D-8 FPS SGIM.pdf

Federal Protective Service

Security Guard Information Manual Secure Facilities, Safe Occupants

For Official Use Only

Inside Front Cover Left Blank Intentionally

Federal Protective Service • Security Guard Information Manual, 2008 Revision iFor Official Use Only

Chapter 1: The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Protective Service 1.1: Overview of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 1.2: Overview of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 1.3: Overview of the Federal Protective Service (FPS) 1.4: Five Types of Facilities and Security Levels

Chapter 2: The Security Guard 2.1: Your Roles and Responsibilities 2.2: Typical Duties 2.3: Creating a Good Image 2.4: Basic Appearance Standards 2.5: Acceptable and Unacceptable Conduct 2.6: Interacting with People 2.7: Sexual Harassment 2.8:Traits of a Top-Notch Security Guard

Chapter 3: Federal Laws and Regulations, Crimes and Procedures 3.1: Understanding Federal Laws and Regulations 3.2: Common Offenses 3.3: Reporting Incidents to the FPS MegaCenter 3.4: Jurisdiction 3.5: Search and Seizure 3.6: Detainment Authority 3.7: The Use of Force 3.8: Crime Scene Protection and Evidence Procedures 3.9: Testimony

Chapter 4: Security Guard Contract Administration 4.1:Your Job as a Security Guard 4.2: Relationship Between the Contractor and the Government 4.3:The Post Duty Book 4.4: Work Schedules 4.5: Weapons and Equipment 4.6: Posts 4.7: General Response Procedures 4.8: Emergency Plans

Chapter 5: Controlling Access and Egress 5.1: Why Control Access and Egress 5.2: Personnel Control 5.3: Property Control 5.4:Vehicle Control 5.5: Lock and Key Control

Contents

Chapter 6: Intrusion Detection, Assessment and Response 6.1: Means of Detecting Intrusions 6.2: Assessing Possible Intrusions 6.3: Intrusion Response Procedures

Chapter 7: Facility Safety Procedures and Response 7.1: The Basics of Facility Safety 7.2: Fire Alarm Systems 7.3: Response Procedures 7.4: Knowledge and Use of Fire Extinguishers 7.5: Acts of God or Other Serious Situations

Chapter 8: Records and Reports 8.1: Signing In and Out 8.2: General Guidelines for Report Writing 8.3: Collecting Information for Reports 8.4:Taking Notes 8.5: Report Writing 8.6: Filing Reports

Chapter 9: Special Situations 9.1: Escort Duties 9.2: Dealing with Seriously Disruptive Behavior 9.3: Code Adam

Chapter 10: Emergency First Aid 10.1: First Aid/CPR/AED 10.2: Blood Borne Pathogens

Chapter 11: Combating Terrorism 11.1: What is Terrorism and Who Are Terrorists 11.2:Types of Terrorists Attacks 11.3: Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) 11.4: Preventing Terrorist Attacks 11.5: Responding to a Terrorist Attack

Chapter 12: Workplace Violence 12.1: What is Workplace Violence 12.2: Who Commits Violent Acts and Why 12.3: Preventing Workplace Violence 12.4: Responding to Incidents of Workplace Violence

Chapter 13: Civil Disturbances 13.1:Types of Civil Disturbances 13.2: Impact of Civil Disturbances 13.3: Demonstrations 13.4: Response Procedures ii Security Guard Information Manual, 2008 Revision • Federal Protective ServiceFor Official Use Only

Chapter 14 Bomb/Weapons of Mass Destruction, Threats and Incidents 14.1: Receiving Bomb/WMD Threats 14.2: Reporting Bomb/WMD Threats 14.3: Locating and Handling Suspicious Items 14.4: Response Procedures

Chapter 15 Hostage Situations 15.1: What is a Hostage Situation 15.2: Reacting to Hostage Situations

Chapter 16 Sabotage and Espionage 16.1: What are Sabotage and Espionage?

16.2: Deterrence, Prevention, and Response to Incidents

Chapter 17 Child Care Centers 17.1: Child Care Centers in Federal Buildings 17.2:Your Responsibilities

Appendix 1: Regulations Affecting Federal Property Title 41—Public Contracts and Property Management;

Chapter 102—Federal Management Regulation;

Part 102-74 Facility Management; Subpart C—Conduct on Federal Property

U.S. Code,Title 18—Crimes And Criminal Procedure;

Part I—Crimes;

Chapter 44—Firearms

Appendix 2: Sample Forms and Reports Bomb Threat Questionnaire Questions derived from FBI Bomb Data Program Card

Appendix 3: Practice Written Examination and Answer Key Information, Guidelines and Helpful Hints for Taking the Written Examination Practice Examination

Appendix 4: FLETC Use of Force Model (Form SH-8704, Rev. 04/99) Introduction Use of Force Model Officer Perception Subject Action Officer Response Color Correlation Tools,Tactics and Timing

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Chapter 1 The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Protective Service

Federal Protective Service • Security Guard Information Manual, 2008 Revision 1For Official Use Only

This section provides an overview of the mission of DHS, ICE and FPS. It will also describe the different types of work places that you may be protecting. In order for you to appreciate the importance of your job, you need to understand the mission of DHS, the role that FPS plays and the different environ-ments in which you may be working.

