wallet searching by a security guards

bossnass

Every day at work we have to go though an airport style metal detector, take every thing out of our pockets take off belts ect. And put any possessions in to a Tupperware tub over seen by a security guard and a random search all that I can live with

But to day the powers that be introduced a new policy (wallet searching) with out telling us
Ok nothing wrong with that but to day I did as I do every day every thing in to the Tupperware tub put the tub on the table next to the metal detector walked though and what did I find as I came out
The security guard with my wallet in his hands openly looking though it without my prior consent and no one next to him to over seeing him or protecting us !

Where do I stand with it ?
because I think that is well out of order!

DarkHorse

Security guards are not allowed to open people's bags unless confirming with owners first (if it belongs to the person) and get their consent to put their hands in their belongings.

At Airport the security staff first ask the passenger "is this yours?" And "can I check"

It seems to me the security person has made an error (not sure why)

If unsure please speak to your line manager and ask them for the Staff search policy on the company hands book.

Hope it helps

Thanks

DH

bossnass

thank you DarkHorse for the quick reply

sorry it not at Airport its a private company but thay have airport style metal detector
and he did not ask if he could look in it at all
and after i kick up a fuss up about it he wave a peice of paper with what looked like a photocopy of a passport saying that he had the right to search it

but i would have thought that he would still have to ask you if he can and he should do it in frount of me
not as im going though the metal detector
i would have shown him but its the way he did it and the that i had a small amount of money in it and if he was quck enough he could have taken it

yoda

Hi Bossnass,

You find that if it become company policy, it should have been anounced to all members of staff, and yes who should have been made aware of the new policy and asked for consent prior to him doing so.

Cheers

DarkHorse

Sorry when I give example of Airport security they tend to put there hands in the passengers bags with their consent.

I suggest casually speak with your line manager and explain that you weren't happy with the search procedures which took place yesterday, can they shade some light and what is the company policy on searches etc....

Now, it all depends how you feel as manager might think its a little issue but if you feel uncomfortable then it need to be flagged to them ideally in writing so management can investigate properly.

If you tell them verbally .... They will reply back verbally.

If you put in writing... Then they need to investigate and give you reasons etc in writing.

DH

bossnass

thank you yoda

so what can i do can i do about it if this happens again ?
and i will bring this up with the line manager and i have a felling that it could get a bit messy
the company sacks people like there nothing and have a high turnover of staff!

Lietuvis

So .. you are next !

Basically it should be included in your handbook , that you will be searched that you are not allowed to carry money , or ammount is limited etc. Some companys have that, and basically while you employed by them or on their premises, you must comply with the rules... If you wont, you wont be leted in the building - simple as that..

But i agree.. Guard needed to ask you before geting his hands on YOUR property but this does not apply to all countries...

Marcus2RRF

Company random searches can be refused at any point if the person being searched feels they are being victimised or simply does not want to be searched.

Many companies take it upon themselves to bestow these rules without finding out the correct information regarding law and EU legislations of civil rights.

A single person can refuse to be searched by anybody other than police. A security officer does not have the right to touch your person or belongings, that power relies solely with police forces. If a security officer subjects you to a search after you refuse you can take legal action on the grounds of assault, battery and false imprisonment. If an employer insists that the search must take place you must inform them that they are in violation of article 8 of the human rights act 1998 and that you can only be searched by a representative of the law enforcement agency on grounds of theft. You could also take legal action if the police search you and the claims are unfounded. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS most employers will tell you that they co here to law but in fact introduce these policies of "abuse" without researching the nescesarry laws which bind them.

bossnass

I would like to thank you all for your help in this matter

darkhorse, yoda. lietuvis. marcus2rrf.


I have now left that company few hehe! For I hope a lot better company and a lot more pay and a lot better prospects, I was offered it on the on the 3rd September 2008 and I said, I would start it asp! oh and yes I did forget to work my one week’s notice period I start on the 8th but I told them that I was going so they had some notice

And they still think there above the law or they think that they have the powers of police; did it 3 more times to me and some one over herd, one of the saying some thing that could be classed as harassment by them
So am a better off out of there

And a handbook? mmmmmmmmmmmmmm ! never given one may because they have a very very high turnover of staff (and 3 or 4 were sacked in the last few days)
But I already have one from the new company! now that is good !!

And this is quiet funny the line manager after I told him that I was leaving never talked to me well now how childish!

DarkHorse

I wonder where you work ..... know alot of companies who demonstrates such behaviour. You should wrote a letter and sent it in to CEO so they don't do it to other employees (just a thought).

But hey... Good luck in your new job

DH