The "detect, deter, observe, report" methodology can be summarized as follows:
- Detect: Uncover signs of danger or threat.
- Deter: Deter criminal activities and any other forbidden or dangerous actions.
- Observe: Collect information on the scene of an incident that may be useful to further investigations.
- Report: Accurately reporting incidents to the proper authorities.
As you may have noticed the "detect, deter, observe, report" methodology does not include activities like making arrests, executing searches, preventing crime or other similar actions. The primary role of a security officer is to detect crime and report it to the proper authorities. The jobs of preventing crime and taking action are left to police officers.
A security officer must be observant. Vigilance is paramount since the primary duty is to detect crime or threat. The officer who misses a sign of threat due to negligence is doing a disservice to the client, any people he is protecting and himself. The security officer must be aware that he too may be threatened by arising situations.
A security officer deters criminal activity primarily by being present in uniform and apparently vigilant. Wrongdoers are less willing to take chances with an observant officer present. Furthermore, any people he or she protects would feel safer when they realize the officer on duty is looking after them and not gazing or slacking off. A good security officer pays careful attention to his surroundings and the people in it.
When incidents occur an officer’s duty is to record as many details as possible. He is not usually required to take action, especially if his own life is in danger. Incidents, like fires and robberies for example, generally require further investigation by the client and relevant authorities. The security guard on duty must retain as much useful information as possible to aid any investigations that take place.
When reporting to his superiors, a client or the authorities a security officer should provide enough credible information to give a clear picture of the incident as it occurred.
While the "detect, deter, observe, report" methodology is a worldwide accepted standard, the duties of security officers often extend beyond these. In many cases security officers act exactly like police officers within a client's premises. In these situations security officers can perform arrest, detention and interrogation procedures. Also, as is the case with First Guard Security Group, security officers are trained to handle fires and deliver First Aid.