Level 2 non-commissioned security officer
The Texas Private Security Board consists of seven members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as follows
(1) Four public members, each of whom is a citizen of the United States (2) One member who is licensed under this chapter as a private investigator (3) One member who is licensed under this chapter as an alarm systems company; and (4) One member who is licensed under this chapter as the owner or operator of a guard company. (b) Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointee.
Who Are Peace Officers
(1) Sheriffs, their deputies, and those reserve deputies who hold a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701 , Occupations Code; (2) Constables, deputy constables, and those reserve deputy constables who hold a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; (3) Marshals or police officers of an incorporated city, town, or village, and those reserve municipal police officers who hold a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; (4) Rangers and officers commissioned by the Public Safety Commission and the Director of the Department of Public Safety;
Who Are Peace Officers
(11) airport police officers commissioned by a city with a population of more than 1.18 million that operates an airport that serves commercial air carriers; (12) airport security personnel commissioned as peace officers by the governing body of any political subdivision of this state, other than a city described by Subdivision (13) Municipal Park and recreational patrolmen and security officers; (14) Security officers and investigators commissioned as peace officers by the comptroller; (15) Officers commissioned by a water control and improvement district under Section 49.216, Water Code; (16) Officers commissioned by a board of trustees under Chapter 54, Transportation Code;
Who Are Peace Officers
(17) Investigators commissioned by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners; (18) officers commissioned by the board of managers of the Dallas County Hospital District, the Tarrant County Hospital District, or the Bexar County Hospital District under Section 281.057, Health and Safety Code; (19) county park rangers commissioned under Subchapter E, Chapter 351, Local Government Code; (20) Investigators employed by the Texas Racing Commission; (21) Officers commissioned under Chapter 554, Occupations Code;
self-defense
(2) Did not provoke the person against whom the force was used; and (3) Was not otherwise engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic at the time the force was used. (b) The use of force against another is not justified: (1) In response to verbal provocation alone
Who Are Peace Officers
(22) Officers commissioned by the governing body of a metropolitan rapid transit authority under Section 451.108, Transportation Code, or by a regional transportation authority under Section 452.110, Transportation Code; (23) Investigators commissioned by the attorney general under Section 402.009, Government Code; (24) Security officers and investigators commissioned as peace officers under Chapter 466, Government Code; (25) An officer employed by the Texas Department of Health under Section 431.2471, Health and Safety Code; (26) Officers appointed by an appellate court under Subchapter F, Chapter 53, Government Code; (27) Officers commissioned by the state fire marshal under Chapter 417, Government Code; {28) An investigator commissioned by the commissioner of insurance under Article 1.1 OD, Insurance Code;
Who Are Peace Officers
(29) Apprehension specialists commissioned by the Texas Youth Commission as officers under Section 61.0931, Human Resources Code; (30) Officers appointed by the executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 493.019, Government Code; (31) investigators commissioned by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education under Section 1701.160, Occupations Code; (32) Investigators commissioned and non-commissioned by the Texas Department on Private Security under Section 1702.061 (f), Occupations Code; (33) The fire marshal and any officers, inspectors, or investigators commissioned by an emergency services district under Chapter 775, Health and Safety Code; (34) Officers commissioned by the State Board of Dental Examiners under Section 254.013, Occupations Code, subject to the limitations imposed by that section. (35) Investigators commissioned by the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission as officers under Section 141.055, Human Resources Code; (36) The fire marshal and any related officers, inspectors or investigators commissioned by a county under Subchapter B, Chapter 352, Local Government Code.
Sec. 9.41. PROTECTION OF ONE'S OWN PROPERTY.
(a) A person in lawful possession of land or tangible, movable property is justified in using force against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on the land or unlawful interference with the property. (b) A person unlawfully dispossessed of land or tangible, movable property by another is justified in using force against the other when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to reenter the land or recover the property if the actor uses the force immediately or in fresh pursuit after the dispossession and: ´ the actor reasonably believes the other had no claim of right when he dispossessed the actor; or ´ he other accomplished the dispossession by using force, threat, or fraud against the actor.
