Which sources of authority govern the actions of security guards?

The law is a fundamental source of authority that governs the actions of security guards. Security guards are required to operate within the boundaries of the law to ensure they do not infringe upon the rights of individuals or engage in illegal activities. Laws provide the framework for what is permissible behavior for security personnel and outline their powers, responsibilities, and limitations.

Security guards must have a good understanding of various legal concepts, such as trespass, arrest policies, and the use of force, to perform their duties effectively. Operating within legal authority not only protects the rights of civilians but also safeguards the security guards themselves from potential legal repercussions. Since laws can vary by jurisdiction, those in the role must stay updated on the relevant statutes and regulations applicable to their specific location and duties.

In contrast, client policy, Commissionaires policies and procedures, and the judicial institution play supportive roles in guiding the actions of security guards but do not hold the same foundational authority as the law. Client policies inform guards of specific requirements set forth by their employers, while Commissionaires policies and procedures standardize practice and protocol within the organization. The judicial institution may influence legal outcomes but does not directly govern guard actions on a day-to-day operational level.