1.1: Overview of the Department of Homeland Security

The National Strategy for Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 served to mobilize and organize our nation to secure the homeland from terrorist attacks.This exceedingly complex mission requires a focused effort from our entire society if we are to be successful.To this end, one primary reason for the establishment of DHS was to provide the uni-fying core for the vast national network of organiza-tions and institutions involved in efforts to secure our nation. In order to better do this and to provide guid-ance to the 180,000 DHS men and women who work every day on this important task, the depart-ment developed its own high-level strategic plan.The vision and mission statements, strategic goals and objectives provide the framework guiding the actions that make up the daily operations of the department.

Vision

Preserving our freedoms, protecting America… we secure our homeland.

Mission

We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against as well as respond to threats and hazards to the nation.

We will ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrants and visitors and promote the free-flow of commerce.

1.2: Overview of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement

With the establishment of DHS, the functions, expertise, resources and jurisdictions of several once-fragmented border and security agencies were merged and reconstituted into ICE, DHS’s largest investigative bureau.The agencies that were either moved entirely or merged in part, based upon law enforcement functions, included the investigative and intelligence resources of the United States Cus-toms Service, the Immigration and Naturalization Serviceand FPS.

1.3: Overview of the Federal Protective Service

FPS is responsible for delivering a comprehensive physical security and law enforcement program in all GSA owned or leased facilities. This involves pro-viding law enforcement and security for more than a million federal workers and visitors at over 8,300 buildings nationwide. FPS enforces laws and regula-tions governing public buildings, maintains law and order and protects life and property in federally controlled work places.

At FPS, our goal is to become a premier facility security organization that provides a safe environ-ment in which federal agencies can conduct their business.To accomplish this, we will reduce threats posed against federal facilities. These threats range from the most catastrophic, but least probable

(terrorist attacks), to the most probable but least catastrophic (larcenies), with work place violence falling at the center of this continuum.

FPS is committed to ensuring the appropriate level of security is in place at each federally controlled facility throughout the country, regardless of its location. FPS is ready to respond to our customers’ security and law enforcement needs.

FPS partners with other federal, state and local agen-cies throughout the nation to develop specific solu-tions to challenges; assists with police emergency and special security services; and offers police and security support to law enforcement departments during high-profile and sensitive events. To make federal facilities safer, FPS also consults with build-ing owners and tenants to advise them on physical security measures. FPS provides crime prevention education for agencies and individuals, and recom-mends strategies to keep everyone safer, both on and off the job. Services fall into eight components:

Administrative Support, Communications, Criminal Investigations, Law Enforcement, Management, Physical Security, Security Guard Services and Secu-rity Systems.The organization is comprised of the headquarters and eleven (11) regions.

Administrative Support

FPS’s administrative support team performs all other functions not described above, such as contracting, budgeting, quality assurance, suitability adjudica-tions and clerical support.You may encounter some of these personnel, although most of your contact will be with FPS law enforcement personnel.

Communications

Four (4) FPS MegaCenters provide communications for security and law enforcement activities on an inter-and intra-regional basis. The centers also act as information and control hubs during emergency sit-uations. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the MegaCenters monitor alarms, receive customer calls, dispatch law enforcement and emergency person-nel, and retrieve information from other govern-ment agencies. As a security guard, you will have frequent contact with the FPS MegaCenter.

Criminal Investigations

FPS Special Agents (SA) are non-uniformed agents who investigate crimes that occur on federally con-trolled property. Investigators interview suspects and witnesses, conduct searches and seizures and collect and present evidence.These agents carry firearms and enforce federal laws for the protection of peo-ple and property in federal facilities.

Law Enforcement

The FPS law enforcement personnel are the most visible component of FPS’s law enforcement opera-tions.They respond to and investigate reports of crime, provide advice to client agencies on security issues, work with client agencies to improve facility and social conditions, and protect client agency operations and lawful assemblies from unwarranted disruptions.

Management

FPS’s management, both at the headquarters and at the regional level, is responsible for developing and providing programs, policies, leadership, guidance and oversight for FPS personnel.

Physical Security

FPS physical security specialists (PSS) and inspectors conduct security assessments of federally controlled buildings and advise client agencies and employees about pertinent physical security issues affecting them. Security assessments identify the security needs of individual facilities and recommend the most effective security measures to protect the facilities. PSSs conduct recurring on-site inspec-tions that objectively evaluate criteria such as the environment, crime rate, physical structure, tenant mix and architectural features to create a comprehensive assessment.