Penal Code Sec. 9.31. SELF DEFENSE
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), a person is justified in using force against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect the actor against the other's use or attempted use of unlawful force. The actor's belief that the force was immediately necessary as described by this subsection is presumed to be reasonable if the actor: (1) Knew or had reason to believe that the person against whom the force was used: (A) unlawfully and with force entered, or was attempting to enter unlawfully and with force, the actor's occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment; (B) unlawfully and with force removed, or was attempting to remove unlawfully and with force, the actor from the actor's habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment; or (C) was committing or attempting to commit aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery;
§35.34 Standards of Conduct, Texas Administrative Code;
(a) Licensed companies may use the phrase "Licensed by the Texas Private Security Board" on stationery, business cards, and in advertisements, but no licensee shall have a badge, shield or insignia as part of any uniform, identification card or markings on a motor vehicle containing the State Seal of Texas, except those identification and license items that are prepared or issued by the board. No licensee shall use the State Seal of Texas or the seal of the Department of Public Safety to advertise or publicize a commercial undertaking. ´ (b) No licensee shall have a badge, shield or insignia as part of any uniform, identification card or markings on a motor vehicle containing the Flag of the State of Texas, except those identification and license items that are prepared or issued by the board. No licensee shall use the Flag of the State of Texas to advertise or publicize a commercial undertaking. Because there should be no allusions of law enforcement, the security officer's uniform cannot have the state seal or state flag. ´ A security Office's uniform should always be clean and neatly pressed.
RULE 35.39 Uniform Requirements
(d) No licensee shall display a badge, shoulder patch, logo or any other identification which contains the words "Law Enforcement" and/or similar word(s) including, but not limited to: agent, enforcement agent, detective, task force, fugitive recovery agent or any other combination of names which gives the impression that the bearer is in any way connected with the federal government, state government or any political subdivision of a state government. ´ (e) A regular peace officer who maintains full-time employment, and meets the requirements of §1702.322 of the Act, may wear the uniform of the licensed security services contractor (guard company), private business letter of authority, or governmental letter of authority or the official police officer uniform of their appointing law enforcement agency white working private security in Texas.
Sec. 9.51. ARREST AND SEARCH
A peace officer, or a person acting in a peace officer's presence and at his direction, is justified in using force against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to make or assist in making an arrest or search, or to prevent or assist in preventing escape after arrest, if: ´ the actor reasonably believes the arrest or search is lawful or, if the arrest or search is made under a warrant, he reasonably believes the warrant is valid. ´ before using force, the actor manifests his purpose to arrest or search and identifies himself as a peace officer or as one, acting at a peace officer's direction, unless he reasonably believes his purpose and identity are already known by or cannot reasonably be made known to the person to be arrested.
Sec. 9.51. ARREST AND SEARCH.
A person other than a peace officer acting in a peace officer's presence and at his direction is Justified in using deadly force against another when and to the degree the person reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately necessary to make a lawful arrest, or to prevent escape after a lawful arrest, if the use of force would have been justified under Subsection and· the actor reasonably believes the felony or offense against the public peace for which arrest is authorized included the use or attempted use of deadly force; or the actor reasonably believes there is a substantial risk that the person to be arrested will cause death or serious bodily injury to another if the arrest is delayed. ´ There is no duty to retreat before using deadly force justified by Subsection. ´ Nothing in this section relating to the actor's manifestation of purpose or Identity shall be construed as conflicting with any other law relating to the issuance, service, and execution of an arrest or search warrant either under the laws of this state or the United States. ´ Deadly force may only be used under the circumstances enumerated in Subsections.
OC Sec. 1702.367. COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION; SUBPOENA; WITNESS.
