Lessons from a Lawsuit #1. Are You Prepared?

In today’s highly litigious society, private security providers are often faced with general liability cases based on accusations of inadequate security. As providers scramble to prepare for depositions and court hearings, they may enter the courtroom with a false impression that they have a solid, defensible security program. Unfortunately, even after hours of preparation and testimony, the courts too-often disagree. That disagreement can translate into significant damage to your organization’s bottom line as well as your brand’s reputation.

Coming up short on the witness stand is not the time nor the place to learn that your security program, policies, procedures, and execution operations are in fact, inadequate. Instead, prepare now by assessing your program’s general liability exposure. The following key general liability legal audit areas need to be assessed and remediated to ensure competent operations - including clear, verifiable proof attesting that the right people, processes and technologies are in place:

• Knowledgeable Operations Manager (Deposition Representative)

• Supervision of Security Officers

• Supervision of Supervisors

• Proof of Security Training

• Time Keeping Process

• Patrolling Procedures

• Leveraged Technology

• Policies and Procedures (Implement and Follow)

• Client Communication

• Security Contract

• Accountability Across All Audit Areas (Documented Proof)

Don’t wait for an expert witness on the stand to scrutinize and poke holes in your program. Instead, prioritize a general liability legal audit of your program, and ensure that appropriate risk mitigation actions are identified and addressed - before you find yourself on the witness stand.