Policies and Procedures

Appearance/Attire

GROOMING

• Officers must be well groomed and clean.
• Clean shaven or a short, well kept beard or goatee.
• Must shower daily and use deodorant
• Hair must be styled and clean. If you choose to have longer hair, it must be tied in a bun, or ponytail, or secured with a hat.
  • Avoid the “bed-head” look. If you don’t, or don’t want to comb your hair, wear a hat.

UNIFORMS

• Unless otherwise specified by contract, a uniform shirt, black trainers or boots, and black pants are required.
• Officers may wear tan pants with tan or black shoes/boots, especially if the project is dusty, or muddy.
  • Avoid pants with a high cotton count, as the color fades to gray. Focus on polyester and nylon.
  • Polyester with a spandex mix, or nylon and elastine, or any combination are great for flexibility and color retention.
• Event Security, or projects with multiple officers must wear black pants so we are uniform.
• Black visibility vests are to be worn over black coats/jackets during the cold weather months.
  • OPS black vests cannot be worn over t-shirts or hoodies as an alternative to the polo.
  • OPS black vests are intended to identify you as a security guard when your jacket/coat covers your security decals and badge.
  • Officers should not wear any jacket color other than black or gray.
• Boots must be cleaned/shined/polished regularly. They don’t have to be shiny, just clean.
• Shirts, pants and jackets must be clean and free of wrinkles and pet hair.
  • Shirts should not be ironed., just washed, dried and hung up immediately.
• Hats, beanies and gloves are ok, but may not display a logo other than Onsite or “Security”. Generic black gloves and beanies are preferred.
• Uniform shirts will be provided by Onsite Security.
  • Maintenance/care of these items is the responsibility of officers.   
  • Material deterioration is expected, but loss, stains, and irregular rips or tears will be the responsibility of the officer (unless said damage occurred reasonably in the line of duty)
• Company provided shirts, vests, and any company issued attire will be inventoried in each officer’s file, and must be returned at the end of employment.

RESTRICTED CLOTHING

• Yoga pants, leggings.
• Sweats
• Jeans of any color
• Shoes of any color other than black, or tan, as appropriate.
• Crocs, sandals, slippers, fashion boots.

Security Equipment

• Safety Vests – $15
• Hard Hats – $15
• Issued uniforms – $30

Officers responsibility:

• Pen and notepad for field notes (required).
• Personal Flashlight (required).
• Field Mobile Device Charger/Battery Bank (required).
• Service pistol and multiple magazines (recommend 3 magazines at a minimum).
• Full metal jacket rounds (range).
• Hollow point rounds (duty).
• Holster.
• Handcuffs and Key (optional, but recommended)
• Duty belt
  • Keepers
  • Magazine Pouches
  • Handcuff Pouches
  • Miscellaneous pouch for latex gloves, CPR guard, etc. (recommended)
• Expandable baton and holder (requires certification and client approval)
• Mace and holder (requires certification and client approval)
• Taser and holster (requires certification and client approval)

Safety

Officer safety is important to our company. Please ensure you follow these guidelines to ensure you and your co-worker’s safety.

• Wear proper footwear. Boots are required in most situations, and black trainers/walking shoes are approved for select positions.
• Utilize a flashlight or spotlight when walking in the dark. Do not walk around in the dark without lights. This is a trip/fall hazard.
• Sanitation. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly. If water and soap aren’t readily available, please plan on bringing some with you.
• Utilize provided vests for high visibility. Our uniform shirts have reflective vinyl.
• Utilize paths and roads whenever possible. Avoid shortcuts through landscaping.

