Identifying suspicious behaviour.

Businesses benefit greatly from having a dedicated team keeping watch and identifying irregular and suspicious behavior. Business owners cannot expect their employees to have the skills to identify when something isn’t right. Security guards have the training and expertise to identify when there is a smell, sound or sight that is abnormal and needs attention.  

3. Contacting and communicating with the authorities.

In the unfortunate event of an emergency situation, security guards act as a knowledgeable resource and point of contact for the authorities. Security guards are trained to observe and gather the information that fire or law enforcement authorities need to do their jobs. Security guards act as partners with business owners, police and fire services.

4. Monitoring access to properties. 

One of the most prevalent threats for businesses is unauthorised access to a property. Hospitals, construction sites, schools and other high-profile organizations understand the need for vigilant monitoring of their entrances and exits. Security guards can check credentials and maintain logs of visitors, vendors and employees. 

5. Taking action in emergency situations. 

Security guards have the skills and training to respond to any emergency as it arises. As a dedicated watchful eye, security personnel are often the first to know about a security situation and the first to act. They are able to assist in evacuations and other serious security events.

Standard Industry Requirements:

Black Suit

White Shirts

Hi Vis Jackets

Black Trousers

Black Ties

Safety Boots 

Whilst on duty, unless otherwise instructed by management, it is a legal requirement for security operatives to display their SIA licence at all times, usually by wearing a high-visibility arm band.

• Before the start of your first shift you will given a tour of the premises and the procedures as an induction. You can complete your induction here.
• A risk assessment has been completed for the premises and consulting it before commencing a task will ensure you are aware of any changes to the role and the associated risks.
• There will be a signing-in book  to log each of your shifts. Please record precise information as erroneous entries may delay payment of your fees. 

Published By: BIIAB

The Purpose of Access and Egress Control

Published By: BIIAB

Published By: Night Time Industry Association 

Searching premises – pre-entry premises checks

It is the responsibility of the Security Operatives to check that all reasonable measures have been taken to make sure the premises are safe and there may be a checklist to help you carry this out. This may include checking that:

• exit doors are unlocked and can be used during business hours 
• chains, padlocks or other fastenings have been removed where access is required
• panic bolts and latches should be checked to ensure they can be opened easily
• there are no obstructions, such as parked cars outside the doors or rubbish inside or outside exit doors
• escape routes are not reduced by furniture or rubbish
• any fire hazard, such as waste paper or litter, is removed
• ​any health and safety hazards are reported immediately or death with where possible
• all fire exits signs are lit and clearly visable, for example, not obstructed by curtains or posters.
• Fire doors must be kept closed as the purpose of a fire door is to make sure that fire is contained behind the door while customers and staff escape. Fire doors stop smoke and flames from spreading into escape routes and other parts of the building. Most fire doors are self-closing, but if a fire door has to be kept open during operations, devices can be used to close it if there is a fire. In every case where there is such a device, the local authority must agree to it. If you are responsible for checking fire doors in your premises, you must find out from the manager whether any open door has this local authority permission.
• Fire-fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and hose reels, must be in the positions stated by the fire authority and must be ready to use. They must be placed on their brackets. They should never be used to prop open doors. Unless you are a trained fire-fighter, you should not try to tackle even small fires.
• Emergency lighting – Emergency exits must be well lit and checks should be made to ensure that exit routes, stairways and fire signs are properly lit. Exit signs must always be clearly visible.
• In most premises there is an emergency battery-operated lighting system. This will automatically activate if the mains lighting fails. This system must be checked to make sure it is in working order before the premises open.
• Public address/fire alarm systems – All public address systems and/or fire alarms must be checked and in working order. The legal requirement is a test every 7 days.
• All emergency exit routes must be free of obstructions so that people can leave the premises quickly and easily in an emergency. This cannot take place if emergency exit doors are locked or if exit routes are blocked. Emergency exit doors usually open in the direction of the escape and can therefore be kept closed. They must be left unlocked. Inward opening doors should be kept open so that they can be used easily in an emergency.

Searching people

Why carry out searches?

Searching ensures safety. Visitors, employees, bag and vehicle searches may be carried out to ensure that no weapons, drugs or other items are brought on site which could:

• put staff and other customers in danger
• make the management liable to prosecution.

You may need to search people before you allow them into your premises. You may also have to search people after they have been admitted to the premises. You therefore need to know your premises’ procedure for searching people before and after admission.

Types of search

There are three main types of search:

• a general search, when you will be required to search all people entering site
• a random search, when people to be searched are selected at random so, for example, 1 in every 10 customers may be searched (selection is usually made by some type of electronic system)
• a specific search, when particular individuals, for example a hostile ex-employee, will be searched. In this case selection cannot discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, sex or disability.

Pre-search procedures

Warn the individual

• the management of the premises can choose to search people as they come into the premises, and it is good practice to display a notice showing the premises’ search policy at the entrance.
• Individuals should be warned that searches could happen and also warned before they are searched. Individuals who do not agree to be searched should be refused entry. If a search is requested after an individual has been admitted to the premises, but they refuse to be searched then you may have to escort them off site or detain them until the authorities arrive if a crime may have occurred, i.e. theft.

Get permission

You have no legal power to search anyone so you must ask permission to search. If you search someone without their permission, this could result in:

• criminal proceedings against you for assault (criminal law is concerned with acts which are against the law and punishable by law)
• civil action for compensation against you or the management (civil law is concerned with private rights).

