Security guards in the UK play an important role in keeping people, property, and businesses safe. They help protect buildings, prevent crimes, and ensure safety. However, there are certain things that security guards can do and things they can’t do. Knowing what security guards are allowed to do is important for everyone, including business owners, employees, and the public.
In this article, we will explain what security guards can and can’t do in the UK, so you can understand their role better.
What Can Security Guards Do in the UK?
Security guards in the UK have specific powers to help protect property and people. Here are some of the things they can do:
1. Monitor and Patrol Property
Security guards can walk around and patrol a property to make sure everything is safe. They check doors, windows, and areas where theft or accidents might happen. By keeping an eye on things, they can stop problems before they occur.
2. Prevent Crime
One of the main jobs of security guards is to prevent crime. If they see someone trying to break into a building or steal something, they can stop them. Security guards have the right to call the police if they see a crime happening, but they cannot arrest anyone unless they have special powers (which we will talk about later).
3. Check Bags and Belongings
In places like shopping centers, clubs, or concerts, security guards are allowed to check bags and belongings. This is to make sure people aren’t bringing in dangerous items like weapons, alcohol, or drugs. Guards can stop and search someone if they believe it’s necessary for safety reasons.
4. Ask for Identification
Security guards can ask for identification, especially if someone is trying to enter a restricted area. For example, they can check the ID of a visitor entering a building or event to make sure they are allowed to be there.
5. Direct People and Provide Assistance
Security guards help guide people and ensure they are in the right place. They might show someone where the exit is or help someone who needs assistance. Guards can also provide first aid if there is an emergency, especially if they have been trained in it.
6. Escort People Off the Property
If someone is acting suspicious or causing trouble, security guards have the right to ask them to leave the property. If the person refuses to leave, the security guard can call the police for help.

7. Use Security Equipment
Security guards can use different equipment to help them do their job, such as radios to communicate with other staff, security cameras to monitor the property, and alarms to alert everyone if there’s a problem.
What Can’t Security Guards Do in the UK?
While security guards have many responsibilities, there are also some things they can’t do. It’s important to understand these limits to avoid misunderstandings.
1. Use Force (Except in Self-Defense)
Security guards in the UK are not allowed to use force unless it is in self-defense. They cannot hit, punch, or use physical force on someone unless they are protecting themselves or someone else from harm. If a security guard uses too much force, they could face legal action.
2. Make Arrests (Unless They Have Special Powers)
In general, security guards cannot make arrests. However, in some cases, if they have been given special powers (for example, if they are working in certain places like airports), they may be able to detain someone until the police arrive. But in most situations, security guards must call the police if a crime is happening and wait for them to take control of the situation.
3. Search People Without Permission (Unless It’s a Legal Requirement)
Security guards can search bags or belongings, but they cannot search people directly without their permission unless it is part of a legal requirement, like at an airport or a concert. If a person refuses to let a guard search them, the guard cannot force them to do it.
4. Carry Weapons
Security guards are not allowed to carry weapons, such as guns or knives, while on duty. The only exception to this is if they are working in certain high-risk environments, like with cash-in-transit services, where they may carry specialized equipment for safety. In most cases, security guards rely on other methods to protect themselves and others, such as calling the police or using non-violent tools like handcuffs (if authorized).
5. Act as a Police Officer
Security guards are not police officers, and they do not have the same powers as the police. They cannot investigate crimes, conduct searches, or arrest people like police officers can. If they see a crime happening, they should call the police to handle the situation.
6. Imprison People or Detain Them for Long Periods
Security guards cannot imprison anyone or detain them for a long time. If they believe someone has committed a crime, they can call the police and let them take care of the situation. Security guards can detain a person briefly, but they must wait for the police to arrive.
7. Discriminate or Use Racial Profiling
Security guards cannot discriminate against people based on race, religion, gender, or any other personal characteristic. They must treat everyone equally and fairly. Using racial profiling or unfairly targeting people is against the law.
FAQs About What Security Guards Can and Can’t Do in the UK
1. Can security guards arrest someone?
In most cases, no. Security guards cannot arrest people unless they have special powers. They can only detain someone briefly and must call the police to handle the situation.
2. Can security guards use force on someone?
Security guards are not allowed to use force unless they are defending themselves or others. They cannot use violence in most situations.
3. Can security guards search me?
Security guards can search your bags if they believe it is necessary, like in a shopping mall or at an event. However, they cannot search your body without your permission unless it is part of a legal requirement.
4. Can security guards carry weapons?
No, security guards are not allowed to carry weapons, except in certain cases like cash-in-transit security. They rely on other methods to keep people safe.
5. Can security guards stop people from entering a building?
Yes, security guards can stop people from entering a building if they are not allowed to be there. They can check identification or use other methods to make sure only authorized people enter.
6. What should I do if a security guard asks me to leave?
If a security guard asks you to leave, you should follow their instructions. If you feel the request is unfair, you can ask for clarification or contact the police.
Conclusion
Security guards in the UK play a very important role in protecting people and property. They can do things like patrol areas, prevent crime, and assist people in emergencies. However, there are also rules about what they can’t do, such as using force, making arrests, or searching people without permission.
It’s important for both security guards and the public to understand these rules to ensure everyone’s safety and rights are respected. If you ever have a question about what a security guard can or can’t do, it’s always a good idea to ask for clarification or seek help from the police if needed.