The fact that we can breathe easily without fear is thanks to the quiet strength and constant vigilance of our security guards. They’re the ones standing at the gate when we return late from work, keeping watch while the rest of us sleep, and making sure no unwanted trouble finds its way into our homes or workplaces.
Many years ago, there was the image of a lone night watchman—stick in hand—walking the streets and calling out, “Jagte Raho” (Stay Awake), reminding the neighbourhood to stay alert and safe. That voice may no longer echo through our lanes, but its spirit lives on in today’s security guards. They don’t shout into the night anymore, but their eyes stay wide open while we rest ours.
Despite their essential presence, their role is often misunderstood or undervalued. We tend to walk past them without a second glance, not realizing the quiet responsibility they carry. So, let’s take a moment to truly understand what security guards are expected to do—and what they’re not.
Miraz Securitas Pvt Ltd, which is a leading security guard company in Delhi and the NCR region, also known for its well-trained and professional security guards, bodyguards, and armed PSO officers, is here to explain the topic to the readers.
What Security Guards Can Do?
Can Stop Unauthorised Individuals – The first and foremost responsibility of a security guard is to monitor and protect property and individuals within their assigned area. They must remain alert at all times to prevent unauthorized access or trespassing. If necessary, unauthorized individuals can be asked to leave the premises of any private property if they fail to provide valid identification.
Can Detain Suspected Individuals – Security guards can detain individuals suspected of committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence for a reasonable amount of time if they have reasonable grounds to suspect criminal activity. However, they cannot arrest the person or take the law into their own hands.
For instance, if a guard catches someone trying to leave the store without paying for an item or hiding merchandise with the intent to steal, they may detain that person using reasonable force until the police arrive. The guard must have reasonable grounds to believe that an indictable offence has occurred or is being attempted.
Can Conduct A Physical Search With Prior Consent – Although physical searches are generally not preferred, a security guard may request one if an individual appears suspicious or is suspected of having malicious intent. However, such a search can only be conducted with the individual’s prior consent. Examples include bag checks at the entrance of shopping malls, security screenings at music festivals, or inspections in office buildings following reports of suspicious activity, or even at a construction site where workers are requested to show their bags at the exit point.
Can Carry Weapons – Not all security personnel are permitted to carry weapons, but armed security guards and personal bodyguards can, provided they meet strict licensing and regulatory requirements. Depending on the situation, they may carry handguns for close protection, or rifles and shotguns for higher-threat environments.
Non-lethal tools like pepper spray, batons, and tasers are also used when appropriate. While the visible presence of a weapon can deter crime, guards must use force responsibly, making careful decisions to avoid escalating situations unnecessarily.
What Security Guards Can’t Do?
Can’t Act Like Police Officers – One thing must be kept in mind: security guards cannot act like police officers. While they play an important role in keeping people and property safe, their authority is not the same as that of law enforcement. They’re allowed to use reasonable force when necessary, but they can’t enforce laws or make arrests the way police officers can. In situations where someone needs to be held, security guards can detain the person for a short time, but only until the police arrive to take over.
Can’t Detain Forever – While security guards are supposed to remain alert and detain individuals who are found to be suspicious, they cannot detain them indefinitely. They can wait until the police arrive at the scene.
Can’t Pull Car Over or Make Arrests – Security guards are there to keep private places, such as malls or offices, safe, not to act like police. While they can patrol parking lots, ask questions, or even hold someone briefly if needed, they can’t pull cars over or make arrests. That kind of authority belongs to trained law enforcement officers, not private security working outside their property.
Now that we are aware of what security guards can and cannot do, it’s easier to see the quiet strength behind their uniform. They’re not there to play the role of police, but to stand watch, step in when needed, and call for help when things go wrong. Their presence brings us peace.
Under the successful leadership of Mr. Mahajan, Miraz Securitas Pvt Ltd today has achieved an over 100% growth rate within half a decade time. His vision for upgrading private security service has helped Miraz Securitas established a footprint PAN India. Today Miraz ,a trusted name has clients , across all market segments such as top universities, private & international schools, prestigious institutions of government of India, retail establishment, & more.
In the year 2017, Miraz Securitas won the prestigious ‘MSE 4’ ratings by global rating & research organization – CRISIL & India’s Public Sector unit NSIC for accomplishing high-performance capability & above-average creditworthiness among other Indian companies.
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