A person required to testify or to produce a record or document on any matter properly under inquiry by the Department who refuses to testify or to produce the record or document on the ground that the testimony or the production of the record or document would incriminate or tend to incriminate the person is nonetheless required to testify or to produce the record or document. A person who is required to testify or to produce a record or document under this subsection is not subject to indictment or prosecution for a transaction, matter, or thing concerning which the person truthfully testifies or produces evidence
Responsibilities of the Security Officer
A security officer is assigned to protect specific people and property. This may include detecting some of the same offenses that would cause a peace officer (police officer) to act, such as fight or burglary. However, it would not include other offenses such as vehicle violations or prostitution. ´ For example, if you were on duty at a plant gate and you saw two teenagers having an auto race down a public road, you would not try to arrest them. You may decide to report it to the police if a telephone is nearby. Remember, you were hired to protect the plant- not to arrest speeders. In fact you should be suspicious of any activity that may draw you away from your post. It could be a plan to draw your attention away from your duties.
deadly force in self defense
A) Unlawfully and with force entered, or was attempting to enter unlawfully and with force, the actor's occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment; ´ (B) Unlawfully and with force removed, or was attempting to remove unlawfully and with force, the actor from the actor's habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment; or ´ (C) was committing or attempting to commit an offense described by Subsection (2) Did not provoke the person against whom the force was used; and was not otherwise engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic at the time the force was used. (c) A person who has a right to be present at the location where the deadly force is used, who has not provoked the person against whom the deadly force is used, and who is not engaged in criminal activity at the time the deadly force is used is not required to retreat before using deadly force as described by this section.
Sec. 9.42 Deadly Force to Protect Property
A person is justified in using deadly force against another to protect land or tangible, movable property: (1) if he would be justified in using force against the other under Section 9.41; and (2) when and to the degree he reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately necessary: ´ to prevent the other's imminent commission of arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, theft during the nighttime, or criminal mischief during the nighttime; or ´ to prevent the other who is fleeing immediately after committing burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, or theft during the nighttime from escaping with the property; and he reasonably believes that: ´ the land or property cannot be protected or recovered by any other means; or ´ the use of force other than deadly force to protect or recover the land or property would expose the actor or another to a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury
Sec. 9.32 DEADL Y FORCE IN DEFENSE OF PERSON.
A person is justified in using deadly force against another: ´ If the actor would be justified in using force against the other under Section 9.31; and ´ When and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately necessary: ´ To protect the actor against the other's use or attempted use of unlawful deadly force; or ´ To prevent the other's imminent commission of aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery. (b) The actor's belief under Subsection ´ that the deadly force was immediately necessary as described by that subdivision is presumed to be reasonable if the actor: ´ Knew or had reason to believe that the person against whom the deadly force was used:
Sec. 9.33 Defense of Third Person
A person is justified in using force or deadly force against another to protect a third person if: ´ (1) under the circumstances as the actor reasonably believes them to be, the actor would be Justified under Section 9.31 ´ or 9.32 in using force or deadly force to protect himself against the unlawful force or unlawful deadly force he reasonably believes to be threatening the third person he seeks to protect; and the actor reasonably believes that his intervention is immediately necessary to protect the third person.
Sec. 9.43 PROTECTION OF THIRD PERSON'S PROPERTY
A person is justified in using force or deadly force against another to protect land or tangible, movable property of a third person if, under the circumstances as he reasonably believes them to be, the actor would be justified under Section 9.41 or 9.42 in using force or deadly force to protect his own land or property and: the actor reasonably believes the unlawful interference constitutes attempted or consummated theft of or criminal mischief to the tangible, movable property; or the actor reasonably believes that: ´ the third person has requested his protection of the land or property; ´ he has a legal duty to protect the third person's land or property; or ´ the third person whose land or property he uses force or deadly force to protect is the actor's spouse, parent, or child, resides with the actor, or is under the actor's care.
