What Security Guards Can & Can’t Do

Whether you are considering a role in security or are just a member of the public, it’s important to understand what security guards can and can’t do.

When you see a security guard dressed in a uniform similar to a police officer’s, you might assume they have the same powers as the police. It’s entirely possible to be stopped by an overzealous security guard while you are doing your weekly shop (it’s happened to me), so it’s always good to know your rights as a consumer.

After reading this blog, you’ll know whether security guards can touch you, search you, or detain you, whether you are out shopping or clubbing. Read on to better understand your rights and learn more about the security industry.

What Is a Security Guard & Is It The Same as A Door Supervisor?

If you are considering a role in security, it can be confusing as to why we run two courses, one for a security guard and one for a door supervisor, when you may think they are the same thing. 

In truth, they are very similar roles. The main difference is that a door supervisor is LICENSED to work in places where ALCOHOL is consumed, and a security guard is NOT. 

We suggest taking the door supervisor course as it qualifies you for both roles. However, if you are against working in premises that serve alcohol and would never take a job there, you might prefer the shorter security guard course.

What Does It Take to Become a Security Guard?

One great thing about becoming a security guard is the accessible barrier to entry. Yes, you need to take a course and apply for a licence, but the good news is that the course only takes four to six days, and you could have your licence within four weeks of applying. That means you could start your first shift just three weeks after deciding to become one!

If you’re worried about taking the course, you’ll be pleased to know that 95% of people pass on their first attempt. Plus, with our gold or platinum deals, you can get free retakes or a full refund if you don’t pass the first time.

There are no academic qualifications required to take the course; you just need a good level of English and to be over 18 years old. To apply for your licence, you’ll need to provide proof that you are entitled to work in the UK and be able to pass a background check on your mental health and criminal record.

With these straightforward requirements, starting a career in security has never been more achievable!

Can You Become a Security Guard With a Criminal Record?

After passing your security guard or door supervisor course, you must apply for your licence. A common concern is whether a criminal record will result in a denied application. In the UK, having a criminal record is not uncommon. Around 11 million people, or roughly one in six, have a criminal offence, with an estimated one in three men having a criminal record.   

Fortunately, having a criminal conviction doesn’t mean a life of unemployment. You can still become a doctor or an MP with a criminal record, depending on the offence. The same applies to becoming a security professional. Because this role involves responsibility and public interaction, the SIA focuses on crimes that would make someone unsuitable for this type of work.

The types of offences the SIA considers relevant include:

• Violence
• Dishonesty (theft and fraud)
• Drugs
• Weapons
• Sexual 
• Abuse and neglect of children

Minor offences that happened long ago are unlikely to prevent a licence from being granted. The SIA also considers the severity of an offence, so if a prison sentence was given rather than a fine, they are less likely to grant a licence.

Additionally, the SIA also look more harshly on a pattern or string of offences rather than a single misdemeanour. If you are concerned about spending money on a course and a licence only to be refused, you can use our handy tool where you can input some basic details about your offences. The tool will give you a better idea of whether the SIA will grant your licence.

What Security Guards Can & Can’t Do: A Brief Overview

We often think of security guards as police officers with fewer powers, which is true to an extent. However, security guards are, for the most part, similar to members of the general public and have no more rights than any other citizen.

Did you know that any person in the UK can legally perform a citizen’s arrest? It’s just that most of us have never had the occasion to try! Security guards do liaise with the police as they work to prevent and deal with crime, but their powers are quite limited.

The primary action a security guard can take is to perform a citizen’s arrest, and this must be done under specific circumstances. Security guards in the UK are not allowed to carry weapons. Unlike the police, they cannot carry guns, batons, tasers, or pepper spray. The only item a security guard might have is a set of handcuffs. These are not weapons but tools to help detain a person after a citizen’s arrest is made, and are used only until the police arrive.

Can Security Guards Detain You?

As mentioned above, a security guard can detain you, but they must have a valid reason to do so. When detaining someone, they are performing a citizen’s arrest, and the rules they must follow are outlined in Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

• They witness or have reasonable grounds to believe you have committed a crime.
• They witness or have reasonable grounds to believe you are in the act of committing a crime.
• To protect you from causing injury to yourself or others.
• To protect property from being damaged by you.
• To prevent you from leaving the scene before a police officer arrives to take over responsibility.

Can Security Guards Touch You?

Security guards are permitted to touch you only in the process of detaining you. Their physical contact should be limited to what is necessary to perform a citizen’s arrest and ensure safety. Any contact beyond this scope is not allowed.

Can a Security Guard Search You?

A security guard can only search you, your bag, or your car if you consent to it. If you don’t consent, they cannot legally perform the search. For example, if you enter a club and refuse to have your bag searched, you will likely be denied entry and sent on your way.

If a security guard detains you on suspicion of concealing stolen items in your bag and you refuse the search, the guard cannot perform it. However, they will detain you until a police officer arrives to conduct a legal search if you continue to refuse.

There are specific situations where a security professional can search your bag or other belongings without consent:

• If a bag or property has been left unattended, the guard may check for potential bomb threats.
• If you are unconscious, the guard may search your belongings to identify you or find any medications that could assist in a health crisis.

Do Security Guards Have To Identify Themselves?

Yes, all security guards must identify themselves by displaying their licence and badge on their uniform at all times, where the general public can easily see them. If you encounter a security guard without a visible badge, you should inform the company they work for.

If you are a security guard and lose your badge, you must notify the SIA immediately. While waiting for a replacement, you are still allowed to work. However, if the SIA discovers that someone is working without displaying a badge, they can revoke the licence or even take legal action against the individual for violating the terms of their licence.

Summary

With a lot to take in, here’s a quick summary. 

• To become a security guard or a door supervisor (who can also work venues where alcohol is consumed), you must be over 18, have the right to work in the UK and pass a 4-6 day course. 
• You must also pass a criminal background check. Using the SIA criminal check tool, you can check if any convictions will likely affect your chances. 
• A security guard can detain you and touch you to do so, but only under certain circumstances, typically if they suspect you of a crime.
• A security guard cannot search your property without your consent. 
• Security guards must always display their licence and badge on their uniforms. 

Where To Get a Security Guard Licence

If you are interested in joining this exciting industry that could be a stepping stone to executive positions in security or even help you get selected for the police force, then why not find out more? If you are still interested, we have courses from as little as £220. Take the first step towards a rewarding career today!