Protecting Yourself from Security Guard Harassment: A Comprehensive Guide

Experiencing harassment at a place of business or public venue can be distressing and intimidating. This article aims to provide a clear and actionable guide for individuals who have encountered security guards engaged in harassing behavior, with a specific focus on the situation posed by Denise. Understanding your rights and the steps you can take to address such issues is crucial in ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.

Understanding the Norms and Boundaries

It's important to clarify that unarmed security guards are usually only trained for basic safety and do not have extensive law enforcement powers. Their responsibilities are generally limited to deterring trespassing and managing crowd control. Armed guards have more powers but their authority still depends on the specific contract and location. If a security guard steps beyond their designated authority and engages in verbal or physical abuse, they have no legal backing. In such cases, these actions can be considered assault, allowing for the use of self-defense.

Documenting the Incident

Denise's situation involves a verbal altercation with a security guard. Ensuring you have evidence of the harassment is crucial. Here are some steps Denise can take:

Ignoring the guard: Continue with your daily routine and ignore any verbal abuse. Using a body camera: Obtaining a small body camera can help document the incident, providing evidence that can be used in legal proceedings if necessary. Reporting to supervisors: Inform the company’s higher management and request to speak to the supervisor on duty. Report the conduct and request immediate corrective action. Documenting evidence: Write down the details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and any observations or evidence (e.g., witness statements). Contradictory behavior of the security guard: Denise should mention that one of the guards referred to her as 'verblity trasspass' due to not saying hi to another guard, which seems beyond their authority and inappropriate.

Contacting Authorities

Denise can alert law enforcement if the situation escalates or if the harassment continues. She should:

Contact local police and file a police report if the harassment continues or if there is physical abuse. Report the guard to the company's management and request that they take disciplinary action. Document all interactions with security personnel and management, including emails and phone conversations.

Strategies to Mitigate Future Incidents

Denise can take several steps to protect herself from future harassment:

Familiarize yourself with the policy: Review the mall’s or business’ policy on security management and harassment. Alert management: Denise can approach the security desk or management to express her concerns and request that they address the issue directly. Document ongoing issues: Keep a log of all incidents and interactions with security personnel, including dates, times, and descriptions of the behavior. Use social media: Share her experience on social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage others to boycott the business. Shifting your shopping habits: Denise can decide to shop elsewhere if the harassment continues despite her efforts to address it.

Key Takeaways

Denise’s experience highlights the necessity of understanding your rights and taking proactive steps to protect yourself from harassment. By documenting incidents, reporting to higher authorities, and leveraging social media, Denise can create a safer environment for herself and others. It is crucial to know that security guards have specific roles and that abuse of power is not acceptable.

By following these guidelines, individuals can ensure they are not only protected but also contribute to a more respectful and inclusive public space.