The Roles of Security Peronnell Essays

The Roles of Security Peronnell Essays The Roles of Security Peronnell Essay The Roles of Security Peronnell Essay The roles of security personnel in the context of modern society is both ambiguous and varied. Often the authority of security personnel is dependent upon what or who the security officer is protecting. The authority and roles of security personnel can therefore be divided into two main groups, and this essay shall cover each group in detail, both in regard to their role in protection and their authority over other persons. The first and by far the most prevalent role of security can be defined by the slogan Observe and Report. These persons are generally not commissioned with the authority to arrest or apprehend. Their role instead is indeed more focused on criminal deterrence and prevention. Security Guards also exist to enforce company rules, and can act to protect property and save lives. Indeed these personnel have an obligation under contract to provide these services. Security guards are also used by companies to reduce their insurance premiums;Â   a guard on watch can report fire or other form of property damage before an general loss of the building or premises has occurred. In fact, the cost of hiring 24 hour security staff will often outweigh the discount given by insurance companies for hiring security personnel. Security guards also perform a vital role in preventing company losses from the inside. These can include employee theft, misconduct, or even sabotage. Guards also provide access to secure areas of a facility, ensuring that only authorized persons are allowed access. Control points can include vehicle gates and building entrances. Security guards are also commissioned to assist in minor emergencies on the premises, including lost persons, vehicle problems, lockouts etc. It can therefore be said that the authority of the first type of security personal, designated here as guards, is limited to observation and reporting, in addition to access control and assistance in minor problems. Their authority does not go far beyond this, and they have no real power to detain or arrest a person, especially if that person is uncooperative. There are also problems in relation to liability if a security guard performs an arrest,. In fact it is a general practice, especially in casinos, that a guard will seek only to detain a person, but not make an arrest until police authorities arrive. The second category of security personally is similar to the first, but with several added responsibilities. The first of these is protection of property, much like the guards, however, this protection can be active, instead of passive, and often security officers are armed, and are authorized to use force to protect their property. Their areas of protection can include (crimedoctor.com/apartmen5.htm) apartment complexes, mall security, and private patrols. Security officers are also charged with protecting lives, and ensuring the safety of others within their area of authority. To this end, the enforcement of the public peace is another responsibility of a security officer. Therefore, the authority of Security Officers is somewhat more severe than that of the more basic guard, but they remain limited to a degree by their position. It falls to the third and final category of security personnel to provide the most personally effective and potentially lethal type of security occupation. Personal Security, known colloquially as a Bodyguard, is a form of security that is typified by the protection of select person or persons, through whatever force is necessary (Freedonia Group, Inc., Mar 1, 2004, Business Reports). The pay for this form os security is generally much higher than the other two previously mentioned categories. Bodyguards are once more finding extremely dangerous and profitable work in the more hazardous sectors of the world. Many (if not all) private firms operating in the war-torn country of Iraq utilize private security to protect their interests and employees. These personally are usually veterans of the military, police, or both, and they are charged with protecting the life of their charge through any means necessary, up to and including lethal force. Due top the fact that the vast majority of security personnel fall into the first or second categories, their authority is somewhat limited. whether this is a good or bad thing is an open question, but it must be addressed. If a security guard is given too much authority, without proper training, they may overstep their bounds, the consequences of which can be disastrous. (opm.gov/FEDCLASS/gs008385.pdf) If trained police shoot people for holding a cellophane or a grapefruit, what would happen if a young and inexperienced security guard, given the authority and ability to cause bodily harm, used that power on an undeserving person? There must be a balance in the authority of security personnel, but it must be remembered that they are not police officers, and they are not given powers by neigh local or state governments to make arrests or interrogate suspect. It is thus concluded that the primary role of security officers and other personnel is that of deterrence, this is, the prevention of crime by their very presence. In the event of an emergency, when no police is forthcoming, and lives are at stake, it does fall to security officers to protect the lives and property under their jurisdiction. Despite the many derogatory terms for security officers, they do indeed play a vital role in maintaining public security, protecting property, and ensuring the safety of civilians.