Additionally, PSSs usually recommend the position and hours of operation of the guard posts in feder-ally controlled facilities and develop post orders for each post in coordination with tenant agencies and other key personnel. The implementation of security countermeasures, to include contract guards, are approved and paid for by the tenant agencies.

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Security Guard Services

FPS relies on security guards such as you to protect federally controlled property throughout the nation.

You are the most visible security presence and the first public contact with security upon entering the facility. Although you are not employed by the fed-eral government, you have a crucial role in FPS’s mission and operations. We value the support pro-vided by you to assist the FPS security team.

Your primary responsibilities are to control access to federal property; to assist in ensuring the safety of employees and visitors while on federal property;

and to assist in ensuring the safety of federal prop-erty. Access control includes checking visitor and employee identification; operating security equip-ment such as x-ray machines and Magnetometers to screen for prohibited materials; operating or moni-toring security cameras and/or alarms; and report-ing crimes and incidents to the FPS MegaCenter.

FPS relies heavily on you to be the “eyes and ears”while accomplishing your security mission.

You should always be aware of your surroundings and the people with whom you interact. If you notice something out of ordinary that is suspicious, you should document it and report it to the FPS MegaCenter and your supervisor in accordance with your post orders. If a crime or serious incident occurs in your facility, you will be one of the first people interviewed to see what information you can supply to assist in the investigation.

Security Systems

Electronic security system specialists design, install, maintain, repair and operate security systems for federally controlled facilities. This group also devel-ops cost estimates, prepares contract specifications and monitors contractors’ performance on FPS contracts for security system installations. As a security guard, you may come into contact with these individuals when they are installing or repair-ing security equipment at your post or in your assigned facility.

1.4: Five Types of Facilities and Security Levels

The list below was developed by a federal inter-agency working group (including FPS), headed by the U.S. Department of Justice.The facility types were published in the Department of Justice Vulner-ability Assessment of Federal Buildings, dated June 28, 1995.You should know the profile, characteris-tics and tenants of the facility you are assigned to.

Level I

Typically, the Level I facility houses 10 or fewer fed-eral employees in a space not greater than 2,500 square feet. There is a low volume of public contact or contact with a small segment of the population.

A military recruiting office is an example of a small Level I “store front”type facility.

Some characteristics of a Level I facility are:

• the federal organization is a single tenant in a leased office;

• the building has no set back from the surround-ing streets;

• there are other offices or businesses in the building;

• there is meter or public parking immediately adjacent to the building;

• the standard hours of operation are less than 12 hours per day;

• it does not have perimeter lights;

• it may have a simple power back-up feature for emergency lighting and fire detection systems;

• the facility most likely has high-security locks on all exterior doors; the locks are probably the only measure of security for this level facility; and

• security guards are not typically assigned to a Level I facility.

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Level II

Typically, the Level II facility has between 11 and 150 federal employees with a moderate volume of public contact. The federal activities are routine in nature, similar to commercial activities. The build-ings are from 2,500 square feet to 80,000 square feet. A typical Level II building is a Social Security Administration office.

Some characteristics of a Level II facility are:

• the building most likely is a multi-story structure;

• the building probably is older.There are many historical buildings in this category;

• except for a sidewalk, the building may have no set back from the surrounding streets;

• only exterior parking is available and it is adja-cent to the building; and

• the building operates an average of 12 hours per day.

Level III

Typically, the Level III facility has between 151 and 450 federal employees. In addition, the facility probably has between 80,000 and 150,000 square feet of space and a moderate to high volume of public contact. The tenant agencies may include law enforcement agencies, court-related agencies and functions, and government records and archives.The Pension Building, a multi-tenant, historical building in Washington, D.C. is an example of a typical Level III building.

Some characteristics of a Level III facility are:

• although the building has a greater set-back than would be found at a lower level facility, it still has only a minimal setback from the street;

• it is likely to have an exterior parking lot;

• the building is open for use and operation to employees more than 12 hours per day;

• as in the lower levels, the primary security in the building is locks on all perimeter doors;

• it also may have a centrally monitored intrusion detection system; and

• the building was constructed less than 25 years ago.

Level IV

Typically, the Level IV facility has 451 or more fed-eral employees housed in more than 150,000 square feet. The facility usually has a high volume of public contact. The tenant agencies may include high-risk law enforcement agencies, courts, judicial offices and offices housing highly sensitive govern-ment records. For example, a typical Level IV build-ing is the Department of Justice Headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

Some characteristics of a Level IV facility are:

• it may be set back from the street;

• it will have some interior underground parking as well as exterior parking;

• the building is accessed by employees more than 12 hours per day and may be open to employees 24 hours per day;

• public access is limited to less than 12 hours per day.

Level V

The Pentagon and CIA Headquarters are examples of Level V facilities. Level V facilities contain mission functions critical to national security.The missions of Level V facilities require that tenant agencies secure the site according to their own requirements.

