Dangers facing security operatives

The number of fatal stabbings in England and Wales last year was the highest since records began in 1946, official figures show. There were 285 killings by a knife or sharp instrument in the 12 months ending March 2018, Office for National Statistics analysis shows.

A Metropolitan police report released last month indicated that between 2014 and 2016 the number of children carrying knives in London schools rose by almost 50%, while the number of knife offences in London schools rose by 26%. The Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, called it a “wake-up call”.

Scotland appears to have bucked this trend. In 2014/15, recorded crimes of handling an offensive weapon (which includes knives) fell to their lowest in 31 years, while the number of young people under the age of 19 convicted of carrying an offensive weapon fell 82% between 2006/7 and 2014/15.

In this day and age, the safety of security guards is of paramount importance as it directly affects the way they are able to respond to extreme situations and protect their clients. Modern equipment is now lighter and more versatile, making it more comfortable to use during prolonged periods of time.  

Most frequently, security guards sustain injuries to their forearms and hands when out of reflex they instinctively try to grab or deflect a knife attack. To minimise this, it’s best to keep a close eye on the body language of the suspect. People who are concealing a weapon have several small tells: they are overly confident, keep their hands out of sight and often turn their body sideways. A lot of weapons are easy to conceal, such as handguns, knives, needles and sharp objects.

Security guards are trained to read body language and manage potentially dangerous situations using conflict management and physical intervention skills.  This knowledge and experience, when teamed up with protective clothing, ensures security guards have the best tools to protect them and others.

Written by SafeGuard Clothing; providers of high quality bullet proof vests, stab proof vests, and ballistic helmets and plates