---
title: Role of Security Officers During a Major Incident
description: Learn the crucial role of security officers during major incidents in UK businesses, including preparation, response, and communication strategies for effective management.
---

[Circle Insights](https://circleukgroup.co.uk/safe-circle)

# [Role of Security Officers During a Major Incident](https://circleukgroup.co.uk/safe-circle/role-of-security-officers-major-incident)

 Written by [Circle Editor](https://circleukgroup.co.uk/safe-circle/author/circle-editor) | Nov 9, 2026, 3:58:07 PM

When a serious incident occurs at a workplace, the first people expected to respond are not always the emergency services. They may be the security officers already on site.

Whether dealing with a suspected security threat, a major fire, a medical emergency or another critical situation, security personnel can play an important role in protecting people, communicating information and supporting an organised response.

However, effective incident management depends on more than having someone stationed at an entrance. Officers need clear responsibilities, appropriate training and an understanding of the premises they protect.

For UK businesses, the question is not simply whether security officers are present. It is **whether they are prepared to respond safely and effectively when normal operations are disrupted.**

| ## Quick Answers: Security Officers and Major Incidents **What is the role of a security officer during a major incident?** Security officers may help raise the alarm, protect people, communicate with emergency services, support evacuation or shelter procedures and provide accurate information to those coordinating the response. Their actions depend on their training, assigned responsibilities and the circumstances. | **Are security officers considered emergency responders?** Private security officers are not automatically police officers, firefighters or paramedics. They may be among the first people to identify an incident and initiate the workplace's emergency procedures, but must operate within their training and authority. **Should security officers evacuate people during an incident?** Not always. Evacuation may be appropriate in some circumstances, while sheltering or lockdown may be safer in others. Officers should follow established procedures, assess immediate danger and prioritise personal safety. **What training should security officers have for emergencies?** Alongside appropriate SIA licence-linked training, officers should receive site-specific instructions, emergency procedure briefings and relevant refresher training. Counter-terrorism awareness, communication and incident reporting are particularly valuable. |
| --- | --- |
|  |  |

 

## Why Security Officers Matter During a Major Incident

Security officers are often positioned where incidents are first noticed.

They may be monitoring CCTV, managing vehicle access, conducting patrols or working at reception when an unusual situation develops. This gives them an important role in the early stages of an incident.

They may be able to identify warning signs, communicate concerns and initiate established safety procedures before senior management or external responders arrive.

But this responsibility must be understood correctly.

**The role of a professional security officer is to help protect people and support the emergency response, not to take unnecessary risks or replace specialist emergency services.**

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) highlights the importance of situational awareness, effective communication, appropriate incident response and clear responsibilities for security personnel. For businesses, these capabilities can make a significant difference to the way an incident is managed.

## Before an Incident: Preparation Is Part of the Job

Effective emergency response starts long before an incident occurs. Security officers should understand the risks, procedures and operational arrangements relevant to their assigned location.

### 1. Understanding the site

Officers should be familiar with important features of the premises, including access points, emergency exits, communication systems and relevant emergency arrangements. At a warehouse, this may involve understanding loading bays, vehicle entrances, external yards and shift patterns.

On a construction site, changing access routes, temporary structures and ongoing work activities can introduce additional considerations.

### 2. Knowing the emergency procedures

Security personnel should understand how to report and escalate incidents, who is responsible for key decisions and what actions are expected of them.

This includes knowing when to contact emergency services and how to communicate urgent instructions.

### 3. Recognising and reporting concerns

Everyday security duties contribute to preparedness. Observing unusual activity, managing access and reporting suspicious behaviour can help identify potential security concerns.

Officers should focus on behaviour and circumstances rather than assumptions about an individual's appearance or background.

### 4. Participating in briefings and exercises

Shift briefings, tabletop exercises and practical discussions help reinforce responsibilities. They also allow security teams and site management to identify gaps before an emergency occurs.

An officer who understands the site-specific response plan is better placed to act appropriately under pressure.

## During an Incident: Five Important Responsibilities

The exact actions required will vary depending on the incident, the site and the officer's assigned role.

However, five responsibilities are particularly important.

### 1. Recognise the situation and raise the alarm

An officer may be the first person to identify an emergency or receive a report from a colleague, visitor or contractor. The immediate priority is to recognise the potential danger and initiate the appropriate response.

This could involve activating an alarm, notifying the control room, informing site management or contacting emergency services.

Where there is immediate danger to life, call **999** as soon as it is safe to do so. Internal escalation procedures must not delay an urgent emergency call.