The degree to which these requirements dictate security features in excess of those for a Level IV is established by the individual agency. A Level V facil-ity will be similar to a Level IV facility in terms of number of employees and square footage. Security requirements at Level V facilities should be at least the same as at a Level IV facility.

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Chapter 2 The Security Guard

This chapter will provide the necessary elements for you to understand exactly what is expected and required of you. It will explain for you your mission, the desired qualities for a FPS security guard, and the proper protocol when conducting business with employees of the building and visitors to the facility.

2.1: Your Roles and Responsibilities

Recent events demonstrate the need for FPS to focus on and increase security within our federally con-trolled facilities.You are an important part of the security program designed to protect these facilities.

You will protect not only these facilities but also the many people who work in and visit these buildings every day.You will help the FPS enforce rules and regulations and maintain law and order.The federal government has established a contract with your employer to provide security guard services to sup-port FPS. How you will accomplish these tasks is established by the contract and post orders. It is very important for you to understand your job because everything that you do on duty will ultimately affect the accomplishment of the FPS mission.

Most people visiting a federal building do not know you work for a contractor.To these people, you rep-resent FPS. If you do not perform your duties at the expected standard, the consequences could be dam-age to or loss of federal property, serious injury to personnel or even loss of life.

Your role is to support the FPS mission. Although FPS law enforcement personnel are sworn law enforcement officers, security guards are not.You must understand the distinction between local or state police, FPS law enforcement personnel and yourselves as security guards.

Local or state police are responsible for keeping public order, enforcing laws, preventing crime and apprehending criminals. They work mostly on pub-lic property, but they may enter private property when invited or called to restore order and enforce the law. However, searches, arrests and other activi-ties on private property are strictly controlled by constitutional limitations and laws; an example is the requirement for arrest or search warrants based on probable cause. Local or state police also may patrol private property to which the public has free entry, such as shopping center parking lots.

FPS law enforcement personnel can make arrests on and off federally controlled property. Special agents (SA’s) investigate crimes ranging from homicide to theft of government property.They also investigate allegations of security guard misconduct on the job.

Information you provide to FPS investigators can be important to the successful outcome of a criminal investigation. FPS uniformed and investigative per-sonnel or local law enforcement (depending on your post location) will serve as your primary law enforcement support as you perform your duties.

Security guards help keep public order and prevent crime.You can detain individuals who are being seriously disruptive, violent or suspected of com-mitting a crime while on federally controlled prop-erty, but you do not have the authority to arrest a suspect as police.Your duties mainly concern pre-venting and detecting crime rather than investigat-ing and solving crimes. As part of your assigned duties you are expected to:

• control access to specific areas of a facility;

• enforce property rules and regulations;

• detect and report criminal acts;

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• stop and if possible, detain persons engaging in criminal activities;

• provide security against loss from fire or mechanical equipment failure;

• respond to emergency situations involving the safety and security of the facility; and

• act occasionally as a crowd monitor to maintain order.

These duties will be discussed in much greater detail in the chapters that follow.

2.2: Typical Duties

As a security guard, you will have many duties. Typ-ical duties are described below and several will be explained in further detail later in this manual.Your specific duties will be detailed by post orders or by the contracting office technical representative (COTR) in event of an emergency. During your career as an FPS security guard, you may be required to perform most or all of the duties described below.

Access and Egress Control Post

You must be mentally alert and physically ready to operate and enforce the government’s system of personnel identification and access/egress control as it is stated in your post orders.You may need to per-form inspections, either as part of your regular duties or during periods of heightened security alerts. These inspections may include checking pack-ages, briefcases, containers or any other suspicious items in the possession of people entering or leav-ing a federally controlled facility.Your inspections will normally focus on ensuring visitors do not bring weapons, bombs/bomb-making materials, chemical/biological agents or other prohibited materials into the building.You will also focus on ensuring persons do not depart the building with government material unless they are in possession of a valid property pass, if applicable.

You may be responsible for operating security equipment on your assigned post, such as x-ray machines, magnetometers and intrusion detection and closed circuit television (CCTV) systems.You will receive training on the use of the equipment.

You will deny and prevent entry to those persons refusing to submit to a voluntary inspection, except for those persons exempted by a specific govern-ment directive, which will be included in the post orders.

You will provide on-site security and control access to the post area by detecting, observing and report-ing violations of post regulations.This includes security of all internal and perimeter areas desig-nated within the confines of your assigned post.

You will answer general questions and provide directions to visitors and building tenants.You must be familiar with each tenant agency’s name and the locations of the most commonly sought after offices, elevators, entrance/exit points, convenience areas (restrooms, cafeteria, etc.), within the facility.

You must know the location of and have the ability to use any/all emergency equipment associated to your assigned post area.This includes the first aid kit, automatic external defibrillator (AED), fire extinguisher, fire alarms or duress alarms.Your post orders will provide direction on implementation.

