Security officer safety Decreasing

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.