Disciplinary Action

Officers will be given a series of warnings, write-ups, probation and possible termination for violation of the Policies and Procedures.
It is impossible to list all violations, but a short list of common infractions:
– tardiness
– improper reporting
– insubordination
– excessive call-outs
For disciplinary concerns, the following bullet points outline the action that will be taken:

• 2 documented verbal warnings
• 2 official write-ups
  • Each will include an action plan for improvement.
• 90 Day Probation
• Termination

Certain employee actions may result in immediate termination with the discretion of the supervisor:

• Physical altercations with co-workers or supervisors.
• Belligerent insubordination (refusing reasonable orders, purposefully ignoring communication attempts, etc .)
• Sleeping on the job.
• Criminal acts.
• Missing a scheduled shift (no call no show).
• Divulging confidential company information.
• Intoxication or under the influence of drugs.
• Discharging your firearm without cause.
• Carrying a firearm as an unarmed officer (no armed license).
• Sexual harassment (see Sexual Harassment agreement)
• Time clock tampering.

Firearms
(for full policy, please see Firearm Policy)

• Officers must choose an appropriate firearm for their size and skill level.
• Officers must abide strictly by the Onsite Security Firearm Policy.
• Be familiar with your firearm.
• Training every six months is required by the state, and subsequently our company.
• If you miss training, you’re required to take 1.5 times the hours the next time to make up for the missed training.
• Factory loaded ammunition is required for on-duty use.

Report writing/daily activity report (DAR)

Daily Activity Reports should be concise, accurate and professional. Ensure you follow these guidelines for a quality DAR:

• Capitalize proper nouns – names of people, locations and streets.
• Spell check – especially when using talk to text.
• Structure – the notes should always include the following:
  • Where you are
  • What you’re doing/going to do
  • What you observe/observed (observations can be stand-alone entries)
  • Any action you took (should follow observations after you’ve resolved any issue).
  • What you’re doing/where you’re going next
    • Example:
      22:45: Arrived at [location]. Beginning perimeter patrol and door check.
      22:55: Completed perimeter patrol. Found a door unlocked. Contacted supervisor and will clear the building and wait for the owner.
      23:15: [Owner] arrived with keys to secure the building. Confirmed building locked and secure. Heading to [next location]
  • Check-in on your notes regularly. You should have an entry at least every 30 minutes 60 minutes, depending on the contract (refer to Post Orders for location specific expectations).
    • If no activity has occurred during the span of an observation, avoid simply typing “nothing to report”. Still utilize the recommended structure. Example:
      • 22:45: Continued observation from [location] (what you’re doing, and where you are). No activity to report (reporting activity or lack thereof). Maintaining position for continued site observation from [location] (what you’re going to do, and where you’ll be next).
  • Utilize your notes to pass down information to the supervisor. Information about the vehicle, unless an emergency should be passed to the supervisor via DAR.
  • Remember that DARs are for the client:
    • Utilize plain language on the DAR as opposed to codes, acronyms and abbreviations – our clients don’t know what those mean.
    • Any time you observe or take action on anything that is a security concern, however small, be sure to note it.
      We need to demonstrate to the client that we are needed, and that we actually handle security matters.

Professional Expectations

• PUNCTUALITY
  • Give yourself enough time for transit to arrive 15 minutes early, and consider weather, traffic, and other variables.
  • Do not leave the sites unattended for any reason, without supervisor or direct client approval.
• PROFESSIONALISM
  • It is expected for you to present yourself in a professional manner while on duty. This includes your posture and demeanor, the way you dress, drive, and converse with clients, local police, and individuals you encounter.
  • Do not use foul language with clients, client representatives or patrons of the site.
  • No earbuds (exceptions for a single bluetooth earpiece for work appropriate phone calls, quiet music, or audiobooks).
  • Listen to appropriate content at appropriate volumes.
  • No political or religious discussions with clients or the public.
  • Maintain a clean work space. Bring a small garbage sack on each shift.
    
