Unclear on the Job

Early one Saturday, a plumbing contractor's truck was broken into and his tools stolen. Loss about $3,000.00. In the investigation we were able to get some usable pictures from the video surveillance system. Two  juveniles used a rock to break the window to the truck and load up their car. However we also saw something most amazing in the same scene.

It seems a guard on patrol had passed the truck, within 15 feet of the thieves while the theft was occurring.

He had placed his hand up to the side of his face to act as a blinder and was intently staring in the opposite direction of the theft! ["I'm not here, you can't see me!"]

When questioned he denied being there until he saw himself on the video. Asked as to why he did nothing: no intervention, no call to police or dispatch, no report. He stated he "didn't want to get involved."

When asked what he thought he was supposed to do. He said "I don't get paid enough to stop them or risk getting hurt". When asked why he didn't call the police or dispatch from a safe location, he said he didn't think of that and was afraid he'd get in trouble and get fired for not stopping them.

When asked what he thought his job actually was. He said: "To walk around."

When asked if he had read the Post Orders he said "No". [The Post Orders stated that one was supposed to call Dispatch and the Police for felonies in progress.]

This guard was removed from site and reassigned by his guard company.


The supervisor was instructed to ensure all guards understood what we were paying them for. Specifically to test their knowledge of their Post Orders.

Are your guards unclear on their job? 

 Try scenario drill training. It is easy and worthwhile.