Carrying out a search

When you search someone, you must:

• be polite
• be tactful
• be positive and ready to ask and answer questions
• be professional: firm but fair
• be respectful.

Standard search procedures should include these rules:

• get permission (see above)
• make sure you have a witness present
• if possible, conduct searches where the search will be recorded on CCTV
• when searching bags, ask the owner of the bag to remove the items for you to see. You should not touch the contents of the bag
• men must be searched by men; women must be searched by women. 
• search the individual from the sides – not directly from the front
• make sure you can see the person’s hands and that they are open and away from pockets
• keep a balanced stance and watch the person’s movements
• use questions to establish what they are carrying
• ask questions rather than force your hands into pockets where there might be syringes or needles
• never ask an individual to strip or remove clothing close to the skin.

What to look for when searching customers

When searching customers, you should look for:

• drugs
• offensive weapons
• unauthorised items such as company asse

What is an offensive weapon?

Offensive weapons are any objects that are made, adapted or used to cause injury, for example:

• coshes, knuckle dusters, telescopic truncheons or firearms (including replica firearms)
• items adapted to injure, for example, toothbrushes with razor blades attached to them
• any object used to cause injury to someone, for example, a barstool or bottle or any pressurised canister including deodorants, body sprays etc.

Generally, carrying an offensive weapon in a public place is an indictable offence. It is also an offence to carry a bladed or pointed article that could be used to injure someone (An exception is a folding knife with a blade under 3 inches long). Carrying a weapon in case someone else attacks you with a weapon is also illegal. The penalty for carrying an offensive weapon in a public place is up to four years imprisonment.

What are the hazards of searching?

The main hazard when searching is risk of injury from sharp objects such as blades and needles from syringes. The hazard is not only the injury itself (a cut or needle stick) but also the risk of infection with viruses such as HIV and hepatitis. In order to protect yourself you may need to wear rubber or needle-proof gloves when carrying out searches

What should you do if drugs or weapons are found during a search?

You need to know the law and the management’s policy on:

• which items you should seize
• what to do when you find such items and what you should do with them.

Make sure the local police agree with the procedure. You should keep a written record of the search or find, which states:

• how the item was seized
• why it was seized
• when it was seized.

Drugs

If suspicious substances are found, the following action should be taken:

• a member of the management team should be called to the scene immediately
• show the management representative what has been found before anything is moved
• the door supervisor who found the drugs and management member should take the drugs to a secure office
• drugs in tablet form should be counted and placed in a plastic bag (using surgical gloves, if possible)
• the plastic bag should be sealed using a tamper-proof seal (preferably numbered), and labelled to show the contents and the date
• if tags and seals are not available, an envelope can be used. It should be sealed and signed across the sealing flap
• the plastic bag or envelope should then be placed in a locked safe or other secure cabinet
• the police should be called and the drugs handed over against a receipt (check locally agreed procedures).

Your premises’ drug policy should ensure that the integrity, continuity and chain of custody of any seized items will withstand scrutiny at every stage of the process. There has to be protection to prevent any allegation that drugs went missing, or that the quantity found was increased or switched. If you are involved in pre-entry searches of your premises, you should always make sure you have a colleague with you. Details of any substances found should be recorded in the Duty Register by the person who found the substances.

If possible the pairings of those involved in searches should be varied so that you do not always work with the same person. This is to protect you from any possible allegation of malpractice.

Offensive Weapons

You need to know your premises’ policy on offensive weapons, but here are two examples:

• Policy 1 – Seize the weapon; refuse entry to the person; follow the premises’ procedure for securing the weapon; record the incident.
• Policy 2 – Seize the weapon; arrest the person; call the police; hand the weapon and customer over to the police; record the incident. You should never hold on to an offensive weapon even for a short time. Whilst it is in your possession you could be liable to prosecution.

Security Guards are not above the law and must never carry weapons or blades.

Published By: BIIAB

Crime Prevention: Using Surveillance and CCTV

Published By: Night Time Industry Association 

CCTV can help to reduce the risk of work-related violence and crime by:

The Importance of Reporting and Record Keeping

Published By: BIIAB

The Different Types of Records Relevant to a Security Officer

 

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1. During the course of the shift, all activities and incidents can be recorded in chronological order, in the Daily Occurrence Book.
2. The Daily Occurrence Book/ Assignment Log can be used to record any special requests or instructions from the Client.
3. The Daily Occurrence Book/ Assignment Log can be used to pass information to the in-coming shift, e.g. staff let on site, messages, etc.
4. Copies of the Daily Occurrence Book remain on site. 

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A job in Security can be difficult; dealing with members of the public in challenging circumstances and often placing yourselves in harm’s way. The SIA (Security Industry Authority) have provided some guidance on good practice to help you continue to protect the public and keep yourself safe. 

SIA Licensing Criteria | July 2022

Draft SIA Code of Conduct

Principles of Using Equipment as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry T/618/6844 | Self-Study (Top-Up) Textbook

SCaN for all staff- Highfield Learning Module 

Staying Safe Online: Top Tips for Staff E learning 

GOV.UK CT Awareness- Helpful Advice 

Stay Safe Film

ACT Report Suspicious Activity 

UK Terrorist Threat Level

NPSA- Marauding Terrorist Attacks

St Johns Ambulance- How to do a Primary Survey

Mental Health Awareness at Work E-learning

NTIA | Duty of Care

BIIAB | Level 2 Award in Security Guarding