Final answer:
Security officers must greet individuals and investigate suspicions, understanding security protocols and social behaviors while also being trained to use deterrents responsibly.
Step-by-step explanation:
A security officer's primary responsibility is to maintain a safe and secure environment. It is essential that they briefly greet individuals along their patrol route, particularly those they are unfamiliar with. This greeting serves as a preliminary security check and establishes their presence as an authority figure.
If a security officer senses something suspicious, they must investigate further. Knowledge of security protocols and quick judgment is critical here. They should have a clear understanding of their authority and the limits of their power, similar to the boundaries set for police officers in their interactions with citizens.
Understanding of social behaviors and customs in various environments is also relevant, as it dictates the security officer's approach in different circumstances. For example, in dealing with a potential threat, they might need to take on an unobtrusive observation role or an active intervention role, depending on the situation.
Lastly, security officers should be trained on the effects and responsibilities associated with using deterrents like pepper spray, ensuring empathy and restraint in their use. This concept is akin to military police being pepper sprayed during their training to understand its impact.