Security - Law Enforcement Relations

For those of us who have been on the job as Private Security Officers for a while know that the duties and responsibilities of the position can often be difficult, be it an irate customer, ungrateful employee, or the disrespectful attitude toward those that are simply trying to keep some sense of order. It's not easy - I know this first hand having been in the industry nearly thirty years. We put on a uniform and a badge and we go in with high expectations that we will be respected - that people will listen to us when we tell them something - that we are law. From a public relations standpoint, this attitude will not work well. Realistically, we can't control everything while we're on duty, but there is one we can do to maintain our professionalism and not only add value to our employer/client as well as ourselves, but add value to another group of professionals who may have misperceptions about our industry - our law enforcement counterparts.

Having a great working relationship with law enforcement is perhaps one of the most important and strategic goals that private security officers can attain. Before I continue, we have to clarify something we should know already - Security is proactive and law enforcement (traditionally for the most part) are reactive. We have to understand that both have distinct roles and responsibilities. The average person looking at this from the outside sees the police as a well trained force and the people who respond when help is needed. On the other hand, security is traditionally seen as underpaid, untrained "wanna-be" force with no authority. What many people, including security officers, don't realize is that security and law enforcement must establish a working relationship built on trust and communication. It all starts with the front line security officers.

Granted, there are a few security officers out there who will don the uniform and badge and "act" like a cop - this is not the majority. However the perception is still there particularly through the eyes of police officers. If anything, private security officers are a valuable resource and should be cultivated in a manner to which a professional relationship is established with law enforcement patrol officers and detectives.

A law enforcement officer's job is not any easy one by any stretch. They have a lot on their plate and just like security officers they want to be safe at all times and go home to their families.
As a valuable resource, security officers can provide a wealth of information to police whether after an incident or reporting suspicious activity. Security Officers should understand their statutory limits of authority. This doesn't mean they can't be helpful. How do we do this?
First, don't be overly helpful by insisting on helping out. While this may not seem to make too much sense since we are trying to establish a relationship, police officers will however understand. Here is an example. Some years ago when I was employed as a hospital security officer, the local police brought in a suspect to be treated for an injury. The police officer had to "sit" with the suspect until the end of the treatment and he didn't look too happy with the assignment. As was customary, my partner and I briefly spoke with said police officer and politely asked if he needed our assistance. He answered "no" and we politely informed him that we would be in the security office if he needed us. There was no need for further interaction at that time. A few days later, the same police officer stopped by the security office. He wanted to thank us for letting him know we were available if he needed our help. He appreciated that we didn't needlessly interfere even if it was our "jurisdiction." We bought him a cup of coffee and to this day I still have a great professional relationship. I have been asked to assist him with several investigations in between. Rest assured there are similar stories like this out there.

Second, do not tell a police officer what to do even if it is your "jurisdiction" - that being private property. Instead offer assistance by asking them how you can be of service - if at all. This will go a long way. if assistance is requested be sure not to overstep your bounds - remember - security officers receive their authority from state statutes and employer policies. No matter how bad of a day police officers might be having, they will remember your helpfulness even if nothing was done. Security Officers should remember to stay out of the way unless called upon - allow the police officers to do their jobs. Security Officers may not know the answers to questions asked of them by police. Be honest and truthful. No one likes a show off. Don't try to speak the police jargon - you will lose any credibility up to that point.

Most important, be sure you have your valid security officer license/permit (if required) at all times. If asked for an ID, you should produce this license and/or other government ID so the police officer can properly document your information. Likewise obtain the police officer's name and badge number.

Trust and the flow of communication between police and security officers must be a two way street. Each have their own roles and responsibilities to ultimately achieve the same goals. Security officers can build bridges to law enforcement relations by being professional at all times, knowing their authoritative limitations and being a valuable resource the police would respect and gladly work with.

Dan Sinisi, CAPP, CCSS

Partner - Sound Training Group LLP