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Public safety is back in the spotlight this summer in the wake of nationwide political demonstrations.
The mix of heightened tensions and sweltering weather creates increased stress, causing people to reach a literal boiling point. This increases the risk for acts of violence anywhere crowds gather, including parades, music festivals and car shows.
Private security firms and the companies that insure them can often be caught in the middle, but they don’t have to be. As the summer unfolds, firms can reduce their liability and protect both officers and citizens by implementing proactive risk management strategies, including targeted de-escalation training.
The heat is on
The link between hot weather and acts of violence isn’t just anecdotal; it is proven in scientific research. Rising temperatures can make people uncomfortable, triggering feelings of irritation, anxiety and aggression.
Groups like the American Psychological Association have found a direct link between warmer weather and an increase in crimes like aggravated assault, murders and mass shootings. Consider the revelry following a soccer team’s recent championship win in June in Paris. The celebratory parade was marred by multiple violent acts, including drivers striking down pedestrians and conflicts among police, firefighters and fans.
Heat can even lead to bad behavior in controlled environments. A study conducted in Mississippi found violent interactions increased by 20% between prison inmates on days with unsafe heat index levels.
Weighing the costs
Costs related to violent events at large summer gatherings can escalate as quickly as the temperature. From an insurance perspective, key areas of exposure for private security firms include:
Bodily injury claims: Private security firms can be held liable for legal and medical costs when a bystander is injured during a confrontation with a security professional. Not only do these types of claims impact a firm’s bottom line, they increase their risk profile. Frequent incidents can lead to premium increases or reduced coverage options.
Employee safety and workers’ compensation: When security officers need to break up a fight or control an angry crowd, they risk personal injury. Security firms then need to cover injured officers’ medical expenses and rearrange staffing to cover the workers’ lost time.
Lawsuits: Any perceived mishandling of a crowded situation can trigger lawsuits claiming negligence, excessive force or even civil rights violations. Each lawsuit raises the risk of a potential nuclear verdict (those over $10 million), which can bring devastating consequences to a private guard firm.
Cooling down the risks
To cool down confrontational situations, no matter how high the temperature rises, de-escalation training equips security officers with necessary skills they can use. Both risk managers within private security firms and agents who insure those firms should consider championing de-escalation training and other best practices to reduce the risk of harm to security professionals and citizens. Risk managers can start by taking these three steps:
Hire de-escalation training specialists: Risk managers can bring in outside experts to train new hires in de-escalation tactics and provide refresher training to seasoned officers annually. Training should focus on proper body mechanics, redirecting or removing people from worsening situations, and displaying empathy.
Scrutinize the use of firearms: Arming employees brings potential benefits and drawbacks to security firms. In some jurisdictions, only on-duty officers can carry firearms. Should an off-duty officer use their weapon, the security firm could face litigation. This is why some insurance organizations choose not to engage with private security firms that arm their officers. Firms that choose to weaponize staff should perform firearm training in addition to de-escalation training.
Screen new hires thoroughly: During onboarding interviews, risk managers should assess whether job candidates have the right temperament to deal with agitated people. Firms should not put a new officer into an escalating situation until they monitor them in low-volatility situations.
Agents can strengthen a firm's safety culture by keeping clients informed about evolving federal, state and local regulations regarding training and use-of-force policies. Sharing this information will help firms stay compliant and avoid litigation. Additionally, agents can:
Advise clients on obtaining appropriate coverage: Educate clients about policy language that could leave them exposed. For example, a standard general liability policy from an agent that doesn’t specialize in covering security firms may include language specifying that coverage only responds to claims alleging “reasonable force” in situations of protecting property. A specialty insurance agency will change that language from “reasonable” to “physical” to provide more relevant coverage.
Share additional risk mitigation techniques: The best way for private firms to limit their exposure to potentially volatile situations is by avoiding or limiting clients prone to higher volatility. Counsel clients on the added risks associated with securing facilities like hospital emergency rooms, where people might be highly sensitive or places that sell alcohol and attract large crowds, such as sporting events, concerts and some bars and restaurants.
Rising summer temperatures should not cause escalating claims. By understanding the added risks of hot weather and the potential benefits of de-escalation tactics, agents can protect their clients, and risk managers can keep their firm’s officers safe.
Tory Brownyard, CPCU, is president of Brownyard Group, an insurance program administrator with specialty programs for select industry groups. In addition to his responsibilities as president, he currently spearheads the Brownguard security guard insurance program.
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