Identifying Suspicious Behaviour and Activity
1. Signs of unusual or suspicious behaviour
Security officers must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying unusual or suspicious behaviour that could indicate a potential security threat. Suspicious individuals may be conducting hostile reconnaissance, preparing for criminal activity, or engaging in behaviour that threatens public safety.
Common Signs of Suspicious Behaviour
🔹 Avoiding Security Staff – Individuals deliberately evading eye contact, changing direction when approached, or avoiding monitored areas.
🔹 Unusual Interest in Security Measures – Taking notes, photographs, or recording security cameras, exits, or patrol routines.
🔹 Unattended Items – Backpacks, suitcases, or packages left in public spaces without an identifiable owner.
🔹 Loitering in Restricted Areas – Individuals spending excessive time near entrances, emergency exits, or sensitive locations.
🔹 Asking Unusual Questions – Seeking specific security details such as shift patterns, CCTV blind spots, or emergency procedures.
🔹 Testing Security Responses – Setting off false alarms, tampering with security equipment, or attempting unauthorized entry.
How Security Officers Should Respond
✅ Engage with Suspicious Individuals – Use customer service techniques to approach and question individuals politely.
✅ Monitor and Report – Observe closely and document behaviour with CCTV footage or security logs.
✅ Apply the H.O.T. Protocol – If an item appears suspicious, check if it is Hidden, Obviously Suspicious, or Typical for the Area.
✅ Alert Supervisors and Law Enforcement – Report concerns to security managers and escalate to 999 if an immediate threat exists.
✅ Deter Hostile Reconnaissance – Maintain a visible security presence and conduct regular patrols.
✅ Secure the Area if Needed – If a threat is suspected, evacuate or lockdown according to security protocols.
2. How to monitor and assess potential threats
1. Observing and Identifying Potential Threats
Security officers play a critical role in monitoring their environment and assessing potential threats. Recognising suspicious behaviour and unusual activity early can help prevent security incidents before they escalate.
Key Indicators of Potential Threats:
🔹 Unusual Behaviour – Nervousness, loitering, avoiding eye contact, or excessive surveillance of the site.
🔹 Hostile Reconnaissance – Individuals taking photos or notes of security measures, emergency exits, or patrol routines.
🔹 Unattended Items – Bags or packages left unattended in public or restricted areas.
🔹 Testing Security Measures – Repeated attempts to enter restricted areas, setting off alarms, or challenging security staff.
🔹 Aggressive or Erratic Behaviour – Individuals acting aggressively or attempting to bypass security.
2. Methods for Monitoring Threats
✅ CCTV Surveillance: Actively monitor security cameras to detect unusual activities.
✅ Routine Patrols: Conduct regular patrols to assess site security and identify vulnerabilities.
✅ Access Control Enforcement: Verify IDs, inspect visitor logs, and prevent unauthorised access.
✅ Communication with Staff & Public: Encourage staff and visitors to report any suspicious activity.
✅ Use of Intelligence Reports: Stay informed about local and global threat levels through security briefings.
3. Security Officer Response to Potential Threats
🔸 Assess the Situation Quickly – Determine whether the activity is a potential threat.
🔸 Engage and Observe – Use customer service techniques to approach suspicious individuals.
🔸 Report to Management or Authorities – If a threat is confirmed, alert supervisors or call 999 immediately.
🔸 Follow Emergency Procedures – If necessary, initiate lockdown, evacuation, or invacuation protocols.
🔸 Secure the Area – Restrict movement in affected zones and direct staff and public to safe locations.
