DE Security Guard cheat sheet

A security guard's authority is derived from the property owner's rights; guards act as agents of the owner, not as police.

Citizen's arrest is permitted only for a felony committed in the guard's presence, or for a breach of peace in some jurisdictions; misdemeanors generally require a warrant unless directly observed.

The Fourth Amendment applies to government action; private security guards are not state actors unless deputized or acting under police direction.

Guards must not conduct searches without consent or legal authority; consent must be voluntary and can be withdrawn.

Trespass law allows a property owner or agent to ask individuals to leave; refusal can lead to arrest for trespass.

Use of force must be reasonable and proportionate; deadly force is justified only to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm.

Detention must be based on reasonable suspicion and limited in scope and duration; false imprisonment occurs if detention is unlawful.

Guards must identify themselves and state the reason for detention when safe to do so.

Statutory limits: guards cannot carry weapons unless licensed; must comply with state licensing and training requirements.

Primary role: deter crime, observe and report, and protect life and property; guards do not enforce laws like police.

Ethical standards: honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

Guards must not accept gifts or gratuities that could influence judgment.

Professional conduct includes punctuality, proper uniform, and respectful communication.

Guards must avoid excessive familiarity with clients or employees that could compromise objectivity.

Report writing must be factual, objective, and free of personal opinions or conclusions.

Confidentiality: guards must not disclose sensitive information obtained during duties.

Guards must not use their position for personal gain or to harass or intimidate others.

Emergency response priorities: life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation.

Evacuation procedures: know primary and secondary routes, assembly points, and accounting for personnel.

Fire response: activate alarm, call 911, evacuate, and only use extinguisher if trained and safe.

Medical emergencies: assess scene safety, call for help, provide basic first aid if trained, and do not move injured persons unless necessary.

Active shooter response: Run, Hide, Fight; call 911 when safe; do not confront unless no other option.

Natural disasters: follow facility emergency plans; assist with evacuation and shelter-in-place.

Crowd control: maintain calm, use communication, and request additional resources as needed.

Post-incident: secure scene, preserve evidence, and document actions.

Use of force continuum: presence, verbal commands, empty-hand control, less-lethal weapons, deadly force.

Force must be objectively reasonable based on the totality of circumstances.

Deadly force is justified only to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm to self or others.

Guards must be trained and authorized before using any weapon or restraint device.

Defensive tactics: maintain distance, use barriers, and call for backup; avoid grappling unless necessary.

After any use of force, guards must render aid, notify authorities, and complete a detailed report.

Restraints must be applied properly to avoid positional asphyxia; monitor the subject continuously.

Excessive force can lead to criminal charges and civil liability.

Patrol techniques: vary routes and times to avoid predictability; use all senses to detect anomalies.

Observation: note details such as persons, vehicles, times, and behaviors; avoid assumptions.

Report writing: include who, what, when, where, why, and how; use clear, concise language.

Documentation must be accurate, legible, and completed promptly; correct errors with a single line and initials.

Reports may be used in legal proceedings; write as if they will be read in court.

Patrol logs must record time, location, and activities; note any unusual occurrences.

Surveillance: observe and report suspicious activities without confronting unless necessary.

Preserve evidence: do not disturb crime scenes; secure area and wait for authorities.

Access control principles: verify identity, authorization, and purpose before granting entry.

Use of access control systems: card readers, biometrics, and PINs; never share credentials.

Visitor management: sign-in, badge issuance, and escort policies.

Perimeter security: check locks, fences, gates, and lighting; report deficiencies.

Key control: sign keys in and out, report lost keys immediately.

CCTV monitoring: observe and report; do not use cameras for unauthorized purposes.

Tailgating prevention: ensure each person uses their own credential; challenge unfamiliar persons.

Physical security layers: deterrence, detection, delay, and response.

Effective communication: active listening, clear speech, and professional tone.

De-escalation techniques: remain calm, use empathetic statements, offer choices, and maintain safe distance.

Customer service: greet politely, offer assistance, and handle complaints professionally.

Radio communication: use clear, concise language, follow protocol, and avoid slang.

Conflict resolution: focus on the problem, not the person; seek win-win solutions.

Cultural awareness: respect diversity and avoid assumptions based on appearance.

Emergency communication: provide accurate information to responders and follow incident command.

Signs of substance abuse: slurred speech, impaired coordination, odor, and behavioral changes.

Guards must not consume alcohol or drugs while on duty; report prescription medications that may impair.

Stress management: recognize signs of stress (fatigue, irritability) and use healthy coping strategies.

Critical incident stress: seek peer support or professional help after traumatic events.

Wellness: maintain physical fitness, adequate sleep, and work-life balance.

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) provide confidential support.

Report fitness-for-duty concerns to supervisors; do not self-deploy if impaired.

Avoid enabling substance abuse; document and report according to policy.

Negligence elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages; guards must act within scope of duty.

Risk management: identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls.

Incident reporting: document all incidents promptly to mitigate liability.

Evidence handling: preserve chain of custody, document every transfer, and store securely.

Do not handle evidence unless necessary; if you must, wear gloves and use proper packaging.

Liability can arise from false arrest, excessive force, and failure to provide aid.

Follow post orders and policies; deviations can increase liability.

Insurance and indemnification: understand your coverage and report claims immediately.