Sec. 9.51. ARREST AND SEARCH
A person other than a peace officer (or one acting at his direction) is justified in using force against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to make or assist in making a lawful arrest, or to prevent or assist in preventing escape after lawful arrest if, before using force, the actor manifests his purpose to and the reason for the arrest or reasonably believes his purpose and the reason are already known by or cannot reasonably be made known to the person to be arrested. A peace officer is justified in using deadly force against a1other when and to the degree the peace officer reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately necessary to make an arrest, or to prevent escape after arrest, if the use of force would have been justified under Subsection and· the actor reasonably believes the conduct for which arrest is authorized included the use or attempted use of deadly force; or the actor reasonably believes there is a substantial risk that the person to be arrested will cause death or serious bodily injury to the actor or another if the arrest is delayed
Deadly Force
According to the Texas Penal Code, "Deadly Force'' means force that is Intended or known by the actor to cause , or in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing, death or serious bodily injury. Deadly force does not only mean that you are shooting someone or striking the person to kill them. Deadly force, according to the law, can be striking someone with a fist in the face and breaking his nose, kicking to the groin, kicking to the knee, etc. Most strikes to targets that are not major muscle groups can lead to breaks and serious/permanent injury and are considered to be deadly force. Deadly force is at the top of the Use of Force Continuum because it should be used as a last resort or when the threat is immediate fear of death for you or a third party. Remember, you must be able to justify this use of force in a court of law and that there were no other alternatives.
Roles and Responsibilities of Security Officers
Although all security officers perform many of the same duties, their specific tasks depend on whether they are work in a "static" security position or on a mobile patrol. Security Officers assigned to static security positions usually stay at one location for a specified length of time. These guards must become closely acquainted with the property and the people associated with their station and must often monitor alarms and closed circuit TV cameras. In contrast, security officers assigned to a mobile patrol drive or walk from one location to another and conduct security checks within an assigned geographical zone. They may detain or arrest criminal violators, answer service calls concerning criminal activity or problems.
Know Thyself
Appearance ´Conduct ´Triggers
Conflict Resolution
As a security officer your job responsibilities will often cause you to come into contact with the public. Remaining calm and professional will ordinarily make these encounters stress free. However, occasionally the situation may result in a conflict between you and another person. Your goal in dealing with people is to persuade them to -gain voluntary compliance. In order to do this, you have to get them to do what they originally did not want to do. The best way to gain their cooperation is through the use of effective professional language.
Saving Face
During times of conflict is important to try to always allow the other person a way to "save face." The easiest way to do this is rather than issuing a command, phrase the action as a choice. Also give a reason for your request if possible. Ex Instead of demanding "Put that cigarette out!" Say, ''I am sorry sir, but Texas law prohibits smoking in public buildings. However, outside those doors and about 50 yards to the right is a picnic table with an ash tray
RULE 35.39 Uniform Requirements for non commisioned officer
Each noncommissioned security officer shall display in the outermost garment in style, shape design and type which is visible by a reasonable person under normal conditions identification which contains:1) either the name or board-approved logo of the company under whom the security officer is employed, or the name or the board-approved logo of the business entity with whom the employing company had contracted; ´2) the last name of the security officer; and ´3) the word "Security.
Soft Empty Hand Control
For passive or defensive resistance, techniques may be used to generate compliance. These include touch, joint locks, and pressure points. While causing minor pain and discomfort they have little potential for injury. Ex. As before, a person that is trespassing verbally tells you that he will not leave. You inform him that you are escorting him from the restricted area, and use a proper arm control technique to remove him
Hard Intermediate Weapons
Hard intermediate weapons are typically an ASP (expandable baton), straight stick, or PR-24 (side handled stick). According to the Texas Penal Code Chapter 46: Commissioned Officers can carry an ASP or expandable baton under certain conditions; these can be used in many different ways. The hard intermediate weapon gives an officer another tool to use before having to use their firearm. If a control technique is applied to affect an arrest, it should be applied only to the extent necessary to achieve control. According to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards (TCLEOSE) manual the definition of "Control" is that degree of influence you must exert over another (violator) to safely take the person into custody. For additional information refer to the following sections; Penal Code sec. 46.01 Definitions; Penal Code sec. 46.05 Prohibited Weapons.
