The simple answer to this question is yes. Yes, a Security Guard can search you and your possessions. The ‘but’ though, is that they can only do so with your consent. Read on to learn: 

• What terms a Security Guard may use to describe a search 
• Your rights, how searches are carried out, what good looks like and where, plus 
• What could happen if you were to refuse a security search at an event venue or in the workplace! 

Your employer may designate someone, other than a security officer to conduct searches.  And when it comes to searches, we’re referring to everything that may be called a: 

• security inspection  
• security screening 
• security scan 
• body search 
• bag check 
• pat-down, or a  
• security search of your belongings… 

In a hospitality venue or at an event it may be delegated to specific search staff or stewards, but you will usually see security staff overseeing this. 

Your rights… 

Venues and employers must have the relevant policies and procedures in place.  These policies should clearly state, how, where, why and when a person or their possessions may be searched. 

The how… 

Broadly speaking searches are either random or specific and can be of your person, your bags or in the case of an employer your vehicle. 

What does good look like? 

If security is conducting random searches, then to avoid unconscious (or even conscious) bias and stereotyping, the use of a simple randomiser is considered good practice.  

Randomisers come in all shapes and sizes. The simplest is a button that lights either a red or green light.  Policies should state how randomisation is to be achieved. 

A specific search is about being consistent. For example, every third person, everyone in a certain department, people on a certain shift or maybe just everyone! 

It is reasonable to expect: 

• To be asked to step aside – ideally into an area that is monitored by CCTV 
• To be asked to remove outer clothing 
• To be asked to turn out pockets 
• To be asked to empty the contents of a bag 
• To be patted in a smooth motion with the back of the Security Officer’s hands 
• For the inside of collars, cuffs and behind belts to be checked 
• To have illicit or prohibited items confiscated 
• To have illegal items confiscated and the police informed 

It is not good practice for a Security Officer 

• To take anyone into an unmonitored area alone 
• To put their hands into pockets 
• To go inside of clothing 
• To empty the contents of a bag 
• To in any way restrain you whilst searching 

The Where… 

If an organisation conducts searches as a matter of course, then it would be expected that they have an area set aside and monitored to protect both the person being searched and the Security Officer.  If CCTV is not available, then our advice is that – they are always conducted in the presence of a neutral witness. 

Cars and vehicles should always be searched in the presence of the driver/owner, and it is good practice to record the process. 

What if I refuse a search? 

In the case of a club or event venue then you can expect to be refused entry if you fail to comply with the entry requirements. 

If searches are part of your employment conditions, then you can expect to be taken through disciplinary procedures. Usually along the lines of ‘failure to follow a reasonable management instruction’. 

For more information on the services we offer explore more here or give us a call on 01788 561 244.