Defining Trespasser

‍A trespasser, in the context of security and property protection, refers to an individual who enters or remains on a property without lawful authority or permission from the property owner, occupier, or authorized personnel. This includes entering onto the property despite explicit signs or warnings indicating restricted access.

Categories of Trespassers:Trespassers can be broadly categorized into two main types:

Simple Trespasser: A simple trespasser is an individual who inadvertently enters a property without malicious intent, such as walking onto a property to take a shortcut or to retrieve a lost item. They typically do not intend to cause harm, but their presence on the property may still pose security concerns.

Criminal Trespasser: A criminal trespasser is an individual who intentionally enters a property with malicious intent, such as vandalism, theft, or any other criminal activity. Their presence poses a significant security risk and immediate action is often required to prevent or address unlawful behavior.

Actions to Take:When encountering a trespasser, security guards should follow these general steps:

1. Assessment: Determine whether the individual is a simple trespasser or a criminal trespasser based on their behavior, actions, and any available information.
2. Engagement: Approach the individual calmly and professionally. If it is a simple trespasser, inform them of their unauthorized presence and politely ask them to leave the premises. For criminal trespassers, exercise caution and avoid confrontations. Instead, observe and report to appropriate authorities.
3. Communication: Maintain open communication with the trespasser. In cases of simple trespassing, educate them about the property's access rules and boundaries. For criminal trespassers, avoid escalating the situation verbally and prioritize personal safety.
4. Notification: Notify the property owner, occupier, or relevant personnel about the trespasser's presence and actions, providing accurate and concise information.
5. Documentation: Document the incident by taking notes of the trespasser's description, actions, time, and location. If possible, take photographs or video footage discreetly to support the documentation.
6. Involving Authorities: If the trespasser refuses to leave or displays aggressive behavior, contact the appropriate authorities such as the police. Provide them with all relevant information for their prompt response.

Review Question

What is a Trespasser and Give Examples.