Security law and practice

Course Overview

It is essential that a properly managed security service is both cost-effective and succeeds in protecting not only the persons who work for an organisation but also its property. All security managers need to know about security. A failure to have an awareness of security law can have serious legal consequences.This seminar looks at the issues involved in making security law an integral part of management policies. If you have responsibility for some security at work then you should ensure that your knowledge of the law is up-to-date and comprehensive. 'Security law and practice' will take you through the law as it relates to theft, trespass, arrest and CCTV, clearly, succinctly and definitively.

Audience

This popular seminar is intended for those with managerial responsibility for the operation of security services.

It will be of particular benefit to security managers, building services managers, facilities and site services managers in:

• Office premises and developments
• Local authorities
• Leisure and shopping complexes
• Education premises
• Security companies
• Retail establishments
• Commercial and industrial premises

Skills Gained

• Gain a thorough understanding of security law
• Identify principles of security law which are related to practical security situations and dilemmas
• Develop a valuable insight into how security law principles operate both in criminal and civil law
• Become aware of the importance of evidence

Course Outline

Laws relating to theft

• An appreciation of the Thefts Acts 1968 and 1978 amended
• Theft of customers and staff
• Aspects of robbery and burglary
• Going equipped for stealing
• False accounting
• Deception
• Dishonest handling of goods

Dealing with trespassers

• What is trespassing?
• Exclusion letters
• Legal effects of notices which are not valid legally
• Establishing who is a trespasser
• Prevention of entry of trespassers and their ejection
• Persons believed to be mentally ill
• Wheel-clamping rights
• Public and private rights of way
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders
• Legal means of deterring trespassers
• Guard Dogs Act 1975

Occupiers' liability

• Effects of Occupiers' Liability Acts 1957 and 1984
• Importance of warning notices
• Negligence liability to lawful visitors, including children and trespassers
• Occupiers' liability and its relationship with health and safety legislation
• Criminal damage

Powers of arrest

• Citizen's powers of arrest and those of a constable
• Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
• Wrongful arrest and false imprisonment
• Use of force when making an arrest and Section 3, Criminal Law Act 1967
• Self-defence and when it is reasonable to use it
• Breaches of the peace
• Arresting children and young persons

Powers of search

• Security of officers and powers of search
• Common law power of search
• Searches, including random searches of employees, visitors, trespassers and arrested persons
• Random searches of hand goods and vehicles
• Consent of search

Legal implications of CCTV

• CCTV and the Data Protection Act 1998
• CCTV and evidence
• Use of covert CCTV
• CCTV and the Human Rights Act 1998
• CCTV Code of Practice

Outlines of the law of evidence

• Classifications of evidence
• Effects on evidence of Code 'C' of the Codes of Practice made under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
• Giving a caution to a suspect
• Form of the caution
• Notebooks, statements and giving evidence in court
• Importance of keeping records of daily events affecting security management

Private security industry

• Details of current Act
• Role of the Security Industry Authority
• Who is affected by the Act and its regulations?
• Who will be affected by the Act and its regulations?