Power of Observation

As a security officer one of your most powerful tools is the power of observation. Use you powers of observation to: 

• Notice body language - We communicate with our body language consciously and subconsciously. Be aware of a suspects head, body position, arms and hand movements when talking to them. Consider what their body language is saying to you. 
• Identify a suspicious person - Watch for individuals that appear to be lingering for no apparent reason. People who wander, leave and return may be up to no good. Watch their eye movements to see if they are looking around frequently or if they are watching you. 
• Identify potential weapons on a person - Look for strange bulges in clothing such as the waistline or ankles. Watch their hands to see if they frequently "check" their clothing in specific areas, often a sign they are adjusting their weapon or unconsciously reassuring themselves it is still there.
• Be alert to facial expressions - Our emotions are often reflected in our facial expressions. Anger, frustration, even happiness are easily recognized by looking at someones facial expression. 

Using your power of observation keeps you alert, prepared to react if needed. Remaining alert to your surroundings, which includes those around you, will increase your safety while increasing your opportunities to prevent or catch someone in an act of violence or other criminal activity.