OC Sec. 1702.367. COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION; SUBPOENA; WITNESS.
If a witness refuses to obey a subpoena or to give evidence relevant to proper inquiry by the Department, the Department may petition a district court of the county in which the hearing is held to compel the witness to obey the subpoena and to give the evidence. The court shall immediately issue process to the witness and shall hold a hearing on the petition as soon as possible. e) An investigator employed by the department may take statements under oath in an investigation of a matter covered by this chapter.
Roles and Responsibilities of Security Officers
In factories, laboratories, government buildings, data processing centers and military bases security officers must protect information, products, computer codes, and defense secrets, and check the credentials of people and vehicles entering and leaving the premises. Security officers working at universities, parks and sports stadiums perform crowd control; supervise parking and seating, and direct traffic. Security officers stationed at the entrance to bars and night clubs to maintain order among customers and protect patrons and property.
Totality of the Circumstances
In response to an incident, a security officer enters the "force continuum" at the level appropriate to the incident. He is actively attempting to calm the situation and lower the level of force necessary. Where he enters the continuum is dictated by circumstances. These could include: Relative size Relative strength Type of crime Weapons Suspicion of alcohol or drugs by the suspect Number of suspects vs. number of officers Immediacy of danger Exceptional skills (e.g. martial arts) Environment Think of using the Use of Force Continuum like an elevator. You may need to enter at any floor and go up, but you always want to get back to the ground level.
Who Are Peace Officers
Investigators of the district attorneys', criminal district attorneys', and county attorneys' offices; (6) Law enforcement agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; (7) Each member of an arson investigating unit commissioned by a city, a county, or the state; (8) officers commissioned under Section 37.081, Education Code, or Subchapter E, Chapter 51, Education Code; (9) Officers commissioned by the General Services Commission; (10) Law enforcement officers commissioned by the Parks and Wildlife Commission;
In order to communicate effectively with someone, you must put what you say in the most proper, fitting, and assertive words possible. This process does not have to be difficult; you can simplify it by using the following elements.
Know what you are talking about. Think about what you want and need to communicate. b. Put your thoughts into words that reflect your meaning. c. When you know what you want to say and have chosen the proper words you are ready to send, or transmit your message. One thing to remember: communication is accomplished primarily through nonverbal signals (facial expressions, body language, etc.) and tone of voice. The words of the message have the least influence.
Empathize
Listen carefully to what the person is saying. Empathize with them (this does not necessarily mean that you agree with them). Try to understand how and why they are acting the way that they are. Ask if you can restate what they said so that you are hearing them correctly. This gives you several advantages. One, they can clarify what you heard. Two ,while not agreeing with them you're simply restating what they said, it shows empathy, and it allows you to change the pace and tone of the dialogue
Verbal Command
People who do not want to talk or listen • Emotionally charged individuals • Dangerous circumstances • Being watched by others • People who dislike or distrust officers The content of the message is just as important as your demeanor. It's always best to start out calm, but firm and non-threatening. Your choice of words and intensity can increase as necessary; use short commands in more serious situations. An important aspect of the verbal command is that it is heard by other people in the area. This allows them to be advised of the situation and assists the officer should they have to give witness testimony. It shows the surrounding people that you did everything in your power to get the subject to cooperate with you in case a physical confrontation is necessary. Verbal commands should accompany all successive levels of force. Ex. As before, a person trespassing, but this time he ignores you. So now you must add a command. "Sir this is a restricted area, for your own safety I must ask you to leave immediately."
Face to Face
Professional Face As a security officer you are going to come into contact with people from all walks of life on a daily basis. You will not only be representing yourself to the public but you will be representing your company and client. Every time you open your mouth you will be speaking for your boss, the company manager, and everyone else in the organization. If someone in your company treats people poorly, he lowers your credibility and the credibility of everyone else in your company- and he makes your job more difficult. Any confrontation is not about you personally; therefore, leave your personal face at home.
