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Private security plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety, particularly during incidents where there are threats or erratic behavior. Steve Eely, Security Director with Paladin Security and a former Vancouver Police Department (VPD) superintendent, discussed the importance of proper training and partnerships in preparing security personnel to handle such situations effectively during an interview with BC Today’s host Michelle Eliot.
How Security Guards Respond to Aggression
Eely emphasizes that one of the core responsibilities of private security companies is to train their personnel thoroughly. This training equips security guards with both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills to interact appropriately with the public during volatile situations. The goal is to ensure that guards know how to de-escalate potential threats while maintaining safety for everyone involved.
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Interaction in High-Risk Scenarios
When security guards encounter someone acting erratically, particularly if there is a risk of violence or weapons, Eely advises maintaining caution and distance. The role of security in such situations is to observe, report, and contact authorities—specifically, getting 911 involved as quickly as possible. It is the police who are best equipped to intervene in violent or dangerous situations involving weapons.
However, private security can still provide valuable support during these incidents by:
- Keeping bystanders away from potential danger.
- Monitoring the suspect using cameras or other surveillance tools to track their movements.
- Controlling access to areas to prevent additional victims from being harmed, especially if the environment allows for locking down certain spaces.
Through these actions, private security personnel can play a significant role in mitigating the risks and ensuring the safety of the public until law enforcement arrives.
