When a guard fails to take action the results are tragic. Albuquerque Security
A security guards INACTION took his employer (Prestige Security) to court. Mr. Peter Lopez was at a commercially organized event at the Albuquerque Convention Center on November, 1st 2003.
While leaving the function he was approached by a male and a group of friends at some point the verbal exchange turned to an all out brawl. Mr. Lopez was paralyzed from the events that took place that day and is now a quadriplegic. Mr. Lopez’ girlfriend had ran to the convention center from the parking lot where the brawl was taking place and screamed for help. A Prestige Security Guard told he that they were responsible for Security inside the building and nothing more. She told him to call 9-1-1.
A New Mexico Jury awarded Mr. Lopez $10.2 Million dollars for that night.
Source: http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_11974427?source=most_emailed
The guard’s negligence cost his employer their business, and cost Mr. Lopez much more. The bigger part of this story is the morality. What kind of person who’s job is to protect people and property can stand by and do nothing about the incident taking place? While this guard may have had instructions that their contract was only for the interior it was morally wrong to stand by and do nothing and a jury agrees.
I believe the law is partially to blame for tragic instances such as this. Security guards have to make difficult choices in split seconds and juries deliberate about them for months and years. Security officers need more authority. I cannot say why the guard did nothing, possibly out of fear for losing his job, fear for being hurt, or fear for being arrested. Security Officers should not have to worry that aiding a person in circumstances such as this could result in criminal charges for handcuffing, or getting involved at all.
OverWatch, Summit, and other companies throughout New Mexico train their officers to identify situations such as this and realize that it is their moral duty and in fact according to the New Mexico Private Investigations advisory board ethics guide their lawful duty to protect life!
NMAC 16.48.1.8(B)(1) AS A PRIVATE SECURITY GUARD I PLEDGE:
(1) to accept the responsibilities and fulfill the obligations of my role: protecting life and property; preventing and reducing crimes against my employer’s business, or other organizations and institutions to which I am assigned; upholding the law; and respecting the constitutional rights of all persons;