Actions Against Violators The Department may take actions against persons including administrative, civil and criminal actions. The following escalates with the severity of the violations (OCP 1702.061 ).
Reprimand, Probation, Suspension and /or a Fine ,Revocation, Summery Suspension/ Summary Denial ,Criminal Charges, Definitions, Person, Guard Company ,Security Services Contractor, Scope of License ,Firearm ,Peace Officer
Soft Intermediate Weapons
Soft intermediate weapons are non-injurious weapons such as OC (pepper) spray or Tasers. Pepper spray is an inflammatory. It results in the burning sensation and a closing of the eyes, inflaming muscle membranes, and burning sensation of the skin, and a sensation of not being able to breathe. This causes panic and disorientation. Tasers discharge a high voltage spark (50,000 volts) at very low amperage. Tasers fire two small darts, connected to wires, which drop a suspect at non-contact distance. These devices are easily carried. They are lightweight and affordable. Extensive training is not required, and they may be more effective on persons under the influence of PCP and other drugs who do not respond to chemical irritants. They can be especially useful for controlling noncriminal violent behavior, such as persons who are mentally impaired, or under the influence of mind -altering substances. Soft weapons can cause pain and panic. They disorient the subject and stall his aggression. These items produce the kind of force needed to temporarily immobilize the person so that you can generate compliance.
Subpoena and Injunctive Powers
The Department retains the power to issue subpoenas and injunctions, as outlined in the OC below Subpoena Types: a. Subpoena duces tecum is a summons ordering the parties named to appear in court and produce tangible evidence for use at a hearing or trial. b. Instanter Subpoena is issued when a person fails to comply with a subpoena and is brought to court by the officer. Civil Injunction: is an order requiring a person to do or cease to do a specific action. (1702.381 )(1702.382)(1702.383)
Roles and Responsibilities of Security Officers
The Government Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook discusses the roles of Security Officers as follows: Security guards, also called security officers, patrol and inspect property, to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, graffiti, terrorism, and Illegal activity. These workers protect their employer's investment, enforce laws on the property, and deter criminal activity, and other problems. They use radio and telephone communications to call for assistance from police, fire or emergency medical services, as the situation dictates. Security guards write comprehensive reports outlining their observations and activities during their shift. They also may interview witnesses or victims, prepare case reports, and testify in court.
History of Private Security Bureau
The Texas Department of Public safety, regulatory services division which oversees the private security bureau, formerly known as the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies was created in 1969 to license and regulate the investigations and the security industry in Texas.
Listen Before you Speak
When dealing with the public you must also be able to read the person you are dealing with. That person may be under some kind of influence- he may be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, a misunderstanding, or anger. Therefore, you are going to have to listen to him carefully- what he says and how he says it. When interacting with someone who may be under an adverse influence you may have to think for that person. He may not be able to think rationally for himself at the present time. Your appeal will have to be in terms and language that he will understand.
Sec. 9.44 USE OF DEVICE TO PROTECT PROPERTY
The justification afforded by Sections 9.41 and 9.43 applies to the use of a device to protect land or tangible, movable property if: ´ the device is not designed to cause, or known by the actor to create a substantial risk of causing, death or serious bodily injury; and ´ use of the device is reasonable under all the circumstances as the actor reasonably believes them to be when he installs the device.
Professional Look and Conduct
The public perception of a security officer is not always kept as high as a police officer. To enhance this perception and enable command presence, a professional look and conduct is of the utmost importance. This includes a clean and pressed uniform, good personal hygiene and professional actions.
Sec. 9.34. PROTECTION OF LIFE OR HEALTH.
a) A person is justified in using force, but not deadly force, against another when and to the degree he reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to prevent the other from committing suicide or inflicting serious bodily injury to himself. (b) A person is justified in using both force and deadly force against another when and to the degree he reasonably believes the force or deadly force is immediately necessary to preserve the other's life in an emergency.