• SOCIAL MEDIA
  • Officers are encouraged to “like/follow” our Facebook page and support our online activity.
  • Officers are highly discouraged from linking Onsite Private Security as your employer on Social Media platforms.
  • Onsite encourages officers to be respectful of their fellow man/woman, by refraining from vulgarity, racial and ethnic slurs, threats of violence, and trolling.
  • Your personal posts and comments are your own and are not a reflection of your employer. Onsite will not monitor each and every comment, unless there is an issue brought to our attention that needs a resolution. Listing your employer on social media links you to our company, which can (and has) reflected poorly on the company based on personal comments and posts.
  • Do not post pictures or information about our clients, client property, product, processes, etc. without written (text or email) permission of the client. This includes our long-term contracts and events. This information should be held in strict confidence to protect our client’s interest.
• HONESTY/INTEGRITY
  • It is expected that officers are truthful in their daily activity report (DAR), time clock and incident reports.
  • It is expected you respect your supervisor and co-workers by being honest about your schedule availability. Don’t call in sick or cite a family emergency if it isn’t true.
    
• COMMUNICATION
  • Security is unique in that you don’t always go to a specific job site and see your “boss” and co-workers daily. Because of this, strong communication is expected.
  • Communication will be made through phone, text and messaging platforms, and email.
  • Make it a habit to acknowledge receipt of direct messages. You don’t need to acknowledge general announcements.
  • Don’t reply to group messages unless they are pertinent to all members of the group. If you have a question to the person posting, simply send them a direct message (see training video on Telegram usage).

Demonstrating Vigilance

What is demonstrating vigilance? It is showing everyone that you’re alert. 

Perception is so important in our industry and to our company. We not only need to be alert, but need to be perceived as being alert to the public, our clients, and people within our own organization.

To clarify what vigilance is, it may be necessary to talk about what vigilance isn’t:
Inattention is the opposite of vigilance, or alert attention. 

There have been many instances of officers sleeping on the job over the years in our industry, which is the epitome of inattentiveness.
Occasionally, the officer will make claims that they weren’t sleeping, but [insert excuse] as to why they weren’t alert enough to see the client/co-worker/supervisor who “caught them sleeping”.

Whether you are sleeping, resting your eyes, playing a game, watching a show, enjoying music, or [insert distraction], if you don’t see someone approaching you first, you are demonstrating inattentiveness, the opposite of vigilance.
We are contracted to provide a service that demonstrates vigilance, to prevent, deter, observe and report unauthorized activity. If you don’t demonstrate vigilance, the client will find another company that will, and Onsite will find another officer that will.

Expectation:

Onsite expects all officers to demonstrate vigilance at all times. Show that you are alert and aware of their presence before they approach you.

Examples of inattentiveness:

1. At shift change, if an officer has to knock on the window to make you aware of their presence, you are not alert, even if you weren’t sleeping.
2. If the client has pull up to your vehicle and honk to get your attention, you are not alert.
3. If the client enters the site without you acknowledging their presence, you are not alert.
4. If someone drives by and your eyes are looking at your phone in your lap, you look like you’re slumped over sleeping, or engrossed in your phone, you are not alert.

Examples of vigilance:

1. At shift change, you observe your relief approaching, you begin packing up your personal property and preparing for relief. You are now moving, alert and showing you were already aware of their approach, demonstrating vigilance. 
2. You see a vehicle approaching late at night. You turn on your headlights to make your presence known, or reposition the vehicle to shine in their direction, or begin your approach, to show them you’re aware of their presence, demonstrating vigilance.
3. Approach and greet individuals/vehicles before they approach you.
4. You see someone approaching, and you put your entertainment away before they get to you.
5. You exit the vehicle, or roll down your window before someone approaches, to show that you’re already aware they’re coming.

Whatever reasoning you use to explain why you didn’t see someone coming is just an excuse for inattentiveness. There is no excuse for inattentiveness while you are on duty, and Onsite expects all officers to demonstrate vigilance at all times.

This is a professional expectation and part of your job description. We are being paid to be alert and aware of our surroundings, and failure to demonstrate vigilance may result in disciplinary action, up to, and including termination.

Sleep Schedule

As you are aware, a large amount of security work is performed at night. As such, working graveyards can be a big change for many people. A proper sleep schedule is paramount to getting a proper amount of sleep. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you stay alert, awake, and avoid drowsiness.

