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.

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 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 Use 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)

  1. Can A Security Guard Use Physical Force to Remove You From the UK?

    Yes, a security guard can use physical force to remove in the UK. But, there should be some solid reasons and the physical force should be under law. Security guards in the UK can conduct a search of a person by getting their consent or in the presence of legal authorities.

  2. How Long Can A Security Guard Detain You?

    Security guards can’t detain a person if don’t have solid reasons. If a person is making trouble or caught doing criminal activities, security guards can detain the person until police arrive.

  3. Can A Security Guard Touch You?

    Yes, security guards in the United Kingdom can touch a person to conduct a search with the person’s consent or in the presence of other legal authorities.

  4. Can Security Guards Detain You in the UK?

    Yes, the security guards in the UK can detain you only if you have solid reasons under the law’s umbrella.

  5. Can A Security Guard Ban You From A Store?

    When talking about the stores, they are private property and the security guards can deny your entry. Moreover, the security guards in the UK can give written notice to the person and the store’s owner to permanently ban the person.

  6. What Powers Do Security Guards Have in the UK?

    The major goal and duty of a security guard is to protect the business premises, assets, and people. To perform their job perfectly, they have the power to conduct searches, detain people, and hand them over to the police. But, there are legal ways for everything and should be done as per law.

  7. Can A Security Guard Touch A Minor?

    No, a security guard cannot touch a minor without any justifiable reason. Undoubtedly, the security guard’s responsibility is to protect the business premises. But if the security guards don’t have any solid or justifiable reasons, it will be considered as a serious offence.

  8. Can A Security Guard Search Your Bag?

    Yes, a security guard in the UK can search your bag if have reasonable suspicion that you are carrying something illegal or dangerous. But the search should be conducted in a respectful manner and the force should be proportionate.

  9. Can You Defend Yourself Against A Security Guard?

    If the security guards say that they require some legal search, the person shouldn’t resist or use any kind of force. But, if they are trying to assault you by using extra force without any reason, you have the right to defend yourself against the security guards.

  10. Can A Security Guard Handcuff You?

    Security guards can carry handcuffs and use them under some serious circumstances as per law. But, the use of handcuffs requires additional training, and the security guard should be registered with SIA.

  11. Can A Security Guard Ask You To Leave If You Don’t Comply?

    Yes, the security guards can ask you to leave immediately if you don’t comply with the premise’s rules and regulations.

  12. Can A Security Guard Detain You For Trespassing?

    If a person is trespassing, the security guards first give the warning to leave the property. If they don’t listen, the security guards can detain the person for trespassing until the police arrive.