Trespassing is an unlawful, aggravating and often dangerous activity that is a nuisance wherever it occurs. It can lead to vandalism, theft and many other serious consequences. Further, it often results in customers and employees of a business worrying for their safety. As a result, it is crucial that a security officer is properly trained and knows what to do in the case of a trespassing situation whenever such a scenario arises. Some clients may want trespassing to be handled in slightly different ways.
Security Guard Responsibilities With Trespassers
Of course, knowing what to do with a trespasser is not a “one size fits all” kind of situation. A trespasser can often be doing so accidentally, while at other times a trespassing act might be just one of many repeated and frequent offenses. Still, there are general guidelines for what to do in each situation in order to best prevent theft and other harmful trespassing behaviors.
First Response
When dealing with a trespasser, a well-trained security officer will not overreact. Instead, the wiser course of action would be to first attempt reasoning with the trespasser politely. Usually you can determine whether the individual’s intentions are harmful by simply asking what they are doing on the premises. This can help the security officer ascertain the situation and better understand how to proceed with the trespasser in question. Following that, a simple and polite request that he or she leave the premises is often sufficient.
If possible, an officer should perform this questioning in private so as to avoid any potential invasion of privacy or defamation actions. Also of great importance is that the security officer maintain a respectable distance between the trespasser so that the individual does not feel threatened or cornered.
How to Escort the Trespasser Off the Premises
It is essential that a security officer escort the trespasser the entire way off the premises. Staying too far away can make the trespasser feel more unsupervised and less likely to listen to the request to leave. Also, always attempt to evict with a witness or a partner! In most cities, a trespass warning must first be provided in the presence of law enforcement. Once an official trespass warning has been provided to an individual, if that individual commits a second trespass violation they can then be arrested by the police.
If the trespasser seems violent or is uncooperative, it is also necessary to obtain police assistance. When calling, make sure to inform the police of the situation that they are responding to. If the trespasser has been violent or unstable, these pertinent details and others like them should be reported to the police as well. This process is of utmost importance because assisting the police is essential in the relationship between private security and police.
Advise the Trespasser of Legal Consequences
A security officer should make sure to inform the trespasser of the consequences of trespassing and any other charges that may be appropriate based on the trespasser’s behavior. The use of legal knowledge will allow the trespasser to see the officer in a position of authority. It is also important to use the term private property, as this usually has the effect of promoting compliance.
Use Thorough Documentation
A security officer should document everything that transpires in a daily log. Further, the officer should give the trespasser specific time limits and parameters for evacuating the premises and document those as well. It is essential that security works closely with management in responding and reporting all trespass situations.
Sterling Protective Services is Here to Help!
In short, trespassing requires effective and efficient security to ensure everyone’s safety. Sterling Protective Services would love to meet with you to discuss all of the ongoing security concerns that you might be having in order to design a security program that is tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today!
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