Tools for the Private Security Officer

In this blog I wanted to talk about some of the tools that a private security officer may be allowed to carry while working a property and how useful they can be in any situation. These are listed in no particular order. Just kind of a what came to mind at the moment type of thing. Some are obviously more important than others as you can see.

1) Cellular phone (probably one of the most important tools someone can carry. It will allow you quick access to the police, fire department and EMS as well as other needed services such as emergency maintenance. This is a must for any private security officer to have with them at all times.)

2) Flash light (another very important piece of equipment to have with you. The flashlight is a very useful tool that can be used to see in to dark places or as I have touched on before be used to signal arriving help to your exact location.)

3) Pepper Spray (Some companies do not allow the carrying of pepper spray by their officers yet I view it as a great tool. The thought of having a completely defensive tool if you are in the fear of bodily harm is a wonderful confidence builder when dealing with tense situations. Sometimes just pulling the can out of it's holster will get immediate compliance from subjects who are acting hostile towards you.

4) Handcuffs (Depending on the type of property you work at these could be really handy to have with you. Due to some of the contracts that are worked now a days in the private security sector they are a necessary tool to have when needing to detain someone for a serious crime while you wait for the police to arrive.)

5) Latex / Nitrile gloves (Again a very handy tool to have with you at all times. As first responders it is vital that we are able to fully assist any medical need that may arrive and doing so safely is a must now a days. You can never tell who might be infected with some sort of disease that could infect you)

6) Work Gloves (I personally always carry a pair of leather work / mechanics gloves with me. It could mean the difference between getting stuck with a needle. If you are ever put in to a situation where you have to "pat down" a subject then you will understand the piece of mind that having a good pair of gloves will give you.)

7) Firearm (Some companies allow their officers to carry firearms while working. Again I will state that this is ONLY a severe bodily harm defensive item that can ONLY be used when in the fear of great bodily harm or death.)

8) Pen / Notepad (as pointed out by a reader. I forgot one of the most CRITICAL TOOLS ever. The pen and notepad are a MUST for ANY security officer. Thanks to Char for pointing this one out. A pen and notepad are critical to jot down any notes or issues and also very useful for keeping track of areas that you might have problems in)

Well that concludes a current list of items that a private security officer should utilize to perform their job better. If there are any items that I forgot please let me know so that I can update the list and make it available to everyone who is starting in this business or is curious about what a private security officer may or may not carry.