Part of the Security Guards Duties is to carry out an effective external search of the Site/Premises.

The purpose of this search is to check that:
1. Doors are locked and secure.
2. Fire & Emergency doors are not blocked
3. Windows & skylights are secure.
4. The external fence is intact and secure.
5. Any security equipment i.e.; lighting, alarms, locks, and bolts are in working order.
6. All areas are free from litter and there are no suspicious objects.
7. Make a note of all the issues and put them in the incident book.
8. Issues of a serious nature should be reported to the CEO immediately without delay.

SEARCHING PEOPLE & THEIR PROPERTY
 

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO:
• GET PERMISSION
• BE POLITE
• BE POSITIVE
• BE PROFESSIONAL

• ALWAYS ensure that there is a witness present when conducting a search of someone or their property.
• ALWAYS ensure that only women search women and men search men
• A man can search a woman’s handbag with her consent but always ask the patron to empty bags and pockets themselves.

It is important to be:
- Sensitive to people's embarrassment
- Firm but polite

And not to:
-Ridicule or be threatening

If you follow these procedures you will avoid
• Accusations of impropriety.
• Accusations of planting of evidence.
• Risk of injury to him/herself.

Recording of articles seized during searches
 

Anything confiscated during a search must be recorded in the security guard's own pocketbook and in the Site/Premises security incident book.

These records should contain the following information;
1. Date and time of the search
2. Name of person conducting the search
3. Name of witness to search
4. Name & Address of person being searched (if given)
5. Signature of the person being searched (if consenting)
6. Description of item(s) being confiscated
7. Time handed over to police
8. Name & warrant number of receiving police officer

ACCURATE RECORDS CAN HELP TO DISPROVE FALSE ALLEGATIONS.