### 2. Help protect people

People may be confused, unfamiliar with the premises or uncertain about what action to take.

Where safe and appropriate, security officers may help communicate instructions, direct people away from danger or support protective actions under the site's emergency plan.

For a terrorist incident, the official **Guide Shelter Report** principles provide relevant guidance:

- **Guide:** Help people move away from danger.
- **Shelter:** Help people reach a safer location.
- **Report:** Contact the police by calling 999 when safe.

These principles are dynamic rather than a fixed sequence. The safest action depends on the situation.

Officers should not place themselves in unnecessary danger or attempt to confront an attacker as part of a routine security response.

For more information, refer to the [official Guide Shelter Report guidance from ProtectUK](https://www.protectuk.police.uk/gsr).

### 3. Communicate accurate information

During a major incident, clear communication is essential. Security officers may need to relay information to supervisors, control room operators, site managers and emergency services.

Information should be factual, concise and timely.

Useful details include:

- The location and nature of the incident.
- Hazards that have been identified.
- Areas that may be unsafe.
- Known casualties or people requiring assistance.
- Safe access routes, where known.
- Actions already taken.

Officers should distinguish between information they have directly observed and information reported by others. Speculation can create confusion during a rapidly developing situation.

### 4. Support the emergency response

Once emergency services arrive, security personnel may be able to provide valuable local knowledge.

Depending on the circumstances and police or emergency service instructions, this might include providing site access information, describing building layouts, identifying known hazards or sharing relevant CCTV information. Security officers may also help keep people away from unsafe areas, provided doing so does not expose them to danger or interfere with emergency responders.

The purpose is to support a coordinated response through established procedures.

### 5. Maintain awareness as circumstances change

A major incident can develop quickly.

An exit initially considered safe may become unsuitable. A shelter location may need to change. Communication systems may become unavailable. Officers should remain alert to new information, communicate changes through agreed channels and follow emergency service instructions.

Personal safety remains a priority throughout.

## Communicating With Emergency Services: The ETHANE Framework

For organisations developing incident reporting procedures, **ETHANE** is a useful framework recognised in UK emergency response guidance.

It provides a structured way to communicate essential information during a major incident.

| Element | Information |
| --- | --- |
| **E – Exact Location** | Where is the incident happening? |
| **T – Type** | What type of incident has occurred? |
| **H – Hazards** | What hazards are present or suspected? |
| **A – Access** | Which access routes are available and safe? |
| **N – Number of Casualties** | How many casualties are known or suspected? |
| **E – Emergency Services** | Which emergency services are present or required? |

 

Security personnel do not need to have every answer before calling 999. The framework helps organise available information and provide updates as circumstances become clearer.

Businesses can incorporate ETHANE into incident response briefings and practical exercises.

## After an Incident: Security Responsibilities Continue

The end of the immediate emergency does not necessarily mean that normal operations can resume. Security officers may continue supporting the organisation through the recovery phase.

### Incident reporting and evidence

Accurate incident records help establish what happened and support subsequent reviews.

Depending on their role, officers may be required to complete incident reports, record relevant times and actions, or arrange for CCTV footage to be retained in accordance with organisational procedures and applicable data protection requirements. Potential evidence should be handled appropriately and preserved for the relevant authorities.

### Supporting a safe return to operations

Security teams may assist site management with access arrangements, identifying areas that remain restricted and communicating authorised instructions. The decision to reopen affected areas or resume operations should be made by the appropriate responsible persons, taking account of emergency service advice.

### Staff wellbeing

Serious incidents can affect employees, witnesses and security personnel themselves. Organisations should consider appropriate welfare support, follow-up communication and access to professional assistance where needed.

Security officers should not be expected to return immediately to normal duties without consideration of the incident's impact.

### Reviewing lessons learned

A structured debrief can help identify what worked and what should change. Were communications effective? Were responsibilities understood? Did employees know where to go? Were emergency contacts current?

These findings should inform improvements to future procedures, training and site arrangements.

## What Does This Mean for Warehouses, Construction Sites and Commercial Premises?

The responsibilities of security officers depend heavily on the operating environment.

**Warehousing and logistics**

Large operational sites may have multiple access points, delivery areas, shift patterns and contractors. Security officers may play an important role in communicating incidents across different parts of the premises and supporting coordination with operational managers.

**Construction sites**

Changing layouts, temporary routes, machinery and multiple subcontractors can complicate emergency arrangements. Security officers need current site information, clear reporting lines and an understanding of their responsibilities alongside the site management team.

