Security doing non-security jobs

[Chimpie]

I worked for a small operation out in Colorado where the client wanted us to vaccume... Fortuntely, our boss said no.

I heard that Security at the Adams Mark hotel in Denver requires their s/o's to shine shooes and deliver newspapers - now tell me, what does that have to do with security - I just don't get it.

I agree. Two things....

One, how can a manager even think this is a good idea;

And two, why would ANY s/o degrade themselves into shining shoes other than their own?

[GCMC Security]

I agree. Two things....

One, how can a manager even think this is a good idea;

And two, why would ANY s/o degrade themselves into shining shoes other than their own?

Heck I can't get my officers to shine their own!

[N. A. Corbier]

Usually, these duties are assigned to contract security because the client management doesn't see them doing anything pressing that can't wait till the toilet is plunged, or the fountains are turned on, etc.

Most times, clients believe the guard isn't actually doing anything, they just wander around and hit keys. So, why can't they do something useful while they're doing this roaming around?

[craig333]

I got a call about a guy locked in the bathroom. Umm what do you want me to do? I don't carry any tools (I'd carry a leatherman or such if I could). Good thing it was one of those rare times I could actually find a maintenance guy.

I'll pick up some trash on saturday when its really slow and theres no one else there, but other than setting up some traffic cones in the morning they don't ask me do anything else.

[FireEMSPolice]

This is not merely about flipping a switch which could potentially shock & injure me (I dont know the current flowing through it) if I touch it the wrong way, this is about Security doing things other then Security jobs. I have been asked to help maintenance paint, we recently got in trouble because of a couple of tripped breakers for the lot lights, etc. My Security Officers and I have also been asked to sweep bathrooms. No thanks I say. Then the management complains that we are not visible enough.

[Chimpie]

This is not merely about flipping a switch which could potentially shock & injure me (I dont know the current flowing through it) if I touch it the wrong way, this is about Security doing things other then Security jobs.

Okay, well you only mentioned flipping a switch for a fountain.

BTW, any switch could shock or injure you if it's malfunctioning. If you know or think it's malfunctioning, in my opinon, it's your responsibility to let maintenance know and your responsibility to follow up on it.

As for security doing non-related security tasks, there will always be time when you might have to do something not covered by your contract or SOPs. I'm not saying that you should be painting a wall, but if a spot in your dispatch center needs touching up, is it that hard to get a small jar of paint and a brush and touch it up? And no, you shouldn't be sweeping the bathrooms, but would it be hard to pick up some tissue that fell on the floor to keep an overall good impression of the mall?

Remember, you ask people to lock doors behind them, keep an eye out for suspicious people, maybe even hold down pressure on someone who is bleeding. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing.

[Chimpie]

I got a call about a guy locked in the bathroom. Umm what do you want me to do? I don't carry any tools (I'd carry a leatherman or such if I could). Good thing it was one of those rare times I could actually find a maintenance guy.

Okay, let's say you couldn't find a maintenance man. What would you have done?

I'll pick up some trash on saturday when its really slow and theres no one else there, but other than setting up some traffic cones in the morning they don't ask me do anything else.

Way to be a team player!

[FireEMSPolice]

Chimpie, re-read my original post. It is about Security doing non-security related tasks. I used the switch as an example. Maintenance and Management know its broken and the hazard but wont fix it. I refuse to paint in my uniform. Maintenance has the paint, therefore they can paint when they bring it down to the dispatch center if there needs touch up. We have plenty enough to do without doing others jobs.

[LPGuy]

We have plenty enough to do without doing others jobs.

With the amount of activity occurring in the typical shopping mall, I wouldn't expect security to perform any non-related tasks. They pay maintenance employees to perform those tasks.

How many times have you seen mall maintenance detaining shoplifters and patrolling for car prowlers? Would you expect them to do so?

[Bill Warnock]

Okay, well you only mentioned flipping a switch for a fountain.

BTW, any switch could shock or injure you if it's malfunctioning. If you know or think it's malfunctioning, in my opinon, it's your responsibility to let maintenance know and your responsibility to follow up on it.

As for security doing non-related security tasks, there will always be time when you might have to do something not covered by your contract or SOPs. I'm not saying that you should be painting a wall, but if a spot in your dispatch center needs touching up, is it that hard to get a small jar of paint and a brush and touch it up? And no, you shouldn't be sweeping the bathrooms, but would it be hard to pick up some tissue that fell on the floor to keep an overall good impression of the mall?

Remember, you ask people to lock doors behind them, keep an eye out for suspicious people, maybe even hold down pressure on someone who is bleeding. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing.

Chimpie: Just to touch on one aspect of your response. When you feel vibrations from a switch cover or other metallic object that is known as AC ripple and if properly grounded to something can be fatal to the person touching it. We must bear in mind it takes 17 mA to stop your heart and it takes 50 mA to trip a 20 Amp circuit breaker that is perfect working order.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[craig333]

[QUOTE=Chimpie;32709]Okay, let's say you couldn't find a maintenance man. What would you have done?

Depends on how fast you need to get the person out. If he can wait, I have an emergency maintenance number to call and they'll make sure someone gets there eventually.
Not having access to any tools, if the person can't wait, then its time to call the fire department.

[Christopherstjo]

Its' about maximizing profits - if they have "security" there to do non-security duties then they don't have to pay someone else - two birds with one stone sort of thing.

The majority of clients are not genuinely interested in having "real" security - if they were, they would not have s/o's doing non-security work. Heck, you're lucky if a client even gets a clue what security is about, most of the time. Window dressing - Window dressing - that's what security seems to be anymore, now days - to lower insurance rates and get the blame when all crap breaks out.

[FrankW438]

I have worked for several security contractors over the years, and most of them required s/o to perform some non-security related tasks. I've had to shovel snow, sweep sidewalks, feed a client's pet, even clean a litter box! I think that it goes with the territory when you are providing a service to a client. A security agency will do just about anything to make a buck, unfortunately.

In my current position, I am not permitted to do anything outside the scope of my post orders, for fear of distracting me from doing my job or perceiving a threat. I wish this was the industry norm, but I believe it is the exception instead.

When someone asks, "Where was security when the stuff hit the fan?" I would hate to answer that I was cleaning the restrooms.

-- Frank

[HCSecurity]

This issue just came up; the head of engineering is getting calls from the weekend/evening security officers about burnt out light bulbs and other minor issues. I am going to work with engineering to get a emergency/non-emergency list... do any of you have any solutions or a list at your site?
I may have them start calling me to pre-screen calls...

[Andy Taylor]

Under the previous chief, one officer was actually given a write up for assisting the janitor with taking out the trash. His job was to escort her to the dumpster ( in dark alley) He carried a couple of bags with him and helped her lift the cans. the chief said, "he would not be able to respond to a threat with his hands full of trash if there had been one. Now that I am chief, the officers are allowed to help with the trash, if they so choose and it does not interfere with their duties.

Most of my officers are team players and will help with various non-security tasks when approriate, but security is first and formost. Management has a good understanding of this.