Security Training Center® News
November 08, 2021
Security Guard Firms Should Prepare for Use-of-Force Training in 2022
We have discussed before how important it is for security firms to train guards on how to properly use force – and when to avoid using it. This is a vital practice to help avoid injuries, mistakes, and associated lawsuits that come with that liability. It's also become increasingly important as tensions in common areas like shopping centers have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a greater risk of violence.
One of the latest examples of how use-of-force can create major headaches for security firms comes from Portland, OR, where the family of a man shot dead by a security guard this year has sued a security firm for $25 million dollars. The family alleges that the security guard in question was carrying a firearm without the proper certification or training to use one. That is, of course, one of the major mistakes that any security firm can make when deadly force is a possibility. Either way, a $25 million lawsuit can be a huge problem for a security firm, even with liability insurance: It's not guaranteed that such a high sum would be covered if awarded by a court, and the news surrounding lawsuits like these can be devastating for business.
Security firms aren't the only ones noticing these lawsuits involving security guards. States are also taking steps to reduce risks in the industry, and that's leading to some important changes.
New Use-of-Force Laws on the Rise
Security guard training, requirements, and limitations are typically decided by state regulations, which can vary considerably. More and more states are starting to add more specific language to these regulations where they were once left vague. A weathervane state for following these changes is California.
California's language governing the security industry has traditionally been more specific than many, but it's about to get far more precise. New legislation has passed in the state to govern security guards and use-of-force. This legislation came about from a CapRadio investigation that was published in 2020, showing that current language used in regulations lacked key definitions and requirements for security guards.
The new legislation requires the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services to develop a more rigorous use-of-force standard for the industry, along with a training curriculum that will be required for certain types of security guards or jobs. This also includes private security officers like bouncers at clubs or bars. In addition to the new training, the law will also mandate stricter reporting to the Bureau when a security guard is involved in a use-of-force incident. The Bureau will also have increased authority to suspend and revoke security licenses when investigating a case of excessive force. The full changes will go into effect in 2023.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Think of California's legislation as a canary in the coal mine: States don't like seeing these headlines about deaths or injuries caused by security guards, no matter the circumstances involved. They have a vested interest in keeping the public safe and avoiding the appearance that people aren't safe in common areas like malls, parking lots, or bars. Tightening and defining security guard regulation is one of the simplest ways to address issues. In other words, expect more of these regulations to arrive in other major states.
The good news is, if you've been paying attention to our advice on guard training, excessive force, and when guards should be armed, you are probably already ahead of the curve when it comes to meeting increased regulation. Here are a few important practices to keep in mind:
- If your firm does do any business in California, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the new training that the Bureau develops in 2022 and the date they set for compliance in 2023. Make sure early on that your current training is in line with what's being developed and find classes that incorporate the new curriculum when required.
- Keep track of security industry news in the states where your firm is active. We work to cover the most important security news here, but we don't write about every change, and it's important to know if your state is considering new security legislation as well.
- Keep strict track over which security jobs are using armed guards, and which are not. Armed guards should never be sent to jobs where they are not required by the client. Firearms should be properly secured away if they are located in security vehicles at these locations.
- Any guards using firearms should hold proper certification to use them, along ongoing safety training that's consistently updated. Armed and unarmed guards should never be interchangeable.
- Security firms should also include training to help reduce liability when it comes to stopping fights and preventing violence. This should always include the proper times to contact law enforcement instead of taking direct action.
Final Notes
If you aren't sure where to begin with best practices in security guard training, take a look at your local classes. See which classes are recommended or have robust curriculums that address key safety and use-of-force concerns. While online learning may still be required in some cases, local classes are generally more useful for your guards!
Security Training Center® is a professional security guard training company. Our purpose to educate security personnel and organizations in the latest protocols and techniques to keep staff, property and other valuables safe. A proactive approach to security awareness prevents many problems from ever occurring, reducing risk to staff and liability. We teach early identification of potential problems and how to defuse conflicts before reaching crisis. Our staff and advisory board have decades of experience in military, law enforcement, executive protection, private security, defensive weapons and martial arts. Our training programs span the globe and are used on five (5) continents.
Original article posted by El Dorado Security Services Insurance Agency. Used with permission.
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