What is the primary legal liability for security guards?

The primary legal liability for security guards centers around negligence, particularly when they fail to perform their duties effectively. This liability arises from the expectation that security personnel maintain a certain standard of care while on duty to protect people and property. If a guard neglects their responsibilities—such as failing to monitor security cameras, respond to incidents, or maintain an appropriate presence in a defined area—they may be held legally liable for any resulting harm or damage.

Negligence applies in cases where the actions or omissions of the security guard deviate from what is considered an acceptable standard in their role, leading to adverse consequences. For example, if a guard fails to intervene in a theft that they witnessed, and that inaction allows for further harm or loss, the guard—and possibly their employer—could be deemed negligent.

While other forms of liability, such as assault, fraud, or privacy violations, can occur in specific circumstances, they do not encapsulate the broad range of responsibilities that security guards have regarding their overall duty to act responsibly and protect those under their care. Therefore, if they do not perform their job effectively, causing harm or damage, they may face legal consequences due to negligence.