What to Do If You Suspect Someone is Under the Influence as a Security Guard

Trust Your Instinct: What to Do If You Suspect Someone is Under the Influence

When you’re working as a security guard, things can change in an instant. You’ve got your eyes peeled, scanning for any sign of trouble, and then it happens—a person stumbles in, slurring their words or acting strangely. You might wonder, “Is this person under the influence?” Knowing how to respond is crucial, not just for your safety but for everyone in the vicinity. So, let’s break down the best course of action when faced with a situation like this.

The Power of Observation

You know what? The art of being a good security guard lies in your ability to observe and analyze. The first step when you suspect someone is under the influence—whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or something else—is to monitor their behavior. This isn’t about judging or jumping to conclusions; it’s about gathering information and assessing the situation.

For example, a person may be acting a bit wobbly after a long day at a concert, but that doesn’t automatically mean they’ve been partying too hard. Watching how they interact with others or respond to your presence can give you valuable clues. Maybe they’re just tired!

Confrontation isn't your friend here; it can escalate things and put you at unnecessary risk. Instead, keep a safe distance, observe how the individual behaves, and check for any potential hazards they might pose.

Reporting to Management

Once you've gathered your observations, it's time to pass on the information. The next step is to report your concerns to management. This is crucial for a couple of reasons. First, management usually has established protocols for dealing with these scenarios. They may have procedures to involve law enforcement, or maybe they have a different route they'll take to ensure safety.

Let’s be honest—this isn't a time to try to be a hero. It's not your job to solve every problem on your own. By reporting your findings, you allow those in a position of authority to make informed decisions. They might know specific employees that need to be called in, or they may be more equipped to handle the confrontation, should it become necessary.

The Risks of Inaction

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—ignoring the situation is simply not an option. Just think about it: what kind of chaos could occur if the person you're keeping an eye on is indeed under the influence and acting unpredictably? Not to mention, it stands to reason that you wouldn’t want to allow someone who might be a danger to themselves—let alone others—to remain unmonitored. That could lead to serious accidents or altercations.

Even if you’re not feeling very confrontational, turning a blind eye can have dire consequences. A colleague of mine once told me about a time he overlooked what seemed like a minor issue. Not long after, that minor issue turned into a fight that could’ve easily been avoided if action had been taken sooner.

When to Involve Law Enforcement

Speaking of dire situations, let’s chat briefly about when to call in law enforcement. It’s a tough call, but usually, this step is reserved for scenarios where there’s an immediate risk. If the individual becomes aggressive or starts posing a threat to people around them, then yes—it's time to act swiftly. But let’s clarify: don’t reach for your phone at the first sign of slurred speech. The priority is to assess and gather as much info as possible before making that call.

Sometimes, it might feel like you’re juggling between being a watchdog and a referee. Listening to your instincts and training will guide you through it, but you don’t want to jump to conclusions without proper evidence.

Final Thoughts

In short, the best course of action when suspecting someone is under the influence is to adopt a calm, observant approach. Keep an eye on the individual while reporting your observations to your management team. This method promotes safety and ensures the decision-making process takes into account established protocols.

Being a security guard entails walking a fine line between vigilance and caution. You've got to trust your instincts while ensuring you're not letting your emotions take over. After all, this is about creating a safe environment for everyone involved.

So, next time you notice someone who seems a bit "off," remember: monitor, report, don’t escalate, and follow procedure. Keeping these steps in mind not only protects you but ensures the safety of those around you. And who knows? You might just save a day from turning chaotic!