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Can a Security Officer Physically Touch You

London Security College

March 20, 2025

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Can a Security Officer Physically Touch You? Know Your Rights

Knowing your legal rights and responsibilities as a security officer or door supervisor in the UK is crucial—especially when it comes to physical contact. Whether you’re working in retail security, hospitals, nightclubs, or corporate sites, situations will arise where you may need to use force.

But what are the legal limits? When can you physically remove someone, and when should you step back? Misjudging this could cost you your job, SIA licence, and freedom.

Let’s break it down.

Understanding the Law: What Can Security Officers Do?

Security personnel are not police officers. You do not have automatic powers of arrest, search, or detention. However, you do have the right to:

✔ Use reasonable force in certain situations
✔ Escort individuals off private property (within legal limits)
✔ Perform a citizen’s arrest if a serious offence is being committed
✔ Search individuals only with consent or in very specific circumstances

However, misuse of force could lead to criminal charges, loss of your job, and even a lawsuit.

When Can Security Officers and Door Supervisors Use Physical Contact?

There are specific situations where physical contact is allowed, but only if it is proportionate and justified.

In recent years, one of the main concerns has been the rise in spiking incidents, along with the ongoing need for counter-terror awareness. The refresher training will address these issues, ensuring security professionals are prepared to handle them properly.

1. Self-Defence & Protecting Others

Example: You’re working as a door supervisor at a nightclub. A customer becomes violent and swings a punch at you. Can you defend yourself?

✔ Yes, you have the legal right to protect yourself and others.
✔ But your response must be proportionate. If someone pushes you, knocking them out would be excessive.
✔ The law allows “reasonable force,” which means using only the minimum force needed to control the situation.

Tip: Always try to de-escalate before using force. Clear verbal commands can stop many situations from getting physical.

2. Removing Someone from Private Property

Example: You’re working in retail security. A shoplifter refuses to leave. Can you grab them and throw them out?

No, you cannot forcefully eject them unless they are causing a danger or committing a serious crime.
✔ You can ask them to leave and escort them without excessive force.
✔ If they refuse and commit a serious offence (e.g., theft), you can detain them using a citizen’s arrest.

Tip: If a person refuses to leave, call the police instead of using force. CCTV footage will support you.

3. Making a Citizen’s Arrest

Example: You’re a hospital security officer, and a person is assaulting staff. Can you restrain them?

Yes, under Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, security officers (like any member of the public) can detain someone committing a serious (indictable) offence, such as:

Theft
Assault
Criminal damage

But you must call the police immediately and cannot detain them for an extended period.

Tip: Use “soft restraint techniques” where possible, and always ensure CCTV is recording.

Industry-Specific Guidance: How Rules Apply to Different Security Roles

Retail Security Officers (Shopping Centres & Supermarkets)

Common Issues:Shoplifting, aggressive customers, anti-social behaviour
Legal Contact:Can escort someone out without force if they refuse to leave. Can detain a thief using a citizen’s arrest.
Best Practice:Always keep your hands visible, remain calm, and let police handle serious offenders.

Hospital Security (NHS & Private Healthcare)

Common Issues:Patients under the influence, mental health crises, violent visitors
Legal Contact:May need to be restrained under hospital policy (e.g., mental health patients). Always follow Duty of Care guidelines.
Best Practice:Use the least force possible and follow NHS restraint policies.

Nightclub & Bar Door Supervisors

Common Issues:Drunk and aggressive customers, fights, people refusing to leave
Legal Contact:Can remove patrons using reasonable force but cannot punish them.
Best Practice:Always warn before acting. If force is needed, ensure CCTV and witnesses are present.

Corporate Security (Office Buildings & Events)

Common Issues:Unauthorised access, verbal abuse, protests
Legal Contact:Can refuse entry and escort people out.
Best Practice:Remain firm but professional—avoid confrontation.

Consequences of Misusing Force

If a security officer or door supervisor uses excessive or unlawful force, they could face:

❌ Loss of their SIA Licence – Making them unemployable in the industry
❌ Criminal Charges – Assault, unlawful detention, or even GBH
❌ Being Sued – Employers and individuals can take legal action
❌ Job Loss – No company wants liability risks

Tips for UK Security Officers: How to Stay Safe & Legal

✔ Know your limits – If unsure, step back and call the police
✔ Always try de-escalation first – Talk before touching
✔ Keep CCTV or bodycam evidence – Protect yourself legally
✔ Use open hands – Avoid fists or appearing aggressive
✔ Follow site policies – Every site (retail, hospital, club) has different rules

Final Thoughts

Physical contact is sometimes necessary for security work but must always be justified, proportionate, and legal. Understanding the law and best practices will protect your job, licence, and reputation, whether you work in retail security, hospitals, nightclubs, or corporate settings.

Key takeaway: “If in doubt, don’t lash out.” Stay professional, document everything, and only use force when absolutely necessary.

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At London Security College, we provide industry-leading security training for professionals across the UK. Whether you’re a door supervisor, security officer, or aspiring manager, we offer courses to help you stay compliant and excel.

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