OC Sec. 1702.367. COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION; SUBPOENA; WITNESS.
a) For an investigation conducted under this chapter, the Department may issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of a witness or the production of a pertinent record or document. The hearings office may administer oaths and require testimony or evidence to be given under oath. b) A witness is not privileged to refuse to testify to a fact or to produce a record or document with respect to which the witness is properly examined by the hearings officer.
Roles and Responsibilities of Security Officers
The security officers' job responsibilities also vary with the size, type and location of the employer. In department stores guards protect people, records, merchandise, money and equipment. They often work with undercover store detectives to prevent theft by customers or employees and to apprehend shoplifting suspects prior to the arrival of police. Some shopping centers and theatres have officers who patrol their parking lots to deter car thefts and robberies. In office buildings, banks and hospitals, security officers maintain order and protect the institution's customers, staff and property. At air, sea and rail terminals and other transportation facilities security officers protect people, freight, property and equipment. Using metal detectors and high-tech equipment, they may screen passengers and visitors for weapons and explosives, ensure that nothing is stolen while a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and watch for fires and criminals. Security Officers who work in public buildings such as museums or art galleries protect paintings and exhibits by inspecting people and packages entering and leaving the building.
Verbal Command
The use of a voice command, together with the officer's presence is usually enough to gain compliance from most subjects. The right combination of words in combinations with the officer's presence can de-escalate a tense situation and prevent the need for a physical altercation. Training and experience improves the ability of an officer to communicate effectively with everyone he comes in contact with. You have been given a certain authority to enforce society's rules. Therefore you must act and speak with authority. You can gain the confidence to perform these actions appropriately through your knowledge of the law and your ability to do what is right. You must use the right words on a particular person at the right time. In order to do this you must be able to communicate skillfully under pressure- such as when dealing with
Use of Force Continuum
The use of force continuum illustrates the appropriate level of response an officer uses to respond to a specific level of subject resistance. The "One Plus One" theory indicates that the officer respond with one level of force higher than the subject, with the intent to de-escalate the situation. The force continuum is broken down into five broad levels. Each level is designed to be flexible as the need for force changes and the situation develops. It is common for the level of force to go from a level two to a level three and back again in a matter of seconds. As a Security Officer you are in the role of an authority figure. As such you still cannot expect complete compliance with your directions all the time; you have to make it happen. As stated earlier, the goal of persuasion is to generate voluntary compliance.
Sec. 9.52. PREVENTION OF ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY
The use of force to prevent the escape of an arrested person from custody is justifiable when the force could have been employed to effect the arrest under which the person is in custody, except that a guard employed by a correctional facility or a peace officer is justified in using any force, including deadly force, that he reasonably believes to be immediately necessary to prevent the escape of a person from the correctional facility.
The Public: Types of people
There are two basic types of people you will encounter through work. The first will respond to your authority and request by complying readily. The other type will challenge you. This is not usually personal. They simply do not routinely respond to authority. They are not rule followers. They will ask, "Why?" This opens a dialogue and requires further attention from you. Respect Both types of people deserve your respect. You always begin any dialogue where you are seeking voluntary compliance by issuing a request. You do not demand but simply ask the person.
Ethics Code of Conduct
This code of conduct requires that all security officers must, in the course of their employment: ´ Behave honestly and with integrity. ´ Act with care and diligence. ´ Treat everyone with respect and courtesy and without harassment. ´ Comply with all federal, state and local laws. ´ Comply with client and employer policies. ´ Never provides false, misleading or incomplete information in response to a request for information that is made for official purposes. ´ Use client and employer resources in a proper manner.
Intermediate Weapons
This includes the use of any weapon to control a subject that is not part of the human body. The intent is to disable the subject, not to cause permanent injury. There are two levels of intermediate weapons soft and hard.
