Civil Unrest and The Security Officer’s Role

Civil unrest is the range of activities that can include violent or non-violent actions that can disrupt a community. Examples are riots, peaceful protests, or terrorist acts. Civil unrest events are normally influenced by social, economic, or political factors.

The upcoming election could potentially cause some civil unrest as we prepare for Election Day on November 5th. Proactive planning are essential during times of potential unrest by businesses, government, law enforcement, and security departments.

Here are ways Security Officers Can Assist During Civil Unrest:

1.    Planning- Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities at your location. Monitor the news and social media for planned events and potential incidents.

2.    Training- Make sure you know the Emergency Procedures and Protocols in your Post Orders. Conduct training drills at your site to make sure you are prepared to follow those procedures during an incident. Know where all exits are in case of evacuation.

3.    De-Escalation- Using verbal and non-verbal means of communication to help prevent an incident from becoming violent. Don’t actively engage a protester or show support for either side.

4.    Being a Physical Presence- Patrol areas to make sure unauthorized people don’t gain access to your facility. Remain outside the crowd to observe and report from a distance. Your presence at a business is reassuring to the employees that are there.

5.    Communication- Report any crimes to law enforcement, the client, and security management. Always carry a cell phone or radio with you while patrolling.

Security is there is protect clients and their property. The security officer is the eyes and ears protecting the business. Reporting in an emergency situation is key while keeping others and yourself out of danger. Security should collaborate with the client and law enforcement to have the best possible outcome during civil unrest by reducing the risk.

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