Waiting for backup?

[Guest]

Yes, he was hiding in the van.

If the guy was hiding in the van, then it was OK for you to not let the van in.

What right would I have to search the van? I am a security officer, not the police. I have no right to search private property.

Depending upon what type of van it was, you could simply look in through the windows. No search involved. There are only a few places a fully-grown human being can hide in a vehicle. If it was a panel, cargo-type van, simply ask the driver for permission to check the van. If the driver refuses, tell him that you cannot let him through until you are satisfied that the banned individual is not hiding inside. The driver then has a choice; either allow you to check the van or turn around and drive away. Problem solved whichever choice he picks. You cannot force the driver to submit to a search, but you can tell him you do not have to let him in unless you check the van.

[N. A. Corbier]

Histfan71 is correct. He doesn't "have" to let you search. But you don't "have" to let him in. His choice.

[Mr. Security]

What was your plan if things went south?

Ok. Looks like I'm not going to get an answer on this one. But I can tell you that if you didn't have a secure place to retreat to, then I'd be concerned like your coworker was.

[dla4122]

sounds to me like you did an excellent job, took a potential volitile situation and de-escalated it, didn't waiver from orders issued by your Supervisor and kept your partner from wetting on himself, and got the individual to park where he was informed to. Good job.

[1stWatch]

His reaction was very confusing, because he had no problem getting in a rumble with the guy the previous night, and he has worked security for 13 years, as a bouncer in a bar and as a private guard for strippers. (at least thats what he said.)

Lots of newbies I worked with speak about experience they either didn't really have or did have only in a limited environment where their partners defended them at every turn and bailed them out when they got into trouble. Some people end up doing the job for a long time, but that doesn't mean they're very good at it.

[aka Bull]

I would say you handled things well. It's particularly difficult to have to deal with a situation AND worry about your partner losing his head. For someone who supposedly worked in security for 13 years and had some of the experiences you passed along one would think (or hope) he was capable of handling the incident just as professionally.

It makes one wonder how many of those other situations he speaks about he a) merely heard about from someone else, b) was really there and was in an assisting role versus leading the handling of the siutation, or c) an outright lying braggart? Two of the three could easily cause his partners to get hurt.

[UCRSO]

Bravo!!! You did a great job and I am a true fan of following the chain of command. Keep up the good work.