Security guards contain licences and perform different duties such as monitoring the premises, securing the access points, eliminating potential threats, and more. But there is a question a lot of people ask, “Can a security guard physically detain or touch us?” So, if you have the same question while living in the United Kingdom, this blog is for you. Read it to the end and you will get to know the detailed answer to this question.

But before going into details, let me give you a short and simple answer. Yes, a security guard can physically detain or touch under some circumstances we will discuss later in the blog.

Moreover, if you are a business owner looking for professional and expert security services, you’re at the right place. Guard Mark Security can help you by fulfilling all your security requirements in the best manner.

Looking for Professional and Expert Security Services?

If you are a business owner in need of professional and reliable security solutions, you’re at the right place. Guard Mark Security can help you by fulfilling all your security requirements in the best manner.

Can a Security Guard Physically Detain or Touch You

What Does A Security Guard Do?

Before going deep into the core of the blog, let’s first discuss what a security guard does. The main duty of a security guard is to keep a close eye on everyone accessing and leaving the property to ensure security and protection. Security guards are responsible for the security of your assets and people when they are present within the premises.

Moreover, security guards use modern surveillance systems such as CCTV cameras for enhanced security measures and identification of potential threats on time. If you are in need of such skilled security guards, you can contact Guard Mark Security. Our security guards are SIA-licenced and go through rigorous training to ensure they have all the required knowledge.

Circumstances under Which Security Guards Can Detain or Touch You

Here are the top three circumstances in which the security guards can physically detain or touch you:

  • Security guards can touch you while in control of a lawful search. But in this situation, they must ask for your consent by giving a legitimate reason.
  • Security guards can touch or detain you if there is an immediate risk or potential threat from you in a crowded place.
  • They can touch or detain you if have solid reasons of you committing a crime or are about to until the police or the law authorities arrive.

These are some of the main circumstances in which the security guards can touch or detain you in the United Kingdom while being under the umbrella of law.

Under Which Circumstances a Security Guard Uses Physical Contact

Physical contact by security guards should always be very gentle, calm, and lawful to ensure respect. Here are some of the circumstances under which a security guard uses physical contact:

Professional Conduct

It is the responsibility of security guards to treat the prospect with respect and dignity. Moreover, it is good to ask for their consent and give an appropriate reason for the search. Inappropriate contact and harassment are not allowed by the security guards in the UK.

Provision of Reason

As we have discussed above, security guards must have a legitimate reason for the search such as maintaining a law, preventing crime, holding a person to save others, and more. If the security guards have such lawful reasons, they can physically contact and search the person.

Proportionality

The physical contact should be appropriate and not forceful according to the prospect’s situation. Moreover, the security guards shouldn’t use a forceful search under peaceful circumstances or immediate threats.

These are some of the circumstances under which the security guards can physically touch without using force. If you are in search of well-educated and knowledgeable security guards who are aware of the law, you can contact Guard Mark Security to ensure the protection of your premises and people.

Under Which Circumstances Do Security Guards Use Force

Here are some of the situations and circumstances under which the security guards can both physically touch and detain you by force:

  • Self-defence: When there is a threat to themselves of getting harmed, they can use force against you.
  • Defence of Others: If there is a threat from your side to harm other people, security guards can use force to detain you until the police arrive.
  • Crime Prevention: If you are committing or about to commit a crime, security guards can use force against you.
  • Detention: If you use force while in the situation of detention or restraint, security guards can use force as well to ensure you are under control.

Laws for the Security Guards When Using Physical Force

Here are the laws under which the security guards can touch, detain, or use force against other people to maintain security and protection in the United Kingdom:

These are the laws under which the security guards can physically touch, detain, or use force against you.

The Ideal Security Company in UK

Guard Mark Security is one of the leading and well-reputed security companies providing services for more than a decade to the different sectors in the United Kingdom. We have helped thousands of businesses by protecting them from the harm dangers and potential threats. Moreover, our security guards are well aware of the laws and only touch or use force within the confines of the law.

If you have any questions about our services, we are just a ring away. Our customer support team is here 24/7, 365 days a year to address all your queries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)