• Consider a typical 9-5 job. 8 hours work days make it so you have 3 sections:
  • (1) Sleep 6-8 hours (11pm-7am)
  • (2) Work 8-10 hours (9am-5pm)
  • (3) Live Life 8-10 hours (7pm-11pm)
• Typically, people start becoming drowsy and fatigued during section 3, and go to bed.
• If you follow a similar schedule but adjust the hours, the transition should be fairly easy, because you’re maintaining the same pattern.
  • (1) Sleep (11am-7pm)
  • (2) Work (9pm-5am)
  • (3) Live Life (7am-11am)
    In theory, this is better for the guard, because with this pattern you’ll be getting tired at 11am, nearly 8 hours after your shift is over, NOT when you’re finishing your shift.
• There are a lot of individuals who go to bed right after getting off work, which is a different pattern:
  • (1) Sleep (7am-3pm)
  • (2) Live Life (3pm-11pm)
  • (3) Work (11pm-7am)
    By following this pattern, you’re getting drowsy during section 3, which is work, and increases the risk that you’ll fall asleep on the job, or fall asleep driving home.
  • Whatever pattern you choose, be absolutely militant about getting enough sleep.
    • Do not allow your family or friends to schedule chores during your allotted sleep time.
• There are also a lot of individuals that work security part-time. This can be difficult due to an irregular pattern. Make sure you take naps between shifts, if possible.
• There are also substances that can aid in maintaining a proper sleep schedule:
  • Caffeine
    • Caffeine can be used as a tool to help keep you awake when you’re tired. The trick is to treat it like medication. If you take too much all day every day, it won’t be as effective.
  • Melatonin
    • Melatonin is a sleep aid, and can help people sleep when they find it difficult.
    • I personally take melatonin tablets when I need to sleep. I cut them in half, because they’re very effective.
    • I recommend giving yourself 10 hours after taking melatonin to ensure you sleep and wake up and shake off the drowsiness.
  • Water
    • I know, water isn’t medication, but it’s important for your health. I always tell people “you can’t fall asleep if you constantly have to pee”. Try to drink a gallon of water during your shift.
• Throughout the shift, there are do’s and don’ts as well:
  • DO
    • Step out of the vehicle/office/desk/shack frequently.
    • Get fresh air
    • Call or text another co-worker on duty
    • Stretch your legs and back
    • Get your heart rate up when you’re feeling drowsy.
      • Do jumping jacks, squats, pushups, whatever – just get the blood flowing again.
  • DON’T
    • Lean your chair back
    • Rest your eyes
    • Take a quick nap

Sleeping on the job is the most common issue we face, and is top 3 in the worst things you can do on the job. 

• If the client catches you, we may lose the contract, which not only affects your job (termination), but the loss of work for your co-workers.
• If a suspect with bad intentions catches you, it could be your life on the line.
• If a random stranger, or potential client walks by and posts a picture or video of you sleep on social media, it could affect future contracts as well.
• DO NOT SLEEP ON THE JOB
• GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Schedule

• The schedule begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday of each week.
• Requests for time off are requested in writing (text or email).
  Requests must (at a minimum) be sent the Tuesday prior to the next week (Sunday).
• Shifts will be assigned and shared on Telegram every Wednesday, and will be assigned by the Operations Manager, or Field Supervisors on the company website.
• Officers are responsible to cover their assigned shift. You may reach out to your supervisor if you can’t find a replacement.
• Failure to work an assigned shift will result in termination (no call no show).
• The online schedule will track your DAR (Daily Activity Report), and clock you in and out.
  • In instances of poor or no service, please utilize a simple notes app in your smart phone and keep notes there. Enter time-stamps manually. Those notes can be transferred into the website after the fact.
  • Please keep a pen and paper as well.
  • If you have a manual DAR, please copy/paste the notes into the notes section of your shift when you get into service (preferred), OR send the manual DAR to your supervisor via Telegram.