Additional Duties

Dependent upon location, additional duties may encompass turning off unnecessary lightschecking safes/lock-type repositories and cabinets, closing and securing open windows/doors/gates or other access points, raising and lowering the flag or other duties directed by post orders.

Building Rules and Regulations

You will observe and monitor building occupants and visitors for compliance with the facility’s posted rules and regulations.You shall also identify, report, delay or detain those persons who violate the rules and regulations as applicable and in accordance with the post orders.

Civil Disturbances

You may be required to take actions to control crowds during civil disturbances.You also may be required to assist law enforcement personnel during such situations as directed by the COTR.

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Control, Issuance and Storage of Keys

Based on your post orders or direction from your COTR, you may be required to coordinate the receipt, issuance and tracking of all keys, key cards, lock combinations, etc. which control/restrict access to the facility. Access to these aforementioned items as well as issuance and tracking procedures will be in accordance with guidance contained in your post orders. Removal of any of these items from the facility/property is strictly prohibited unless author-ized by the COTR or the post orders.

You will immediately report any missing, lost, stolen or unusable key(s) or access control device to the FPS MegaCenter, COTR and shift supervisor.

As a security guard, control of the keys and access devices for the facility is a serious responsibility. Any negligence on your part resulting in these items being lost, damaged or used by unauthorized indi-viduals would result in an investigation and your employer determining if any/or what disciplinary action is warranted.

Emergencies

Emergency conditions require immediate attention and action and you may be required to respond.

Depending on the nature of the emergency, you may have to contact the appropriate personnel as outlined in the building’s Occupant Emergency Plan, which should be incorporated into your post orders. Emergency conditions may require you to be diverted from your normal duties until the emer-gency is over.

Hazardous Conditions

You shall report and record all potentially hazardous conditions and items in need of repair, including inoperative lights, leaky faucets, toilet stoppages and broken or slippery floor surfaces.

Physical Security and Law and Order

You shall maintain physical security and law and order within your area of assignment as prescribed by statute, regulation or post orders.You may be responsible for detecting, delaying and/or detaining persons violating laws, rules and regulations.

Primary Security Response

If your work site is in an outlying area, or in the event of multiple incidents, you may be required to be the primary security responder until law enforcement personnel arrive.This will require you to be familiar with your post orders, to remember your training and to apply yourself as the situation may warrant.

Reports, Records and Testimony

You will prepare required reports regarding secu-rity-related incidents/occurrences such as accidents, fires, bomb threats, unlawful acts, etc., and provide these reports to those officials specified by your supervisor and/or COTR.

You shall verbally report threatening circum-stances/potential threatening activities that you observe while on duty to the FPS MegaCenter and your supervisor. Whenever possible, you should report a serious/potential serious problem before responding so you may receive additional guard backup and/or whatever other support is necessary to lessen or eliminate the problem.

You may be required to testify in various judicial proceedings on behalf of the Government.Your employer will coordinate all contract-related court appearances with the COTR when such appearances are required.You will be paid for all time associated with court duty, whether or not your testimony is provided or used in the case. Contract-related court testimony on behalf of the Government shall take priority over all your other scheduled duties. Unless otherwise required by the COTR, you shall appear for court testimony wearing your full uniform without any firearm or weapon.

Response to Injury or Illness

You shall obtain professional assistance in the event of injury or illness of individuals while they are in the facility.You may be required to perform first aid, CPR and/or use the AED equipment in emergency situations and properly assist medical and law enforcement personnel as necessary and when trained or certified to do so.

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Roving Patrols

You will conduct patrols in accordance with routes and schedules contained in your post orders.You will observe, report and respond to all suspected or actual security violations or facility problems.You will be responsible for initiating and maintaining all necessary documents, reports or files for any inci-dents/occurrences while performing your assigned duties.Your security patrol duties and associated functions will be performed in a professional man-ner at all times, observing the area and questioning any person(s) whose activities do not appear nor-mal. As the rover, you will usually be required to respond to any alarms, calls for assistance or emer-gency situations.

Security and Fire Systems

You may be required to monitor and operate build-ing fire alarm and intrusion detection systems and other protection devices or building equipment located on or near your post.

Traffic Control

Depending upon your location and based on your post orders, you may be required to direct traffic (vehicular and/or pedestrian), control parking, issue courtesy traffic violation notices on federal property, as well as observe the environment for suspicious vehicles or persons on or around federal property.You may be required to operate traffic con-trol points and identify, delay and detain any suspi-cious vehicles or persons as required to maintain the appropriate level of security to ensure the safety and protection of all personnel, property and resources within the facility.

Unauthorized Access

You shall prevent, discover, delay and/or detain per-sons attempting to gain unauthorized access to property and/or personnel at the facility being pro-tected.You shall report all such incidents in accor-dance with established procedures detailed in the post orders.

