The security landscape across the United States is changing rapidly. It is becoming increasingly common for retail stores, schools, medical facilities, and houses of worship to source and maintain their own security guard forces. This helps ensure the safety of on-site property and personnel, and allows even small organizations to respond quickly to dynamic threats.
As private security companies deploy guards in more significant numbers, inevitable legislative changes occur in parallel. At the time of this article’s writing, the State of Georgia is advancing Senate Bill 68 to a House vote with the support of Governor Brian Kemp. The bill has the potential to shift the liabilities of security breaches and could spell major repercussions for decision-makers in the State.
We’ve put together this short read to inform the folks in our network about this pending legislation. Similar bills are being considered across the United States, affecting how organizations source security providers and which parties assume responsibility for breaches. With more deployments of armed and unarmed guards happening each month, this issue has never been more relevant.
Aims to Protect Businesses and Restore Balance
Bill 68 will require anyone who sues a property or business owner over injuries sustained on their property to prove that the owner was aware of a specific security deficiency. If the bill passes, it has the potential to lighten the liability burden off of property owners if injuries result from unknown or unforeseeable security risks.
Conversely, if a security risk is deemed obvious—a conspicuous gap in a perimeter fence, for example—decision-makers could face major liabilities and legal ramifications. Under the new bill, aggrieved parties will attempt to prove that the owner ignored security flaws and demonstrated negligence.
The bill’s supporters claim that the new legislation will add balance and ensure the rights of both citizens and businesses are respected. Small business owners, in particular, stand to benefit as they may not have the resources to deal with emergent security threats that place undue liability on entrepreneurs.
One thing is clear: changing security conditions in Georgia and nationwide are drawing attention at the highest levels. Police and other government security branches are mobilizing, but ordinary citizens and small organizations are shouldering increasing liability. Across the board, it seems that America’s public spaces are in need of competent and reliable security guards. Given the dynamic nature of security threats and shifting legal ramifications, hiring more guards is the one-size-fits-all approach that most organizations prefer.
Contact The Guard Alliance
Our team members have proudly protected Georgia for over a decade. We pride ourselves on professionalism and speedy deployments. Our guards have the experience needed to identify potential security gaps that could result in major lawsuits down the road. If you need armed, unarmed, vehicle patrol, or fire watch security guards on site today, The Guard Alliance is happy to answer the call.
If you need service elsewhere, check out locations across the United States. Be sure to keep up to date with the latest security-related legislation in your area to better understand your liabilities.
