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Tips to Diffuse Potentially Violent Situations

Oct 08, 2019

Learn How to Diffuse Violent Situations Across the Concord, NC Region

When you are the acting security officer for an event, keeping control of any situation is important. As a security officer, you want to try to de-escalate conflicts before they escalate further. Whether it's an irate customer or a concert-goer that needs help calming down, knowing how to gain control over the situation can help prevent bigger issues and help people find a better resolution. Some things to keep in mind when you are trying to diffuse a potentially violent situation include:

Familiarize Yourself With The Environment

It's important as a security officer to familiarize yourself with the area you are working in. This will help you identify potential problems before they arise and allows you to stay one step ahead of situations. If you are assigned to an apartment complex, this may require you to become familiar with those coming and going, as well as interaction between neighbors.

Don't Overreact

As a security officer, it's important to assess the situation calmly. If you are to react strongly, especially in a situation that doesn't call for it, it can make the situation much worse. Not only that, but it could lead to lawsuits and other legal issues. Staying calm is key.

Establish Authority

Although you should not overreact when it comes to confrontations, it is important to establish authority. State that you are a security officer and ready to help. This will set the tone for the rest of the conversation and situation.

Look for Signs of Agitation

Even when a person speaks calmly, they may be agitated. Watch for flared nostrils, crossed arms, flushed skin, tense face muscles, or threatening comments. Being aware of signs of agitation may help you de-escalate a situation. Remember to stay calm to avoid making the problem worse.

Listen & Empathize

Give angry, upset people the opportunity to vent, as they will want to be heard. Stay calm and paraphrase what they are saying. Show empathy for the situation letting them know you understand how they feel. This doesn't mean you agree with the situation, but saying you understand makes it clear you are there to help.

Add Distance

If there are two irate parties, separating them is important. This will reduce the opportunity for violence to erupt, but also gives each party the opportunity to calm down, breathe, and talk through the situation, giving their side of the story.

Create a Resolution

As the situation becomes diffused and people have calmed down, you want to make sure that situations do not escalate again. Ask those involved for a resolution or help them create one.

At Majestic Security Services Inc, we train and employ highly-professional security officers in the Concord, Charlotte, and Gastonia, NC. Contact us today to learn more information about our services, and to see if we can help you.

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