Industrial Security Operations Book One: The Security Officers Handbook

Section 1

Introduction to Industrial Security Operations

Industrial Security is a specialized form of security involving industrial plants and the like. It includes safeguarding of personnel, premises, processes, documents, properties, and operations.

A Security Officer is a privately employed law enforcement official whose duties are confined to the requirements of the company and the client and whose powers under the law is the same as a private citizen.

Industrial Security originated from the need of companies and organizations to protect their assets and employees from attack and theft both internally and externally. Based on the increasing demands placed on the police force due to the rise in crime and public disorder, there was less time dedicated to the needs of private individuals and companies requiring the services of the police.

Companies started employing watchmen to protect their facilities but as the threat and the need for security increased, these watchmen were upgraded to Security Officers. Security Officers are generally better trained, better equipped, better paid and in most cases, wears an identifying uniform.

The modern Security Officer has evolved into a symbol of protection for not only companies but private individuals and private premises and they now perform many functions which were formally regarded as police duties.

As crime and disorder increased, attacks against citizens and robberies became more common and criminals became more sophisticated, the Security Officers were forced to become better trained and equipped to deal with this threat.

Over the years, the common security guard has evolved to being an investigator, bodyguard, advisor and at times a law enforcement officer.

Every Security Officer is charged with the responsibility for the protection of life and property, the prevention of crime and the maintenance of law and good order within the confines of the premises to which he has been assigned duty.

The attributes possessed or developed by each individual officer will determine his success and effectiveness. His uniform is a symbol of his authority but it is his knowledge, courage, integrity and personality which will enhance his image and make him an effective officer.

A Security Officer should display tact, initiative and common sense. He should at all times remain calm, firm and in control of any situation and not allow himself to react aggressively or abusive. He must learn his duties, perform them in a capable and professional manner and treat all persons with respect and courtesy.

Attributes of a good Security Officer

The qualities and skills of an effective Security Officer include strong ethics, professional qualifications and the right experience. Effectiveness and efficiency are developed through training, knowledge of the job and practice. The list of attributes is inexhaustible; however, these are the main traits for the development of a good Security Officer.

1. Honesty and Integrity

Must render an honest, faithful and speedy account of all monies and properties taken in his possession in the execution of his duties.

2. Loyalty

Properly speaking, a Security Officer is never off duty as he is liable to be called upon at any time and shall be prepared for duty at a moments notice.

3. Impartiality

A Security Officer must be impartial in the discharge of his duties, disregarding, friendship, political and sectarian prejudices and influences.

4. Dignity

Must be dignified, without arrogance and self-indulgence, remembering the oath of his office and the motto of his service.

5.Truthfulness

A Security Officer must always be ready to state truthfully, all matters related to the discharge of his duties. If he makes a mistake, it should not be hidden but admitted candidly to his supervisors.

It is likely that every person will make mistakes, but a Security Officer is never expected to make one; therefore, it is based on this candid, straightforward admission that he will be respected and trusted. He should, however, endeavour to make as few mistakes as possible and if discovered, it should be corrected immediately.

6. Sobriety

A Security Officer must lead a normal, sober and respectable life. He must be painstakingly clean in his appearance and dress, thus commanding the admiration and respect of others.

7. Good Health Habits

To maintain good health; personal hygiene should be adhered to; daily baths, nails clean and clipped, hair groomed, teeth properly cleaned after each meal, physical training, etc.

8.Obedience to Orders Lawfully Given

The Security Officer is placed under the supervision of a superior rank, but in the execution of his duties, he is frequently called upon to act on his own. He should, therefore, be a person of sober habits, sound judgment, knowledge of his job and good temper.

He should always obey any lawful order given by his superiors. If he is aggrieved by an order he receives, he should first comply, then afterwards he can make a respectful statement to his senior, asking a redress. He cannot be given a lawful order to commit an unlawful act.

9. Knowledge of his Profession

The Security Officer should endeavour to acquire a thorough knowledge of his job. A Security Officer who is ignorant of

his powers and duties is worse than useless and is sometimes a danger to society. Ignorance is also a bar to promotion in the security service as well as in other professions. Knowledge is Power.

