Security guards and bouncers are often in dangerous situations. Protecting property, yourself and others are always top priorities for our security guard services in Philadelphia.
Safety Limits
Security guards and bouncers must rely on their ability to successfully do their job while being mindful of safety considerations. Life and personal safety are always the top considerations in any situation. By being dressed in uniform and making your presence known, a security officer’s and bouncer’s main goal is to deter problems.
That is why calling for backup from the police department or other relevant authorities when a situation escalates is always the right course of action. By calling the police, security guards and bouncers can minimize the possibility of escalation and violence. Some situations that warrant calling for backup are bomb threats, hostage-taking, fire, and drunk and disorderly conduct originating from belligerent people who are dangerous.
Legal Limits
Bouncers and security guards are limited in terms of how they are allowed to respond to certain situations. Security guards have more power than bouncers and less authority than police officers. For this reason, calling for police backup is highly recommended to ensure that security officers and bouncers do not overstep legal boundaries.
Once inside, things can be even more difficult for a bouncer. While the public often complies with verbal orders issued by a bouncer due to misconceptions about their power, the truth is that bouncers do not have a legal right to forcefully remove a person from the premises. Bouncers can legally check ID, refuse entry to intoxicated or unauthorized people, and protect bystanders. They can also use reasonable restraint to detain a person while waiting for the police to arrive.
Security guards are required to be licensed in most states. They are typically responsible for guarding property. Some security guards carry a weapon while others don’t. It is very important for security guards to fully understand whether they need a permit to carry a weapon. The major responsibilities that security guards must fulfill are to document problematic situations and act as an intermediary, calling in the police, EMTs, fire department or any other legal authority as situations escalate.
When in doubt, know the law in your state about what you can and can’t do. Above all, protect yourself and others.
