As a security guard, executing bag inspections may become a part of your job description at some point. Before individuals enter a location, this job comprises checking through purses, handbags, backpacks, and other sorts of bags to make sure they don’t contain any contraband.
Bag searches are widespread outside of sporting and entertainment venues, schools, and other places where big numbers of people congregate. While some businesses use metal detectors, others rely on security personnel hand inspect each bag. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you go through this crucial operation.
Keep an eye on the people in line.
Instead of focusing solely on each item you handle, you should be mindful of your surroundings when completing bag checks. Always keep an eye on those in line, even if they are several people behind you. Keeping an eye on these people could provide you with an early warning sign of a problem. If you spot someone like this, you’ll want to scrutinise his or her bag even more carefully.
Don’t put yourself in danger.
While it may be tempting to go into a bag and rummage around to make sure there is no contraband, you must always keep your own safety in mind. Sharp objects, such as a knife or an uncapped syringe, could be found in a backpack and could cause you injury. Wear thick gloves and move items aside with a baton or other similar implement. Pull goods out of the bag and place them on the table in front of you to allow you to look through it more carefully.
Work in Front of the Owner of the Bag
You’ll save a lot of time and aggravation if you inspect each bag in front of its owner. Some people may accuse you of removing something from the bag during the search, and this problem will be exacerbated if you turned aside to search the bag while it was out of the owner’s line of sight.
Don’t feel rushed
When you’re inspecting people’s bags, it’s easy to feel pressured, especially if the line is long and people are rushing to get through your checkpoint. However, keep in mind that your job isn’t to speed up the process of individuals entering the venue; rather, it’s to make sure that everyone who comes in is safe.
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