Roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards
As a licensed UK security officer, you are more than just a presence in uniform. You are a frontline ambassador of safety, professionalism, and public trust. In this lesson, you’ll learn exactly what is expected of you, the standards you must uphold, and how your conduct affects everything — from customer experience to legal compliance and contract retention.
Why Roles and Ethics Matter
Your job is governed by strict laws, standards, and codes. These rules exist to:
Protect the public
Safeguard property and assets
Ensure accountability
Promote professionalism
Failing to meet these expectations not only damages reputations — it can lead to loss of your SIA licence, termination from your role, or legal action.
Your Primary Responsibilities
According to the SIA and BSI Standards (e.g. BS 7499), your role includes:
| Responsibility | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| Preventing and Detecting Crime | Patrolling premises, monitoring CCTV, deterring theft |
| Protecting People and Property | Responding to emergencies, controlling access |
| Customer Service | Assisting visitors, giving directions, de-escalating issues |
| Reporting and Record-Keeping | Writing incident reports, logging observations |
| Following Site Assignment Instructions (AIs) | Carrying out tasks exactly as required by your client |
| Remaining Professional | Being punctual, polite, alert, and non-confrontational |
Ethical Standards You Must Follow
Ethical behaviour isn’t optional — it’s at the core of your job.
Respect for All
Treat everyone equally — regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, or background. This aligns with the Equality Act 2010.
Real-world tip: Use calm and respectful language, even if someone is being aggressive.
Honesty and Integrity
Do not accept bribes, tamper with evidence, or fabricate reports. BS 7858 (screening and vetting) exists to ensure officers are trustworthy and fit for the role.
Consequence: A single dishonest act could lead to criminal charges and permanent loss of your SIA licence.
Confidentiality
Never share sensitive site details, CCTV footage, or personal information. Your duties must respect GDPR and client confidentiality agreements.
Understanding Your Legal Obligations
| Law/Standard | How It Affects You |
|---|---|
| Private Security Industry Act 2001 | You must hold a valid SIA licence and operate within your licensed role |
| BS 7499 | Outlines how security services must be delivered professionally |
| BS 7858 | Requires you to be properly screened, including criminal record checks |
| GDPR | Limits how you handle CCTV, logbooks, and personal data |
| Criminal Law Act 1967 | Allows use of reasonable force if needed for lawful arrest |
Real-World Scenario
Case Study: Theft Prevention in a Supermarket
You’re on duty at a major retail store. A customer is acting suspiciously near the self-checkouts. You observe discreetly (as per BS 7499), follow them with CCTV, and after they leave without paying, you approach outside the premises using the ASCONE method (Approach, Selection, Concealment, Observation, Non-payment, Exit).
You politely stop the individual, confirm the theft, and detain them legally using the Criminal Law Act 1967 (Citizen’s Arrest). You call the police and write a detailed, honest report.
Your conduct upholds the law, your company’s reputation, and the public’s trust in security officers.
Professionalism at All Times
Even under pressure, your appearance and behaviour should reflect your role.
| Aspect | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| Uniform | Clean, correctly worn, and site-appropriate |
| Punctuality | Arrive early, be ready to start on time |
| Communication | Speak clearly, avoid slang, stay respectful |
| Body Language | Confident posture, non-threatening manner |
| Dealing with Conflict | Remain calm, use de-escalation techniques |
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
| Mistake | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Getting emotionally involved in disputes | Use distance and calm language |
| Writing vague incident reports | Use clear facts and timestamps |
| Sharing site footage on social media | Keep all content confidential |
| Ignoring minor breaches of rules | Report everything, no matter how small |
Consequences of Poor Conduct
Security officers found breaching professional or ethical standards may face:
Revocation of their SIA licence
Internal disciplinary action or dismissal
Criminal prosecution (for offences like assault, data breaches, or fraud)
Damage to the client contract and their employer’s ACS status
Stat: In 2023, over 800 SIA licence suspensions were issued due to misconduct, including false reporting and unprofessional conduct on duty.
