Security Incidents
Decision-support prompts for common incident types. Company policy, assignment instructions, client requirements and site emergency procedures always take precedence over the guidance shown here.
Precedence: Company policy, assignment instructions, client requirements, site emergency procedures and recognised UK guidance always take precedence over the information in GuardAssist. This resource supports — it does not replace — professional judgement or training.
Aggressive Customer
mediumDe-escalate first. Position, tone, boundaries.
Fight in Progress
highRadio for backup. Never intervene alone. Preserve evidence.
Weapon Found
highDo not touch. Isolate area. Call police.
Suspicious Package
criticalHOT protocol. Do not touch. Evacuate and cordon.
Bomb Threat
criticalTake every threat seriously. Record. Search. Evacuate if credible.
Vehicle as Weapon (VAW)
criticalGet behind hard cover. Move at 90° to vehicle path.
Crowd Crush
criticalProgressive crowd collapse — deaths from asphyxia, not trampling.
Spiking Incident
highDrink or needle. Treat as medical emergency + crime.
Missing Child
criticalEvery second counts. Lockdown exits. Systematic search.
Lost / Vulnerable Adult
highDementia, learning disability, mental distress. Approach calmly.
Fire Evacuation
criticalSound alarm, call 999, get everyone out, close doors behind you.
Gas Leak
highVentilate, evacuate, no ignition sources. Call National Gas 0800 111 999.
Flooding
highIsolate electrics. Keep public back. Never wade in unknown water.
Power Failure
mediumReassure public. Emergency lighting. Consider evacuation.
Terrorist Attack — RUN HIDE TELL
criticalNational counter-terrorism protocol.
Active Attacker / Marauding Attack
criticalAssume multiple attackers. Move casualties only when scene is safe.
Mental Health Crisis
highCalm environment, listen, escalate appropriately.
Shoplifting
mediumThe 5 Points. Never assume — observe from selection to exit.
Burglary in Progress
criticalDo not confront. Observe, report, preserve.
Suspicious Behaviour
mediumTrust your gut. Report through ACT / 999.