10. Proper Control of Temper

A Security Officer should be calm and free from fear in emergencies and conflicts. He must avoid altercations and display perfect control of temper under insults, provocation and other difficult circumstances.

11. Observation and Local Knowledge

Observation is the habit of making a mental picture of anything seen, with particular attention to small details. A Security Officer should cultivate his powers of observation. He should endeavour to acquire knowledge of every street and places of importance in the proximity of his location.

The Difference between the Police and Security Officer

Police Officers and Security Officers share a major common purpose: to protect the public and/or its property. However, there are differences between the two occupations.

Employment

Security Officers work either directly for a security company or for a specific business. Police Officers are commissioned by the government and are employed by them.

Qualifications

Security Officers normally need only a high school diploma or equivalent to be hired; police departments prefer applicants who have a diploma or college degree in criminal justice or pre-law. Security Officers often are interviewed, hired and deployed on their first patrol within days, while Police Officers go through thorough background checks and intense training in police academies.

Basic Roles

The basic role of a Security Officer is to protect the property and people of the business that employs him. A Police Officer is sworn to protect all people and property and is authorized to enforce the laws of his country.

Authority to Arrest

While Security Officers do have the power to apprehend and detain non-violent suspects such as shoplifters, only Police Officers can execute arrest warrants and arrest and charge offenders.

Searches

Police Officers can enter and conduct legal searches of private buildings and houses. Security Officers are confined to patrolling and securing only the businesses or property assigned them by their employer. Any search by Security officer must be with the consent of the person being searched, except in the case where the person is arrested and being searched for weapons or anything that may aid in their escape.

Code of Conduct

All Security Officers must learn and abide by this code of conduct for Security Officers.

Shall not neglect nor, without sufficient cause, omit to promptly and diligently discharge a requirement whilst on duty.

Shall not knowingly make or sign any false verbal or written statement of any kind.

Shall not leave the place of work without due permission or sufficient cause.

Shall not, without due and sufficient cause, destroy, mutilate or erase any document or record.

Shall not, without authority, divulge any matter which is confidential to the employer or his clients, past or present.

Shall not corruptly solicit or receive any bribe or other consideration from any person or fail to account for money or property received in connection with the employer’s business.

Shall not be uncivil to persons encountered in the course of work or make unnecessary use of authority in connection with the discharge of the employer’s business.

Shall not act in any manner reasonably likely to bring discredit upon the employer, a client or fellow employee.

Shall not feign or exaggerate any illness or injury with a view of evading work.

Shall not wear the company’s uniform or use its equipment without authority.

Shall maintain proper standards of appearance and deportment at all times.

Shall not work whilst under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

Shall, on being arrested, charged or prosecuted for any criminal offence, notify the employer forthwith.

Code of Ethics

I, as a professional Security Officer, pledge to conduct myself with honesty and integrity and to adhere to the highest moral principles in the performance of my duties; to be faithful, diligent and dependable in discharging my duties and to uphold at all times, the laws, policies and procedures that protect the rights of others. To observe the precepts of truth, accuracy and prudence without allowing personal feelings, prejudice or friendship to influence my judgment.

1.To conduct myself with honesty and integrity and to adhere to the highest moral principles in the performance of my duties.

2.To be faithful, diligent and dependable in discharging my duties and to uphold at all times, the laws, policies and procedures that protect the rights of others.

3.To observe the precepts of truth, accuracy and prudence without allowing personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence my judgment.

4.To respect and protect the confidential and privileged information of my employer beyond the term of my employment and to remain loyal at all times to my employer.

5.To accept no compensation, commission, gratuity or other advantage without the knowledge and consent of my employer.

6.To refrain from engaging in activities, gainful or otherwise, which would place me in conflict with the interests of my employer.

7.To conduct myself professionally at all times and to perform my duties in a manner that reflects credit upon myself and my employer.

Discipline

Discipline in the means by which a person exercises or is made to exercise restraint or control on his behaviour.

A Security Officer is expected to maintain self-discipline at all times. Some of the attributes of good self-discipline are;

You must report for work on time.

Gates must be kept closed at all times.

All persons entering or leaving premises are subject to being searched.

Handing and taking over procedures must be carried out at all times.

You must be properly dressed in uniform, hair neatly cut