U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Civil Liability for Negligent and Inadequate Training: A Private Security Problem

NCJ Number
112461
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1988) Pages: 106-118
Author(s)
R H Moore
Date Published
1988
Length
13 pages
Annotation
An increase in personal injury litigation against private security police organizations points out the need for adequate training of private security personnel, especially those who come in contact with the general public.
Abstract
Court cases for injuries arising from tortious conduct such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, and false arrest are increasing. While few cases brought against private security personnel have alleged lack of proper training as one of the causes of injury, courts have made it clear that they will consider lack of training as a basis for a cause of action. Less than half of the States require any training for private security personnel, and statutory requirements are often very limited. Most State statutes neither specify the content, training, nor who will conduct it. Firearms training often consists of how to use a gun --- not when to use it. The responsibility to train personnel rests with the private security industry. Failure to assume this responsibility resulting in ill-prepared and untrained private security personnel causing injury to the public, will necessitate state legislation mandating the thorough training of private security personnel. 8 references.