What is a security guard personal statement?
A security guard personal statement is a written, first-person account provided by a security guard describing what they personally observed, what actions they took, and what occurred from their direct perspective during an incident.
A personal statement is a legal document. It may be reviewed by supervisors, clients, attorneys, insurance carriers, and law enforcement, and it can be subpoenaed in civil or criminal proceedings. Because of this, it must be truthful, factual, professional, and limited to firsthand knowledge.
Purpose of a Security Guard Personal Statement
A personal statement exists to:
- Preserve the guard’s independent recollection
- Document direct actions and observations
- Support incident reports and investigations
- Protect the guard from false claims or misrepresentation
- Clarify events when multiple guards or witnesses are involved
- Establish credibility and professionalism
While an incident report documents what happened overall, a personal statement documents what you personally did and observed.
When a Personal Statement Is Required
Most professional security companies require a personal statement when:
- Force is used or threatened
- A detention or restraint occurs
- OC spray, Taser, baton, or firearm is involved
- A subject files a complaint
- A guard is accused of misconduct
- An injury occurs
- Law enforcement, fire, or EMS responds
- Management or legal counsel requests documentation
Some companies require a personal statement for every serious incident, even if no force was used.
Personal Statement vs. Incident Report
| Incident Report | Personal Statement |
|---|---|
| Administrative document | Individual legal narrative |
| Third person | First person (“I”) |
| Covers entire incident | Covers your actions only |
| Often standardized | Free-form but structured |
| Objective summary | Factual personal account |
Both documents must be consistent, but they serve different legal and operational purposes.
What a Proper Personal Statement Must Include
1. Identification
- Full name
- Job title
- License number (if applicable)
- Date and time written
2. Statement of Truth
A brief declaration that the statement is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
3. Chronological Narrative
Written in first person, answering:
- What you personally observed
- What actions you took and why
- What commands you gave
- How the subject responded
- When and how the incident ended
Only include facts you directly witnessed.
4. Use of Force (If Applicable)
- Why force was necessary
- What type of force was used
- Duration of force
- Any injuries observed
5. Conclusion
- How the situation resolved
- Whether supervisors or law enforcement were notified
6. Signature
- Guard’s signature
- Date and time
Example: Security Guard Personal Statement
I, John Smith, am employed as a licensed security guard. On December 12, 2025, at approximately 1935 hours, I was assigned to the front entrance of the property. I observed a male subject wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans conceal merchandise under his jacket. I maintained visual observation and notified the Manager on Duty. When the subject exited the store without paying, I issued verbal commands for him to stop. The subject ignored commands and fled eastbound on foot. I did not pursue and did not make physical contact. Law enforcement was notified by management. No injuries occurred. This statement is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
What NOT to Include in a Personal Statement
- Opinions or assumptions
- Emotional language
- Medical diagnoses
- Legal conclusions (e.g., “he committed a crime”)
- Statements you did not personally hear
- Speculation about intent
Avoid phrases such as:
- “I think”
- “It seemed like”
- “Probably”
Stick to observable facts only.
Personal Statement Q & A
Q: Is a security guard personal statement mandatory?
A: It depends on company policy, but most professional security companies require a personal statement for any serious incident, use of force, injury, complaint, or law enforcement response.
Q: Should a personal statement match the incident report exactly?
A: The facts must be consistent, but the documents serve different purposes. The incident report documents the event overall, while the personal statement documents your personal actions and observations.
Q: Can a personal statement be used in court?
A: Yes. Personal statements are frequently subpoenaed and reviewed in civil lawsuits, criminal cases, and administrative hearings.
Q: Should I include my opinion or feelings?
A: No. Opinions, emotions, and assumptions create legal risk and should never be included.
Q: Is a personal statement written in first or third person?
A: First person. Always use “I observed,” “I advised,” and “I took the following action.”
Q: Should I write a personal statement even if nothing physical happened?
A: Yes. Verbal threats, complaints, or unusual encounters may still require documentation.
Q: When should a personal statement be written?
A: As soon as practical, preferably before the end of the shift while details are fresh.
Q: Can I edit my personal statement after submission?
A: No. Once submitted, statements should not be altered. Corrections must be made through a supplemental statement if required.
Key Takeaway
A security guard personal statement is your sworn narrative of an incident. When written correctly, it protects you, your employer, and your client. Poorly written or missing statements create unnecessary liability.
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