{"id":42278,"date":"2025-02-13T11:28:57","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T11:28:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/?p=42278"},"modified":"2025-02-13T11:33:32","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T11:33:32","slug":"handling-drug-incidents-in-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/handling-drug-incidents-in-security\/","title":{"rendered":"Handling Drug Incidents in Security: A Guide for Security Personnel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.get-licensed.co.uk\/reports\/uk-drug-misuse-report-2024\">Drug misuse in the UK<\/a> is at an all-time high, and as a security professional, you\u2019re likely to encounter drug-related incidents in workplaces, including event venues and public spaces. After all, they reportedly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessmanchester.co.uk\/2022\/10\/14\/drugs-and-alcohol-in-the-workplace-cost-the-economy-7-3bn-a-year\">cost the British economy \u00a37.3 a year<\/a>. This is why you must familiarise yourself with the signs of drug usage to make handling drug incidents in security easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re working as a door supervisor, a CCTV operator, or a security guard, knowing how to recognise drug use, handle incidents professionally, and comply with legal guidelines is essential for ensuring safety. Let\u2019s discuss how you can navigate drug-related situations with confidence and professionalism in the line of duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recognising-drug-use-in-security-roles\">Recognising Drug Use in Security Roles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the first steps in handling drug incidents in security is being able to identify the signs of drug use. These can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-physical-and-behavioural-signs\">Common Physical and Behavioural Signs:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Slurred speech or unsteady movements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aggressive or erratic behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessive sweating or sudden temperature changes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong smells, such as cannabis odour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Different substances affect individuals in various ways, so security personnel must remain observant and use their judgment when assessing a situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-handle-drug-related-incidents-professionally\">How to Handle Drug-Related Incidents Professionally<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When dealing with drug-related incidents, remaining calm, professional, and legally compliant is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-assess-the-situation\">1. Assess the Situation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Determine if the individual poses a danger to themselves or others. Observe their behaviour and check if they are under the influence or in possession of drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-communicate-clearly\">2. Communicate Clearly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a calm, firm tone to de-escalate tension. Avoid making accusations and focus on ensuring the safety of everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-follow-legal-procedures\">3. Follow Legal Procedures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not confiscate drugs. Instead, report any findings to management or the police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-document-the-incident\">4. Document the Incident<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Record key details such as time, location, and the individuals involved. Include any witness statements or CCTV footage for accurate reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-call-for-backup-if-necessary\">5. Call for Backup if Necessary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the situation escalates or becomes unsafe, notify your supervisor or contact law enforcement for assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfdkEkypI0P2hq7C9Xhmz6qyADpgO3SHqZU2hnyduJAwjRqNiM9DQSAhIKxCkvxre9GqT7kmWmtS7zvmSNim5iEBlurhQyLfoMDNz0qUaXKNdWzqfxR9fBAA7c0fpkVSjC7JCXGSg?key=a8lgRmZA_ZDdBIEfPT2b6zDk\" alt=\"a transparent plastic bag containing drugs\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-legal-considerations-for-security-officers\">Legal Considerations for Security Officers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/penalties-drug-possession-dealing\">UK drug laws<\/a> is crucial for security professionals. In the UK, drugs are classified into Class A, B, and C, with varying penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-commonly-questions-answered\">Commonly Questions Answered:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can security guards confiscate drugs?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Security personnel cannot legally seize drugs from individuals. Instead, they must report the incident to law enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How should seized drugs be handled and stored by a door supervisor?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a patron voluntarily hands over drugs or if drugs are found abandoned, follow your workplace protocol. This typically includes securing the drugs in a designated storage area, notifying your supervisor or law enforcement, and recording all details in an incident report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are the common drug offences security officers should know?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Possession of controlled substances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supply or intent to supply drugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being under the influence in restricted areas (e.g., workplaces, public venues)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Security personnel should always act within their legal boundaries to avoid liability and ensure compliance with UK law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-every-security-worker-needs-drug-awareness-training\">Why Every Security Worker Needs Drug Awareness Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.get-licensed.co.uk\/e-learning\/course-detail\/drug-awareness-and-harm-reduction\">drug awareness course<\/a> can equip security professionals with the essential knowledge to handle incidents effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-benefits-of-taking-an-online-drug-awareness-course\">Benefits of Taking an Online Drug Awareness Course:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Receiving proper drug awareness training online will help you:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn how to recognise drug use and its effects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand legal responsibilities and procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gain confidence in managing drug-related incidents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve communication and de-escalation skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our blog on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/drug-awareness-for-security-personnel\/\">Drug Awareness for Security Personnel<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-enhance-your-security-training-with-get-licensed\">Enhance Your Security Training with Get Licensed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By staying informed, acting professionally, and following legal protocols, you can navigate various situations confidently. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OzTF2l1tffY\">Drug Awareness &amp; Harm Reduction course<\/a> can equip you with the necessary knowledge and training needed for handling drug incidents in security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to learn more? Download the full guide, <em>Understanding Drugs and Their Effects<\/em>, for a detailed breakdown of drug classifications, security procedures, and legal guidelines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-leadin-hubspot-form-block\">[hubspot portal=&#8221;20130333&#8243; id=&#8221;03b79146-36cb-40e6-859c-81a78a5d6265&#8243; type=&#8221;form&#8221;]<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Drug misuse in the UK is at an all-time high, and as a security professional, you\u2019re likely to encounter drug-related incidents in workplaces, including event venues and public spaces. After all, they reportedly cost the British economy \u00a37.3 a year. This is why you must familiarise yourself with the signs of drug usage to make [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":162,"featured_media":42279,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4780,4794,547],"tags":[5062,183],"class_list":["post-42278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-awareness","category-get-training","category-security","tag-frontline-guide","tag-security"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42278","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/162"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42278"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42278\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42281,"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42278\/revisions\/42281"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42278"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42278"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new-staging.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42278"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}