Just got a job working security in a hospital, have a few questions?

[smokeythebear06]

I live in California, and was wondering a few things in regards to a new job a got.

1. During my orientation, they played these training videos. Apparently when I am on the job, the company I am newly employed with said that when answering a phone or coming into contact with somebody, they want me to identify my self as "Officer _____"(my last name would go here). I personally have a problem with identifying myself as that, because I feel that I would be implying I am Law Enforcement. As an aspiring LEO, I have a lot of respect for peace officers, and I feel that the term "officer" should be reserved for a LEO. I am wondering if there could potentially be legal problems with identifying myself as "officer ____"? My job title is hospital security officer, but I dislike the idea of using that term for myself until I become a peace officer.

2. When I was in my orientation for this job, I overheard people talking about how they are going to "arrest" a lot of people. I do realize that if a security guard makes an arrest it is a private persons arrest, and they will be responsible if they make a bad arrest. I personally do not plan on trying to do anything like this on the job, and I plan on leaving arresting people to the professionals(the police). My question is, what should I do in the event that I am present while one of my over-zealous co-workers is making a bad arrest(which sounds to me is likely to happen)? Am I expected to intervene, or should I call the police, make sure I am not involved in it, and tell them everything that happened? I really don't want this job to end up hurting my future career choice. I really wanted to stay away from the private security industry for this very reason, but I was having so much trouble finding a decent paying job, and there are a lot of security jobs that pay a lot better than jobs I've had in my area, so I decided to get into it while still trying to work toward a LE career.

3. If you have any further advice with working this job I would really appreciate it. I really just plan on punching in doing my job and punching out. I do not want any legal problems during the course of my employment with this company. Thank you for your time.

[Joeyd6]

1) I don't see why you can't answer the phone like "Security, this is Officer ____" but I would not worry about it. Not a battle to be worried about or fought. Roll with it.

2) Don't do anything illegal. If asked by someone else what happened, tell the truth. If your co-worker goes rouge, try to stop and calm them and address the situation. If you can't, call for a supervisor. A lot of folks in training talk the talk but when it comes time to actually walk the walk, they fall short.

Sounds like you understadn your job and where it fits in the big picture. Keep your eyes and ears opne, uses your head and you will be fine.

[smokeythebear06]

1) I don't see why you can't answer the phone like "Security, this is Officer ____" but I would not worry about it. Not a battle to be worried about or fought. Roll with it.

2) Don't do anything illegal. If asked by someone else what happened, tell the truth. If your co-worker goes rouge, try to stop and calm them and address the situation. If you can't, call for a supervisor. A lot of folks in training talk the talk but when it comes time to actually walk the walk, they fall short.

Sounds like you understadn your job and where it fits in the big picture. Keep your eyes and ears opne, uses your head and you will be fine.

Thank you for the advice. I absolutely would not "have anybody's back" if they were doing something illegal. I do hope these people are all talk.

[smokeythebear06]

1) I don't see why you can't answer the phone like "Security, this is Officer ____" but I would not worry about it. Not a battle to be worried about or fought. Roll with it.

That does sound better. I will just identify myself as a "Security Officer". I definitly wouldn't be implying I was in Law Enforcement then. Thanks

[mcsap]

The FIRST time one of your co-workers starts telling you how they are going to " cuff and stuff " someone , let them know right awy of your stance on this.

[smokeythebear06]

The FIRST time one of your co-workers starts telling you how they are going to " cuff and stuff " someone , let them know right awy of your stance on this.

That sounds like a really good idea. I could see how that would discourage them from taking such action knowing they won't be backed up. I just don't understand why some of these people I will be working with think some cheap plastic looking security badge gives them some kind of police powers. I would 100% be willing to go to court and testify against one of these people if they try anything illegal. Thank you for your advice. I will be sure do to that if and when the situation arises.

[mcsap]

The security industry has a lot of frustrated " wannabe " police officers. They have tried and failed or know they can NEVER pass any of the tests so they take this type of job because it is as close as they will EVER get to being a police officer.

And they will " live out their dream " of being one of us by overstepping their authority. Be careful of these types so they don't get YOU involved in something that turns out badly. This is not a blanket indictment against those in the Security Industry but they ARE out there.

[DeltaV]

I work extra duty every once in a while at two of our local hospitals. Most of the security personnel at both of them are pretty squared away. Hospital security tends to use force a lot more than security guards everywhere else simply because they are called upon to deal with violent psych patients and restrain patients when necessary. Just remember to thoroughly document things in your reports.