Answer:
There are no statistics, to my knowledge -- and determining if using guards at a particular location actually deters a criminal act is virtually impossible. There are actually three (3) guard categories to consider, and they each have a particular value in certain situations, including:
- Unarmed, private guard -- used to guard property and parking facilities only;
- Armed, private guard -- used to guard property and parking facilities only; and
- Armed, off-duty law enforcement officer -- used to guard facilities, transport assets and protect personnel.
Customers generally feel more secure when guards are present -- and properly screened and trained guards can have a very positive effect upon the work environment. The liabilities involved are considerable, however, to the business that employs guards. Generally, armed guards should never be used within a facility, except in special circumstances. Having gunfire erupt within a building not only creates the potential for injury or death to customers and workers -- the business's image will be affected, regardless of the outcome.
Private security guards have no duty to enforce the law and have no special arrest powers. Off-duty law enforcement officers are still peace officers -- and they still have a duty to enforce the law and they retain special arrest powers. The circumstances that would perhaps call for the use of armed, off-duty law enforcement officers as guards include:
- Guarding an employee or insider who has reported a domestic violence situation that may carry over into the workplace;
- Guarding an employee or insider who has received a specific threat or is being stalked; and
- Transporting significant assets or servicing an ATM.
If you're planning to use either armed or unarmed guards, check with your insurance carrier and find out if you need special coverage.
First published on BankersOnline.com 5/06/02
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