Wow... so much hating on Security Officers.... and Guards
I've worked as a Security Officer/EMT, off and on, for about 5 years. I've worked in office complexes, worked for the local hospital, and currently work at a steel mill.
Any GOOD security operation has a VERY thick procedure manual that says what they can and can't do. These manuals aren’t written overnight, and contain LOTS of stuff. A few points here – sometimes the officer will get his wires crossed and mix up steps between two infrequently used policies (like getting the names of every responder for a break-in, but only getting apparatus numbers for a fire alarm). These rules are usually approved by the lawyer folks, as well as upper management and back up what the officers do. Further, if security is sub-contracted, the security company and “client” management agree on these rules.
A note about the gates you see in many places. Often, they are DESIGNED to break away on impact, with pre-scored plastic hardware that breaks off when enough force is applied - so if you drive through it, it will tick them off, but not cause property damage. One local gated community gives out remote openers for their gates to PD/FD/EMS, but also tells them that they can crash the gate if the remote doesn't work... just let them know afterwards so they can replace the gate arm.
I've worked with some folks who tried to micromanage everything and wanted everyone’s names for everything... If you can, leave the situation, then report it up the chain, and it should be dealt with. Worst case, give the name, then make a stink about it.
As for the RN who got ticked when her patient had to be searched? Tough. Many hospitals are locking doors and/or searching folks.
Also, recognize that many security folks really are trying to help, even if in a misguided way (at least in your perspective). Try to get them to help you; don't be adversarial with them if you can avoid it.
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I've been lucky to work in situations where I interacted positively with EMS and PD... At the hospital, the local PD backed us up with REALLY disruptive patients, but otherwise we were on our own. We also made an effort to assist the officers who came in with subjects in custody for DUI blood draws. The draws were done at triage, right across the ER lobby from our office, so we'd stand so that we could watch what happened... as the officers were always alone, and they had to take their prisoner out of cuffs for the draw. As a whole, they appreciated the extra set of eyes and hands.
At the office complex, we were the medical first responders, so we would have care initiated prior to EMS arrival. Further, we had a procedure in place for a vehicle escort for arriving PD/EMS vehicles. Additionally, we monitored our own campus fire alarms, so we cleared AFA's without them ever going to the FD... they were just fine with that.
As for licensesure. I am trained as a "lethal weapons agent"... I can carry a firearm for employment. That is the only level of license in PA - There is no minimum training for unarmed guards... the company may be required to have fingerprints on file. As Vent points out, there are many folks who seek training inside and outside of employment, and are great folks. And there are folks who do less than a bump on a log.
Additionally, some of the security companies out there have VERY big training programs, covering everything from the legal points of when you can and can't make a citizens arrest and how to fill out their paperwork correctly to advanced supervision workshops. And some of the fly-by-night places have no training whatsover.