Hard Empty Hand Control
To control active aggression, counterstrikes and restraints may be used. Examples are empty hand strikes and kicks. These techniques may result in minor injury including bruising, lacerations and contusions. Targets should be major muscle groups.
Roles and Responsibilities of Security Officers
To do this job well, the security officer MUST be alert , listen ,and watch The absence of incidents/ crimes is one sign that a security officer is doing a good job. If an offense does occur, an officer DOES NOT CHARGE IN. Instead the security officer should: • Stay calm • Observe and report events in his field notebook • Report to his supervisor as per company policy
Site Assigned to Only
Your job responsibilities limit your involvement in protecting and deterring crime to the property I premises that you were hired to protect. According to state occupation code, your authority is limited to the contracted site. There is also a chance that a diversion could be made at another site to draw you off your post in order to commit a burglary or other criminal mischief on the property that you are assigned to. Do not leave your post in order to investigate another property. If you observe suspicious/criminal activity on a nearby property you should observe and report; call the police. Your company was hired to protect a certain property and that is your primary concern.
sec 93.02 deadly force in self defense
d) For purposes of Subsection ´ in determining whether an actor described by Subsection ´ reasonably believed that the use of deadly force was necessary, a finder of fact may not consider whether the actor failed to retreat.
Command Presence - Officer Presence
lt is an identification of authority. A security officer's mere presence brings with it the assumption that the public should obey him. This is the lowest level of control available. This is the way you approach someone, how you carry yourself, and the image that you project. The person that you are dealing with must recognize that you have the authority granted by law and that you have the will to use that authority. You must appear to be self confident. Speak in a calm and pleasant voice. At this level gestures should be non-threatening and professional. Officer presence is a "zero" level of force and always that best way to resolve any situation if possible. Ex: Finding an individual in an unauthorized area. Simply appearing and asking "Can I help you?" may be enough for the person to acknowledge his trespass and leave
Uniform OCC §1702.130. USE OF CERTAIN TITLES, UNIFORMS, INSIGNIA, OR IDENTIFICATIONS PROHIBITED
´ (a) A license holder, or an officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a license holder, may not: ´ (1) use a title, an insignia, or an identification card, wear a uniform, or make a statement with the intent to give an impression that the person is connected with the federal government, a state government, or a political subdivision of a state government ´ (2) use a title, an insignia, or an identification card or wear a uniform containing the designation police." ´ (b) Subsection ´ (a) does not prohibit a commissioned security officer employed by a political subdivision of this state from using a title, insignia, or identification card, wearing a uniform, or making a statement indicating the employment of that individual by the political subdivision.
Listen Before you Speak
´ A persons' history or background will determine how that person hears the message that you send. Each person has different experiences to relate to in a given situation. What might work for an elderly person may not work for an affluent, young corporate executive. The language you use when talking to a socialite would be totally different from what you might use for a gang member. You may be transmitting the same message, but your words may have an entirely different meaning for people with widely differing backgrounds. ´ Recognize that there are some phrases that don't work in a conflict. For instance, telling someone to "calm down" is a wasted effort. Instead you can get someone to calm down by assuring them that you will help them solve their problem and by modulating your own voice slower and lower. "Because I said so" won't work on a stranger any better than it works on your teenager at home.
RULE 35.39 Uniform Requirements
´ Each commissioned security officer shall, at a minimum, display on the outermost garment the name of the company under whom the commissioned security officer is employed, the word "Security" and identification which contains the last name of the security officer. ´ The name of the company and the word "Security" shall be of a size, style, shape, design, and type which is clearly visible by a reasonable person under normal conditions. ´
Nondisclosure, Client ,And Company
´ In the security business it is essential to honor the client's and the company's privacy. Respect the confidentiality of Information acquired in the course of the performance of your responsibilities except when authorized or otherwise legally obligated to disclose. ´ Insure that your actions are legal and are in compliance with the client's policies. ´ As a representative of your company, act ethically and legally. Uphold your company's values and good reputation.