How to Handle Suspicious Individuals as a Security Guard

When you're out there keeping the peace as a security guard, one of the scenarios you might find yourself in is encountering a suspicious individual. It's a tense moment that can raise all sorts of questions in your mind. What should you do? Well, let's break it down.

First off, the best move isn't always the most obvious one. Sure, you might feel the urge to pick up your phone and call the police right away, but that's not your first line of action. Instead, you want to take a step back and monitor the situation. Now, this doesn’t mean staring awkwardly from a distance like a deer in headlights. Nope! It means keeping a subtle yet watchful eye on them—observing their actions, body language, and any interaction they might have with their surroundings.

So, why do we emphasize monitoring? For starters, it avoids creating unnecessary tension. If you rush in and confront them, you could escalate the situation in ways that aren't safe. Nobody wants that! Also, gathering all those details gives you a clearer picture of what’s happening. Are they just lost, or is there something more concerning at play?

Once you've gathered your observations, you’ll want to report your findings. Notice any unusual behavior? Jot that down. Had a gut feeling about someone’s actions? Make sure that gets communicated to your supervisors. This step is crucial because it gives a factual basis for any potential follow-up, arming law enforcement or your security team with the data they need to act appropriately.

Let’s contrast that with some less ideal responses. For instance, outright asking a suspicious person to leave the premises can turn an already tense situation into a confrontation. You could be met with resistance or hostility, setting a chain of events into motion that nobody wants to deal with. And while it might feel tempting to approach and question them directly, that too can backfire and put you in a vulnerable position.

It all circles back to maintaining situational awareness and keeping yourself safe. Remember, not every unusual behavior is indicative of a threat, but monitoring it allows you to distinguish between harmless and harmful actions.

The call to monitor and report helps craft a security environment that’s responsive but not reactive. By taking these steps, you're not just doing your job—you're enhancing the overall safety and security of your environment. It's a balance of vigilance and restraint, a skill that gets better the more you practice it.

So, next time you find yourself faced with a suspicious individual, remember: take a breath, assess the situation, and gather your information home base and potential follow-up. You’re not just a guard; you’re a watchful protector, ensuring safety while making informed decisions that benefit everyone involved.