More private businesses today are turning to private security to protect their employees, customers, and premises. As the number of security officers employed climb, we can expect to see increased incidents of violence against security officers, decreasing security officer safety.

There are many factors that are increasing the dangers to security officers as well: 

1. Mental health - Individuals with mental health issues create unique challenges for security officers. Their behaviors, at times, can be erratic which causes concerns for employees and patrons alike. It is important to note, that most individuals suffering from mental illness do not become violent. But, as they interact with others, others may react violently due to fear, or failing to understand, which places security officers in harms way as they respond to altercations. 

2. Violence on the increase - Violence, the actual act, is increasing. In other words, the violence is becoming more violent. Statistics can be tricky. Statistics often do not reflect the amount of violence being used, rather they count as one act.  

3. Changing lifestyles/influences - Children today are growing up under different circumstances than what their parents experienced. (Every generation can say this) Many ponder how reduced social skill abilities, which are being replaced by the use of social media, may increase the potential for violent acts. The concept is that younger adults are less likely to seek out non-violent solutions to confrontation, opting to react violently. Although there are no clear indicators yet, as time is needed to gather statistics, there is the potential for increases in violent acts. 

So how do security companies and officers respond? 

• Training - training is always an important part of preparing security officers for their work, but company owners are increasingly turning toward teaching skills to protect officers, like: 
  • Verbal deescalation techniques - Reaching a successful conclusion without an arrest or violence is always the preferred method. Verbal deescalation techniques increase the chances an officer can reduce violent acts. No one gets hurt, and the parties resolve their differences in amicable ways, which can reduce the chances of future violent acts. 
  • Early Intervention - Recognizing events that can quickly spiral out of control and taking steps early is another technique that security officers are learning to reduce violent acts. Recognizing signs of stress, frustration, and anger, then intervening early to reduce those signs helps reduce violent acts. 
  • Mental Health Awareness - Recognizing signs of mental illness, then employing proper methods, reduces the chances that others will react violently due to misunderstandings or fear. Recognizing, then responding appropriately are great training to provide officers with additional tools. 
• Emphasize Officer Safety - Often security officers become very lax in safety practices. Companies are increasingly raising the alert level of their officers through supervision, training, and post orders. Uniformed officers need to constantly be aware they are targets, easily identified by those wishing to do harm. 

Unfortunately, assaults on security officers are expected to increase in the coming years. Security officers require additional training, and being reminded to always be alert to their environment for signs of potential violence. 

Every experienced officer has encountered one of those situations that just seems to be a little odd. It may be an individual that is wandering around aimlessly, someone that looks out of place, or there are changes to the physical environment. 

So what do experienced officers do when they encounter such a situation? 

• Observe - Spend some time observing the scene or the individual that just seems odd. Identify why something seems to be amiss. Maybe it's a hot day and someone is wearing a heavy overcoat, or there are sealed boxes sitting near the dumpster. Scan individuals and scenes for possible danger signs - concealed weapons, or presence of hazardous materials. 
• Investigate - There are a few approaches that can be taken: 1. Talk to co-workers and determine if they are familiar with the situation; 2. Ask for video surveillance to be reviewed to determine how the situation arose, where did the person come from, or how did those strange packages end up out of place. 
  
• Approach - Safety is critical! Consider approaching the scene, or the individual. As an officer you need to be prepared for anything. Make a customer service type approach toward individuals only after you have notified a colleague. "Can I help you find something?" Best question to ask that individual that is walking around aimlessly. They may be truly lost, in the wrong place, or if they are out to cause harm, they may simply leave the area knowing you are alerted to their presence. The customer service approach allows you an out if the situation is normal. Maybe the individual is the bosses son waiting for him to get off work!
  
• Document - Make sure to document what you saw. Pass the information to other officers so they are aware, and alert. 
  

First priority is always the safety of those you are protecting, and to protect yourself so you can respond effectively. An incapacitated officer is no help to anyone. Second, when things don't appear to normal, chances are you are right. It could have an easy explanation once you take the steps above. Third, always document what you saw. This protects you, your colleagues, and those you are their to protect.