Other Employment/Jobs

Onsite does not restrict employees from working another job, small business or side hustle. However, it is important to ensure the other jobs don’t affect your work with Onsite.

If you’re unable to get enough sleep before and after shifts, or if you’re too tired from your other job to properly perform your job with Onsite, this job isn’t for you.

You can work with other security agencies as well. However, remember that you have signed a non-disclosure agreement, which specifies that we don’t discuss contract details with anyone outside of our organization.

Be sure to communicate with the Operations Manager (Dane Womack) about your schedule availability, and understand if your availability changes after hire, we may not be able to promise the same amount of hours as previously agreed.

Payroll

• Checks will be processed using electronic direct deposit.
• Pay-day is Friday of each week.
• Because of the weekly pay schedule, we do not cannot provide cash/pay advances.
• Regular hours are calculated from 00:00 Sunday through end of shift on Saturday.
• Since most of our shifts are nights, we consider any shift starting before 00:00 to be that night’s shift, and pay accordingly. For example, if a shift begins at 22:00 Saturday night through Sunday morning 06:00, even though most of that shift was technically on Sunday, we consider that shift to be a Saturday shift since it STARTED on Saturday.
• Overtime must be approved by management, and is paid at 1.5 of regular pay.
• Holiday pay: you will be paid time and a half of regular pay for the following holidays: New Years Day, Easter, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

Operational Policies and Procedures

(a) detaining or arresting:

• Detaining or arrest of individuals are considered a citizen’s arrest, and may only performed when the security officer personally witnessed a crime. Detention should be handled with extreme care, and the officer should then immediately contact local PD.

(b) restraining, detaining, and search and seizure:

• Detaining: should only be used in the event the officer WITNESSED a misdemeanor, or has reason to believe (probable cause, evidence, etc.) a subject committed a felony. In such instances, the officer is to immediately call the police.
• Restraints: If someone is actively resisting and becoming violent. Restraints should only be used to protect the officer, bystanders, victims, or the subject from physical harm.
• Searches: must only be performed with consent of the subject. When the officer searches a bag, ask the subject to move items within to provide a better view. Do not touch any of the subject’s property.
• Seizure: If a search yields an illegal item, such as stolen property, detain the subject and contact the local police. Do not seize or remove the property until police arrive.

(c) felony and misdemeanor definitions:
FELONIES – there are many felonies that can be committed. The list below reflects what security officers may encounter:

• Murder, Aggravated Assault, Assault with a deadly weapon, Manslaughter, Animal Cruelty, Larceny (theft from a place), Arson, Burglary (illegally entering a structure), Robbery (taking from someone in person using force), Rape, Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, Possession (1), Consumption (2) , Distribution (3) of illicit drugs.

MISDEMEANORS – again, there are many misdemeanors that can be committed. The list below reflects what security officers may encounter:

• Theft, Trespassing, Vandalism, Theft, Simple Assault, Harassment, Broadcasting Obscene Language, Sexual Abuse, Fraud, Lewdness.

(d) observing and reporting:

• The primary role of security is to observe and report. Many clients will specify the to what extent they want security to manage issues that may arise.
• Observe and report means to be a professional witness. If someone is happening, we need to gather information and report it.
• Person Description
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Race (skin color is sufficient)
  • Hair Color
  • Gender
  • Eye Color
  • Clothing Description
  • Distinguishable Features such as scars or tattoos.
• Vehicle Information
  • Approximate Year
  • Make
  • Model
  • Color
  • Plate (State and Number if possible)
  • Distinguishable Features (light out, rides low, light bar, etc.)
• Direction of Travel
  • Be aware of your surroundings and provide police with a direction of travel (East, West, etc.).

(e) ingress and egress control:

Ingress and Egress can be controlled by Security Officers and/or in conjunction with the use of Physical Equipment including but not limited to: doors, gates, barricades, man-traps, locks, access cards, identification badges, alarms, metal detectors, vehicle inspection mirrors, vehicle weight stations, inspections, associated sign-in/out logs to name just a few.