Utility Systems

You may be required to lock or unlock specific access and egress points, and turn on/off lights in your duty area at specific times during your tour of duty.

During emergencies, you may be required to per-form simple emergency related functions that acti-vate or deactivate building systems, such as heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems, circuit breakers/switches and plumbing valves/switches.

2.3: Creating A Good Image

First impressions of a guard in uniform “says a lot”for some people, whether employees in the building or visitors. A sharp appearance and cour-tesy will enhance your relations with people.Your professionalism in dealing with the public helps build a good image for your employer and instills a sense of trust in the client agency you protect.

While you are on duty you represent FPS, the gov-ernment and your employer.You will usually be the first person a visitor meets upon entering a federal facility and therefore, you have an obligation to always make a good impression.

Being an FPS security guard requires high standards and the appropriate use of discretion. In your posi-tion you may have access to information that is either proprietary or on a need-to-know basis.You may be approached by people who ask you ques-tions of a sensitive nature (e.g., about building secu-rity, government policies, active investigations, etc.).

Your response to these questions are crucial. If you divulge sensitive information, you could be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including the per-manent removal from all FPS security guard service contracts and possibly criminal prosecution. Some-one asking questions of a sensitive nature concern-ing the federal government or employees of the same should always be referred to the government agency for answers.

Your discretion applies to matters of both an official and non-official nature.The possibility exists that someone could overhear your conversation and take it out of context. Comments about a sensitive matter may be reported to your superiors and if investi-gated and found to be true, you may be subject to disciplinary action. Always be mindful of your con-versations and those personnel around you.

As a FPS security guard, you should be aware of the fact that any type of unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated and could result in you being removed from an assigned post or from the contract.

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Building trust and goodwill are two of your many important functions. Cultivate good relations with employees at your workplace.Their safety is one of your responsibilities. This may be accomplished by a courteous greeting (e.g., good morning, good afternoon), by addressing them by name whenever possible (e.g., Mr. Smith, Ms. Jones). If their names are unknown a polite “sir”or “ma’am”would be appropriate.

When making a request of someone, saying “please”before and a “thank you”after goes a long way (for example, “Sir, could I please see your iden-tification?”and “thank you”after they comply). Ges-tures such as these not only make you appear to be professional and courteous, but also provides the people you are addressing a feeling of respect.

Many buildings have VIPs working within or who regularly visit the facility, such as executive manage-ment, elected officials and judges. If your duty book contains a VIP listing with names and pictures, you should make every effort to memorize them so you can greet the VIPs by name. By doing so you are creating a positive impression that reflects your pro-fessionalism once again.There have been many instances when a VIP has taken the time to write a letter of commendation on behalf of a security guard who has shown continued professionalism and attention to duty. It is well worth the small effort it takes to act professionally and courteously at all times.

Professionalism

Professionalism for a FPS security guard is a cor-nerstone for your foundation. Your attitude and actions should clearly show everyone your intent to perform your duties to the best of your abilities and they in turn should cooperate and allow you to do so.You must exercise caution and be mindful when balancing friendliness and politeness with firmness.

You are there to provide protection. Even in the face of people being rude or abusive towards you, your demeanor should remain professional and courte-ous. It’s essential to be friendly, but never to the point where people will expect you to bend or break the rules.You will come to know and recog-nize employees within the facility and it would be simple to “allow one to enter who has forgotten his/her identification one day, for example.”In an instance such as this, and although this may be one of the nicest persons you have met, you must follow your prescribed duty and process this individual as outlined in your post orders. Never place yourself in a compromising position.

2.4: Basic Appearance Standards

The following are basic standards for all security guards. Since you are a representative of your com-pany, FPS and the government, you must meet the highest standards for appearance.Your appearance is a subtle, silent form of communication.

Personal Appearance

You are expected to be clean and properly groomed at all times.Your uniform must be clean and unwrinkled when you report for duty.

Your fingernails should be free of dirt and trimmed so that they do not extend beyond the fingertips.

Nail polish may be worn if it is subdued and natural looking.

Your hair must be clean, neat and not interfere with the proper wearing of official headgear.The height of the hair (male or female), from the scalp to the highest point on the coiffure, is not to exceed 2 inches. Hair must not fall below either the eyebrow when the head is uncovered nor protrude below the inside sweatband of headgear. A male security guard’s hair must not cover the top of his collar when standing. A female security guard’s hair can-not exceed below the bottom edge of her blouse collar when standing. Bouffant and modified bush styles are acceptable if they allow proper wearing of the official headgear.

Hair ornaments, such as flowers and combs, cannot be worn. Items to hold hair in place such as bobby pins, hairpins and barrettes may be worn if they are concealed as much as possible and are of a color that blends with the hair. The cap may be secured to the hair with up to two hatpins of plain design with black or dark blue pinheads.

