Security guard deaths in 2008...

This information was provided by Private Officer.

JANUARY 6 2009

 

 

Atlanta GA. Jan 6 2009
by: Toni Anthony
Special Assignment Editor
Private Officer.com

EXCLUSIVE

Today, The National Association of Private Officers released their year end report of security officer deaths for 2008.

According to Rick McCann, Executive Director, the N.A.P.O. identified and confirmed 53 on duty deaths of security officers but estimates that the number is actually closer to 70.

The discrepancy always comes from the way that security officer positions are classified by numerous federal agencies. While their job title may be doorman or watchman or pool guard, they all perform security related duties but are not categorized as security officers on federal statistical records, the N.A.P.O. said.
A practice the McCann hopes will change soon so that those who die while in the performance of their security duties are properly recognized, he said.

The 2008 death total is down by 15% from the previous year and McCann attributes that to the continued heightened training that many security companies now participate in, general awareness of their duties, surroundings and job scope and a much more professional security officer who is better educated and skilled at their duties.

However, injuries of private security officers substantially rose during this same period with a major jump in the life threatening area such as gunshots, stab wounds and trauma and McCann said that this increase is due in part to the more visible, proactive security positions and duties of the private officer.
“Many more security officers are involved in apprehensions and arrests of shoplifters, trespassers, robbery suspects and others who are committing crimes on properties under guard and security officers are playing a much bigger part in going after these people and being proactive in their duties.
There is also a much wider use of private security in retail, residential, special events and other areas where there is more contact with the public, including criminals which makes the security officer more vulnerable to attack, assault and death.
”As security officer duties and scope of authority continues to increase and the profession takes on a more proactive rather than reactive response, injuries and unfortunately deaths of security officers will also steadily increase McCann said.
That’s why we are pushing for increased security officer training standards and qualifications so that these private officers will be better prepared and equipped to handle the added responsibilities and better safeguard themselves during the performance of them, McCann added.