**Commercial buildings**

In offices and public-facing premises, security teams may need to support visitors, reception personnel and building occupants who are unfamiliar with local emergency arrangements.

In every environment, the most effective approach brings together trained people, clear procedures and suitable security systems.

## Is an SIA Licence Enough for Major Incident Preparedness?

SIA licence-linked training establishes important baseline knowledge and skills for relevant security roles.

However, holding an SIA licence does not automatically mean an officer is prepared for every emergency scenario or every type of premises.

The Security Industry Authority recognises the importance of additional training where an employer or venue identifies specific operational needs.

Site-specific preparation may include:

- Emergency communication and escalation procedures.
- Evacuation, invacuation and lockdown arrangements.
- Counter-terrorism awareness.
- Incident reporting and record keeping.
- Relevant first aid competency.
- Practical exercises with site management.

The free [ACT Awareness and ACT Security training resources](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-sia-licence-linked-training-your-questions-answered/changes-to-sia-licence-linked-training) can support counter-terrorism awareness.

Training should always reflect the officer's responsibilities and the risks associated with the premises.

## Five Questions Businesses Should Ask About Their Security Team

If your organisation uses security personnel, consider these questions:

1. Do our security officers understand their responsibilities during a major incident?
2. Have they been briefed on the site's current emergency procedures?
3. Can they communicate effectively with management, the control room and emergency services?
4. Have relevant emergency scenarios been discussed or tested?
5. Are incident reporting and recovery responsibilities clearly defined?

If the answers are unclear, reviewing the security arrangements may be a sensible starting point.

## Security Officers Are Part of a Wider Emergency Response

Professional security personnel can provide valuable situational awareness, communication and coordination during serious incidents.

However, no security officer should be expected to manage a major emergency alone.

An effective response requires cooperation between security teams, site management, employees, contractors and emergency services.

It also depends on clear procedures, realistic training and an organisational culture that prioritises safety.

Businesses reviewing their preparedness may also find our related guides useful:

- [Understanding the SEVERE UK Threat Level: Implications for Businesses](https://circleukgroup.co.uk/safe-circle/uk-threat-level-explained-what-severe-means-for-businesses-and-premises)
- [Understanding Martyn's Law: Ensuring Preparedness at Your Premises](https://circleukgroup.co.uk/safe-circle/martyn-s-law-who-is-responsible-for-preparedness-at-your-premises)
- [Evacuation, Invacuation or Lockdown for Public Buildings](https://circleukgroup.co.uk/safe-circle/evacuation-invacuation-lockdown-public-buildings)

**Preparedness is not just about having a plan. It is about making sure the people expected to act understand what to do.**

## Strengthen Your Site Security With Circle UK Group

Circle UK Group supports UK businesses with integrated security services, risk management and practical operational protection.

Our services include SIA-licensed security personnel, manned guarding, mobile patrols, CCTV, alarm monitoring and security risk assessments.

We work with businesses to establish proportionate security arrangements that reflect their premises, operations and requirements.

Whether you operate a distribution centre, construction site or commercial property, our team can help you review how physical security, people and procedures work together.

### Official Sources and Further Reading

- [ProtectUK: Guide Shelter Report](https://www.protectuk.police.uk/gsr)
- [ProtectUK: Advice for Security Managers During a Heightened Threat Level](https://www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/security/advice-security-managers-during-heightened-threat-level)
- [ProtectUK: Personnel Security Training and Good Practice](https://www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/risk/personnel-security-training-and-good-practice)
- [ProtectUK: Evacuation, Invacuation, Lockdown and Protected Spaces](https://www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/risk/evacuation-invacuation-lockdown-protected-spaces)
- [SIA: Learn About Licence-Linked Training](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/learn-about-sia-licence-linked-training)

*This article provides general guidance and does not replace site-specific emergency procedures, official emergency service instructions or professional risk assessments.*

[View full post](https://circleukgroup.co.uk/safe-circle/role-of-security-officers-major-incident)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Circle Editor"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-11-09T16:23:54.627Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-11-09T15:58:07Z",
  "headline" : "The Role of Security Officers During a Major Incident: What UK Businesses Should Know",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 941,
    "url" : "https://20415666.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20415666/Security%20Guard%20Monitoring%20Glass%20Entrance.png",
    "width" : 1672
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://circleukgroup.co.uk/safe-circle/role-of-security-officers-major-incident",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://20415666.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20415666/New%20Logo%20CUKG/CUKG_Logo_color.png",
      "width" : 143.0575
    },
    "name" : "Circle Insights: Proactive Risk & Safety Solutions"
  }
}
```