Faces must be clean-shaven, except for mustaches and sideburns. Men’s sideburns must be neatly trimmed, extending no lower than the bottom of the ear, constant in width (not flared), and end with a clean-shaven horizontal line.

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Mustaches are to be neatly trimmed, they may extend no more than a half-inch beyond and a fourth-inch below each corner of the lips and go no higher than the nose line.

Upon submission of a medical certificate from a licensed physician stating that a skin disorder exist and the individual cannot shave, he may wear a beard provided the beard hairs are trimmed sym-metrically and do not protrude more than one-fourth of a inch from the skins surface.The permission to be unshaven is granted only for the duration of the skin disorder.Therefore, the physi-cian’s certificate must be updated every 120 days, unless the physician’s initial certificate stipulates the disorder may exceed beyond 120 days.

Makeup may be worn by security guards, provided it is subdued and natural looking.

While you are on duty, you may not wear jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, chains, religious insignia, buttons or pendants.You may wear a ring, but only on the third finger of one hand.You may wear a necklace, but only if it is completely con-cealed beneath the uniform shirt.You must remove ALL body piercing jewelry prior to working on post unless it is completely covered by your uniform.

These rules may seem restrictive to you, but they are for your own protection.Violent offenders have been known to rip earrings out of ears and make garrotes with necklaces.

Undergarments that can be seen through or above a uniform shirt must be white. Female security guards must wear supportive brassieres.

Proper Wear of Uniforms

Keep your uniforms, insignia, accessories and equipment clean and in good repair. They are to be maintained and worn as follows:

Wear your cap squarely on the head, with the sweat-band snugly against the forehead, except when you are in a motor vehicle or assigned to an office. How-ever, the cap must be in your possession at all times while on duty.You may be issued a dark blue fur or pile-trimmed cap with earflaps in cold weather.

Long-sleeved shirts may be worn as under or outer garments; however undergarments shall not be seen under the natural line of the uniform. Short-sleeved shirts may be worn as outer garments or under the windbreaker. When you wear a long-sleeved shirt you must wear a tie. When the shirt is used as an outer garment, do not wear suspenders, do not roll/fold back the sleeves.You may have a shirt altered only for proper fitting.

Leave trouser legs un-cuffed and hem at the point where they touch the shoe tops without breaking the creased lines.Trousers must fit properly.

Wear a solid black, 2- or 3-inch-wide, clip-on tie with long-sleeved shirts. Use an appropriate law enforcement or plain tie clasp or pin. Do not tuck the tie into the front of the shirt. Do not wear a tie with a short-sleeve shirt.

An overcoat or windbreaker may be issued to guards assigned outside duties in cold weather. Any outerwear worn must first be approved by FPS. All outerwear must display your nameplate and badge.

Wear black socks that are long enough so that your skin won’t show below your trousers when you are sitting.You may wear white socks if they are required for medical reasons and you are authorized to do so.

Keep your footwear shined and in good condition.

Shoes must be black with black laces and plain toes.

Toes and heels are to be closed and the heels no higher than 1 (one) inch. Pumps, loafers, wingtips, sandals, suede and athletic shoes are not permitted.

If boots are worn, they must be black with rounded plain toes (not pointed). Boots with decorative stitching, heels higher than 1 inch or tops higher than 12 inches are prohibited. Do not tuck trouser legs into the tops of boots.

All badges must be of a type approved by or issued by the contractor. Wear the metal breast badge on the left breast of the shirt when the shirt is used as the outermost garment. Wear the cloth badge on the windbreaker and overcoat. Wear the cap badge squarely upright and centered above the cap visor.

Shoulder patches must conform to the contract. Wear the contract security guard service patch on the left shoulder of the shirt, overcoat and windbreaker.

The nameplate is metal with round corners and measures 2½”long, 5/8”high, with letters ¼”high.

The nameplate contains the guard’s first initial and

10 Security Guard Information Manual, 2008 Revision • Federal Protective ServiceFor Official Use Only last name. Wear it centered on the right pocket flap of your outermost garment. Nameplates must be of the same material and appearance for all security guards.

Wear only the accessories that you are qualified to handle and are issued by your employer in accor-dance with the contract.These include but are not limited to: handcuff case with handcuffs, key holders (which may be worn on the trouser belt), radio case and baton. For security guards working on armed posts, equipment includes an FPS approved holster worn at the hip, a sidearm, an ammunition pouch with ammunition and four pistol belt keepers.

You are prohibited from carrying or using the following; personal weapons, the klieg-light flashlight, knives, blackjacks, rifles or any other items not specified by the contract.

Uniforms and equipment must be worn or in your immediate possession at all times.

Care of Uniforms and Equipment

You and your employer are responsible for main-taining and controlling all approved uniforms and equipment. Agencies may, at some locations, provide office and locker facilities.

