Security guards have a very interesting work environment because every day they don't know what they will encounter. Most people work in offices see the same people and things all the time. Let me tell you about one of the little things that security guards deal with.
I was working at a gatehouse security post that controlled all vehicle movements in and out of the base. Part of our conditions of entry was that all vehicles were subject to random inspections upon exit and need to comply as part of the contracted terms. I was on duty this day and it was my turn to do the next vehicle check.
Blue flashing light
We used an electronic randomiser to keep the searches fair and out of the guards control to prevent favouritism or deliberate tampering with the search protocols. What this means is that a little blue light would start flashing when the next vehicle was allocated as the searched vehicle and they would be stopped by a boom gate and approached by security.
A company car approached my gate and the light started flashing. As the boom gate came down I grabbed my search equipment and report book to start the assessment. Heading to the vehicle I noticed nothing unusual and it appeared to be a managers vehicle.
Routine questions
We used standardised questions to get the drivers details and company records to complete our paperwork. Everything was going well and it seemed that the vehicle was mainly empty. We always have a quick look inside as we write the details down.
When I asked the driver to open the boot he seemed to hesitate a bit, so I reminded him of our conditions and that he needed to open the boot for me. As he got out and walked to the boot I saw that he was moving a bit unsure. He also stopped talking. This made me a bit nervous and I moved an angle away just in case he reacted when the boot was opened.
Old Fishing clothes
He opened the boot and stepped back. I wasn't quite sure what I would see but it looked like just a set of old fishing clothes and tackle. I instructed him to move the items around and show me the entire boot space.
I couldn't see anything that would cause him to be nervous, so this made me more nervous.
He closed the boot and I asked him to step up and open the rear doors so I could see into the back of his vehicle. He opened one door and I noticed a brass clip briefcase wedged under the drivers seat partially hidden by documents and light rubbish.
Suspect briefcase
The base had very confidential and restricted information in various departments and I started to think this guy was transporting confidential documents that he didn't have access to. Security is always informed when secure documents are moved and a particular case is used. This wasn't one of them.
I requested that he removed the briefcase and open it for me.
Shaking and sweating
From the moment I asked he starting shaking and sweating heavily. I could see this wasn't something he wanted to do for me. I moved into a defensive position ready for him to try and run, so I could apprehend him if necessary.
I noticed the case seemed heavy and it had two combination locks on it.
He told me that he has forgotten the combination and couldn't open the locks.
I reminded him that if he didn't open the case I would detain him for the authorities and they would open it.
Pandora's box
He thought about resisting and decided he was better off opening it. As he slowly opened the locks I heard the tumblers click into position. I was watching from the side of him and kept my eyes on his hands.
He lifted the top up and exposed the contents of the briefcase to me.
I saw it was packed tightly with dozens of alternate pornographic magazines, some unusual sex toys, and personal items. He was completely red in the face and almost passing out from embarrassment.
Nothing to see here
I told him that I have no interest in his sexual interests or items and only that there is no confidential information within. He removed all the items out and I confirmed the briefcase was clean: so to speak.
He quickly put everything back in the briefcase and I let him back in his vehicle.
As he readied to drive away he told me that never again will he put his personal case inside a company vehicle. I agreed that it might be best.
I never saw him or his briefcase again.
© Copyright 2008 by Paul Baker
No comments:
Post a Comment