Security measures will vary according to the facility, venue, contract, client or location/area being protected, as well as the type of facility being protected.

Each facility, building/area can present separate risk factors based upon a number of variables including but not limited to the type of business and occupants. Levels of ingress/egress control are developed, implemented, and managed according to the wants and needs of the client. Please see your Post Orders for job-specific information.

In most cases, the Security Officer will be charged with enforcing access control procedures while simultaneously detecting, deterring, observing, and reporting.

(f) natural disaster preparation:

• Officers should take precautions to avoid areas of natural disaster when possible.
• In instances of natural disasters occurring while on duty, officers should work with contract management, their supervisor and emergency responders to keep people safe, and allow safe  and organized egress.

(g) alarm systems, locks, and keys:

• For posts requiring alarms, please refer to the Post Orders for specific instruction.
• Locks and keys should be guarded and kept security with the officer while on duty, or locked in the lock box between shifts.
• Do not make copies of keys without written consent from the client.

(h) radio and telephone communications:

• Radio communication should be managed on a private channel.
• Radios communication should be succinct and professional and should not include non work-related conversations.
• Telephone communications are approved, however discretion should be used for use.
• Personal Phone calls should be kept at a minimum, except for emergency situations.
• Cell phone usage (texting or calling) is not allowed while operating a vehicle.

(i) crowd control:

• Check-in station – each event may have a different role for check-in stations, and will depend on the client’s or venue’s wants and needs, but could include the following:
  • Bag Searches
  • Magnetic Wanding
  • ID Checks
  • Cash Intake (supervision)
  • Providing Direction/Instruction
• Visibility – officers are to be highly visible to show attendees security is present and alert.
  • Walk around the venue in a roving patrol
  • Station near areas of interest, such as backstage, near the cash box, the greenroom, etc.
• Professionalism
  • Deescalate conflicts.
    • Deescalation should always be the primary goal.
    • Talk/reason with unruly event attendees.
  • No participation in the events.
    • dancing
    • drinking
    • smoking
    • performing
  • Stay off personal mobile devices, including recording video, taking pictures, unless such video or photos are needed for evidence.
  • Support your co-workers.
  • Call for back-up for volatile situations.
  • Communicate with event staff.

(j) public relations:

• Security Officers should refer all public relations to their supervisor, including:
  • on camera interviews
  • public statements
  • sponsorships

(k) bomb threats:

(m) fire prevention:

Fire is a major concern for our clients.

(n) mental illness:

(o) supervision:

• Much of the work you do as a security is done alone.
• Reporting your activities and observation is just as important to have information on hand in the vent of an incident, but is also necessary for supervisor AND client review.
• Understand that you may receive surprise inspections and quality control checks on your shift.

(p) criminal justice system:

As security officers, our job is to observe and report, prevent and deter, and enforce rules as desired by the client.

Please remember that despite wearing a badge and sometimes a firearm, that does not mean that you are somehow connected with the police or corrections.

We ask that you support law enforcement as they request, but stay out of their way otherwise and let them handle situations when they are present.

(q) code of ethics:

Officers are expected not only to make ethical decisions but to also follow a code of ethics. The Security Officer Code of Ethics include ten key elements. These include:

• Respond to employer’s professional needs
• Exhibit exemplary conduct
• Protect confidential information
• Maintain a safe and secure workplace
• Dress to create professionalism
• Enforce all lawful rules and regulation
• Encourage liaison with public officers
• Develop good rapport within the profession
• Strive to attain professional competence
• Encourage high standards of officer ethics.

(r) sexual harassment in the workplace: Please see the Sexual Harrassment Policy

(s) hazardous chemical release:

Similar to natural disasters, work with site management to assist in an evacuation and call 911 to report. Get yourself in a safe place, and allow emergency responders to assess your needs.