Weapons, nightsticks or batons, handcuffs, flash-lights, hand-carried communication devices (e.g., radios or cell phones) and building keys will be controlled according to post orders and logged in on DHS Form ( TBD), Firearms and Equipment Control Register. Unless otherwise authorized by the contract/post orders, weapons will be stored in a government approved steel safe or approved locker when not in use. Record the weapon’s serial number and the number of bullets on the DHS Form (TBD). (Note: Some FPS contracts require or authorize security guards to take their weapons off the post, and in such cases no on-site safe or firearms cabinet will be available for weapons stor-age.Your post orders will describe the procedures for transporting and/or storing weapons under these circumstances).

If you remove any equipment from the building or facility, indicate so on the same form and note in the building log the date, location and reason for removing the property.

You must be prepared to make all equipment listed on the DHS Form (TBD) available for inspection by FPS personnel. The inspectors are required to identify themselves with FPS credentials. The build-ing log entry is to show the date, times of arrival and departure and the name of the inspector along with any remarks. If you have any questions con-cerning the validity of the inspection, notify your supervisor or the FPS MegaCenter. Cooperate fully with the inspector.

2.5: Acceptable and Unacceptable Conduct

Acceptable Conduct

You must report for duty at the assigned time and post. It is your duty to report on time and to stay on post until you are properly relieved.You must be prepared for duty when you report.You must be in the full, proper uniform with all your required equipment to include your assigned weapon. Once you have assumed your post, you will not be allowed to take breaks unless you are properly relieved, all of which is stipulated in your post orders. Even while on break, you still are required to maintain a professional appearance. Breaks are to be taken away from the post area so it does not appear you are neglecting your duties.

Unacceptable Conduct

Unless specifically authorized in your post orders, you are not permitted to engage in any of the fol-lowing activities while in uniform and on post:

• eat, drink or use any tobacco product.

• read newspapers, books, magazines or any other prohibited reading material;

• use any type of radio, cassette player, CD player, walkman or music device;

• watch television;

• use a personal computer (e.g., laptop, PDA such as a palm pilot, etc.);

• use a personal cellular telephone;

• sleep, doze or nap;

• play cards or other games (electronic or non-electronic);

• have friends or family members on post or in the area;

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• socialize with friends, building tenants, visitors or other security guards who are on break or off duty; or

• use agency offices or personnel facilities for any of the above listed prohibited activities unless on a authorized break and are permitted to use the facilities (e.g., the snack bar, cafeteria or break room…generally, any room/area open for public use).

While on duty, you cannot fraternize with the building occupants or visitors.You may engage in conversation with them if necessary in conducting official business. Because you are in uniform and are easily identified by building occupants as well as the general public, your actions could easily be misinterpreted.

You cannot use alcohol or any medication (prescrip-tion or non-prescription), which impairs your abil-ity to perform your duties. For example, cold/ allergy medicine, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, etc., all of which may affect your mental awareness.

This applies to the eight hours immediately prior to assuming duty and while on duty. Using drugs or drinking on duty is grounds for immediate dismissal and removal from any federally controlled facility.

FPS security guard service contracts require random illegal drug testing and illegal drug testing for rea-sonable cause. A positive reading on any drug test is grounds for immediate and permanent removal from every FPS security guard service contract.

As a representative of a law enforcement organiza-tion, use of illegal substances will absolutely not be tolerated, whether you engage in such activity on or off duty.

You shall not remove any property that does not belong to you, whether it is owned by employees or visitors of the facility you are protecting or the government. Any person found violating this law will be subject to disciplinary action and possibly prosecuted under Title 18 of the U.S. Code or under local laws.

Provided you have been properly relieved or your tour of duty has ended, when you leave your post you must document on all records and logs that you are not on duty.The relief security guard will sign in and work if you are on a break. A supervisor should not be providing relief because you cannot perform both as a productive security guard and supervisor at the same time.

In the event any situation not covered in the manual should present itself, contact your supervisor for directions and/or clarification.

Grounds for Possible Disciplinary Action

The following list with explanations comprises grounds for possible disciplinary action, up to and including permanent removal from any FPS security guard service contract.

1. Assault—making or uttering physical or verbal threats.

2. Arson.

3. Theft or pilferage.

4. Sabotage.

5. Willful or careless destruction of property or vandalism.

6. Dishonesty—accepting bribes, enabling a person to secure stolen property, permitting unauthorized access to a facility or protected materials or lying to a government official or your supervisor.

7. Misuse of weapons, whether assigned to you or not.

8. Insubordination towards the visitors, your supervisor(s) or government personnel.

9. Disregarding orders, including your post orders, special orders or instructions, or verbal instruc-tions from your supervisor(s) or the govern-ment’s contracting officer’s representative.

10. Immoral conduct or any other criminal act that violates rules, regulations or established policy of the government.

11. Sexual harassment or discrimination towards visitors or government employees.