A post that has multiple security agencies will present a unique situation that demands consideration. This may occur when a post is very large, has multiple tenants, or has complex requirements. Under those circumstances, security agencies need to consider these basic questions:
1) What areas are protected by what agencies?
2) In common areas, where all agencies patrol or move through, which agency assumes ultimate responsibility?
3) What areas are restricted by one agency, but not another agency, and if a restricted agency must pass through or enter the restricted area, then what procedure is followed?
4) Under what circumstances will agencies work together and who will assume command?
5) What preventive measures can one agency take to prevent another agency from compromising its security measures?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Providing Backup
Providing backup to another officer requires teamwork and prior forethought. Whenever two or more officers work together it is important to have open and honest communications about ability, training and experience related to the job. This enables officers to have confidence in their superiors, and ensures the lead officer knows what an officer can and cannot handle.
An officer should attempt to discern whether or not another officer’s words meet their conduct. It is important to determine if the other officer is alert, observant, firm but diplomatic, competent, makes sound judgment calls, and if they possess real knowledge of the basics of security. An officer can gauge another officer’s stance, general demeanor, and physical appearance to help determine if the officer is steady or slack.
In an incident, a lead officer may need to assign specific duties or areas to keep secure. This may include controlling a crowd, access control, or first aid, so the lead officer needs to know whether or not the support officer can handle the task assigned. In some cases, a lead officer may not have the capacity to deal with the situation, so the next in the chain of command should step up. In any case, all officers should be capable of recognizing when another officer is over extended, and be capable of lending assistance.
An officer should attempt to discern whether or not another officer’s words meet their conduct. It is important to determine if the other officer is alert, observant, firm but diplomatic, competent, makes sound judgment calls, and if they possess real knowledge of the basics of security. An officer can gauge another officer’s stance, general demeanor, and physical appearance to help determine if the officer is steady or slack.
In an incident, a lead officer may need to assign specific duties or areas to keep secure. This may include controlling a crowd, access control, or first aid, so the lead officer needs to know whether or not the support officer can handle the task assigned. In some cases, a lead officer may not have the capacity to deal with the situation, so the next in the chain of command should step up. In any case, all officers should be capable of recognizing when another officer is over extended, and be capable of lending assistance.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Conducting Investigations
In general, a crime scene will be investigated by the proper law enforcement agency; however, security should be aware of proper investigation techniques so they do not contaminate any evidence. Many times, a security officer may be the first responder or one of the first few people to respond to the site. In some internal investigations, an officer may be authorized to conduct an investigation, and they should know how to maintain the integrity of a scene.
Upon responding to a scene that requires immediate law enforcement, a security officer should first notify them and other emergency services as required. Then the officer should isolate the scene to prevent anyone from entering it and contaminating it. If any witnesses or victims are there, then the officer should ensure they are safe. The officer must also document all persons at the scene.
If possible, photos or videos of the scene should be made to document the location and the way it appeared upon first response. If anything is damaged or moved, then it may not be used in a legal case because it was contaminated.
An officer must make an incident report and document all relevant information, including:
1) Names of people involved.
2) Times of specific events that occurred.
3) Description of conditions as they were found.
All evidence must be documented and the documentation must include how the evidence was collected, who collected, who the evidence was given to and in what manner they received it, and how it was stored. This is known as the chain of custody.
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Upon responding to a scene that requires immediate law enforcement, a security officer should first notify them and other emergency services as required. Then the officer should isolate the scene to prevent anyone from entering it and contaminating it. If any witnesses or victims are there, then the officer should ensure they are safe. The officer must also document all persons at the scene.
If possible, photos or videos of the scene should be made to document the location and the way it appeared upon first response. If anything is damaged or moved, then it may not be used in a legal case because it was contaminated.
An officer must make an incident report and document all relevant information, including:
1) Names of people involved.
2) Times of specific events that occurred.
3) Description of conditions as they were found.
All evidence must be documented and the documentation must include how the evidence was collected, who collected, who the evidence was given to and in what manner they received it, and how it was stored. This is known as the chain of custody.
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Sunday, June 13, 2010
The Nature of Problems on a Post
Many posts have one or more consistent problem areas. It may be a particular area that has a variety of problems or a particular type of problem that keeps recurring in different locations. The problems may be either planned or random. Quite often, when one problem area is solved another will appear. This is to be expected because mechanical failures may occur, and some people will not obey rules and they will commit crimes. Problems must be dealt with consistently so they do not get out of hand.
As long as security continually pins down problem areas, then new problems are more easily dealt with. Over a period of time, problems will become less prominent. A post that has been cleared of major problem areas can stay secure as long as security maintains a proper presence and apply the fundamentals of security. Problem posts can be upgraded by a proper strategy.
Problems are of three basic types:
1) Security Breaches.
2) Safety Hazards.
3) Fire Hazards.
As long as security continually pins down problem areas, then new problems are more easily dealt with. Over a period of time, problems will become less prominent. A post that has been cleared of major problem areas can stay secure as long as security maintains a proper presence and apply the fundamentals of security. Problem posts can be upgraded by a proper strategy.
Problems are of three basic types:
1) Security Breaches.
2) Safety Hazards.
3) Fire Hazards.
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