A professional security guard’s job is to protect their client’s interests. These interests almost always include people and property. Executive security managers take this responsibility very seriously and expect their guards on the ground to do the same. However, there are instances where security contractors are held legally liable for damages and injuries caused as a result of their actions or a lack thereof. Let’s go over a few of these situations.
Duty of Care
Security guards are legally obligated to provide security services on their assigned premises. A duty of care is a legal obligation to exercise reasonable caution to avoid acts or omissions that may cause harm to others.
Security guards don’t have the immunity that police officers enjoy. Security guards have to be careful and mindful of their responsibilities. Failure to adhere to your duty of care can result in lawsuits for negligence.
Understanding Negligence
Negligence is the basis of most legal claims against private security contractors. Negligence occurs when a security guard fails to fulfill their duty of care, causing harm to others, which is avoidable.
After all, isn’t the point of hiring security guards to provide protection and safety? Usually, negligence lawsuits are filed against security firms by their clients. Again, wasn’t the point of hiring security guards in the first place to make the environment safer and more secure?
Excessive Use of Force
Private guards are trained to use reasonable force to protect people and property from harm. This can sometimes include using deadly force. However, if a security guard uses excessive force, they can be held liable for any damages or injuries caused. Excessive force occurs when a security guard uses more force than necessary.
Imagine a security officer shooting a man over a candy bar or beating down a shoplifting suspect with a baton when he could have done the same thing without using a weapon. See what I mean?
Legal Actions Against Security Guards
If a security guard is held liable for any harm caused due to their actions or omissions, there could be grounds for legal action. The most common legal actions include:
- Civil Liability: These type of legal claims are made by the injured party for compensation for any damages or injuries caused. These claims can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain, suffering, and whatever else a clever lawyer can come up with.
- Criminal Liability: Criminal liability is a legal claim made by the state for any criminal acts committed by the security guard. Such a claim can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Administrative Liability: This type of legal claim is made by employers for damages caused by the security guard. If the court sides with the plaintiff, the ruling can result in termination of employment or other disciplinary actions.
Related Resource: The Top 7 Liability Issues for Security Guards
Seeking Security Guard Services in Texas?
Contact a Professional Security Guard Company
If you want to limit or even avoid legal liabilities, look no further than Enforce Security Services, Inc. As a manager, you’re aware of how crucial it is to secure your enterprise and possessions. That’s why you need a professional security guard company that offers dependable and efficient security solutions.
Enforce Security Services, Inc. is the number one security guard company providing top-notch security services to companies of all shapes and industries.
You can be certain that your legal liabilities will be minimal or nonexistent when you use Enforce Security Services, Inc. We comprehend the legal environment that businesses function in, and our top priority is to keep our customers protected. Our security guards are taught to stick to industry best practices and obey all legal requirements, making sure you have peace of mind understanding your business is in good hands.
When it comes to protection, Enforce Security Services, Inc. is devoted to giving the highest caliber of service. We accept that security isn’t simply about having guards on the job, yet additionally about having a complete security plan set up. Our group of security specialists will work with you to make an altered security plan that meets your novel needs and prerequisites. Regardless of whether you need equipped or unarmed security monitors, versatile watches, or access control, we have the aptitude and mastery to furnish you with the best security arrangement.
At Enforce Security Services, Inc., we take pride in our polished skill and dependability. We comprehend that organizations have various security needs, which is the reason we offer adaptable and altered security arrangements to address your particular issues. Our security guards are prepared to be proactive and responsive, consistently keeping a vigilant eye on your property to guarantee that any potential security issues are tended to right away.
Enforce Security Services, Inc. recognizes the significance of modern technology when it comes to security. That is why we have invested in the most up-to-date security equipment to enhance our services. Our guards are provided with the latest gadgets, such as body cameras, two-way radios, and GPS systems, so that we can give you real-time updates and reports.
We are not merely a security guard company – we are your security partner. We understand that our customers necessitate more than simply security services; they need somebody to trust that will keep them safe. This is why we are devoted to furnishing our clients with the highest quality service and assistance, guaranteeing their security needs are constantly met.