Security guards in New York are subject to follow a number of laws and abide by strict regulations that outlines their duties and responsibilities as security guard, as well as the required training and licensing requirements they must meet. These US laws and regulations are designed put in place ensure that all security guards are qualified and most importantly are capable of fulfilling their required duties in a professional, friendly and effective manner and also to protect the safety and security of the people around and property they are assigned to protect.
Here are some of the important legal laws and regulations that security guards in New York must abide to, along with some dos and don’ts we added to help you navigate these requirements:
- The New York State Security Guard Act: This act outlines the duties and responsibilities of security guards in New York, as well as the training and licensing requirements they must meet. It also establishes the powers and limitations of security guards, including their authority to make arrests, use force, and carry weapons.
- Do: Familiarize yourself with the provisions of the Security Guard Act, and make sure you understand your duties and responsibilities as a security guard in New York.
- Don’t: Exceed your authority as a security guard, or use force unnecessarily or improperly.
- The New York State Labor Law: This law establishes the rights and protections for workers in New York, including security guards. It requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment, and to pay workers a fair wage and provide necessary benefits. It also prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
- Do: Familiarize yourself with your rights and protections as a worker in New York, and report any violations of the labor law to your employer or the appropriate authorities.
- Don’t: Discriminate against or harass coworkers or members of the public.
- The New York State Department of State Regulations: These regulations outline the specific requirements for security guard training and licensing in New York. They specify the courses that must be completed, the duration and content of the training, and the procedures for obtaining a security guard license.
- Do: Complete the required training and obtain your security guard license before beginning work as a security guard in New York.
- Don’t: Work as a security guard without a valid license.
- Facility policies and procedures: In addition to state laws and regulations, security guards in New York may also be required to follow specific rules and policies set by the employer and the facility they are guarding. These policies may cover issues such as dress code, behavior, and the use of equipment and resources.
- Do: Familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures of your facility, and follow them at all times.
- Don’t: Violate facility policies or procedures, or use equipment or resources in a manner that is not authorized.
- Criminal laws: Security guards in New York, like all citizens, are subject to the criminal laws of the state. This includes laws prohibiting crimes such as theft, assault, and drug possession.
- Do: Obey the criminal laws of New York, and report any illegal activity you observe to the appropriate authorities.
- Don’t: Engage in criminal activity yourself, or aid and abet others in committing crimes.
- Professional standards: Security guards in New York are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism in their work. This includes acting in a respectful and courteous manner, maintaining a neat and clean appearance, and adhering to the code of conduct established by the employer and the facility.
- Do: Act with professionalism and integrity at all times, and strive to maintain the trust and confidence of the public.
- Don’t: Engage in unprofessional or inappropriate behavior.
- Confidentiality: Security guards in New York may have access to sensitive or confidential information as part of their duties. This may include information about employees, customers, or the facility itself.
- Do: Protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, and only share it with those who have a legitimate need to know.
- Don’t: Disclose confidential information to unauthorized individuals, or use it for personal gain.
- Data privacy laws: Security guards in New York may be required to handle personal data as part of their duties, such as collecting and processing employee or customer information.
- Do: Follow data privacy laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and protect the personal data of individuals in your care.
- Don’t: Collect or process personal data in a manner that violates privacy laws or the rights of individuals.
- Fire safety laws: Security guards in New York may be responsible for enforcing fire safety rules and regulations at their facility.
- Do: Familiarize yourself with fire safety laws and regulations, and ensure that the facility is in compliance.
- Don’t: Ignore fire safety violations or fail to report them to the appropriate authorities.
- Health and safety laws: Security guards in New York may be responsible for maintaining the health and safety of the facility and its occupants.
- Do: Follow health and safety laws and regulations, and report any hazards or incidents to the appropriate authorities.
- Don’t: Ignore or fail to report health and safety issues.
By following these laws and regulations, security guards in New York can ensure that they are fulfilling their duties in a professional and responsible manner, and that they are protecting the safety and security of the people and property they are assigned to protect.