Security Guard Safety Jeopardized in Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Shooting

The security guard safety levels at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel have come into question as a man pleaded guilty to shooting a hotel guard during an attempted jewelry heist.

On Tuesday, Rafael Rabinovich-Arda admitted that he shot security guard Gregory J. Boyle, 55, accidentally while trying to rob the hotel jewelry store. The defendant claims that his gun went off accidentally as the two men struggled.

Boyle, the security guard, is a retired New York City police detective. Mr. Boyle says that he still has fragments of the bullet from the hotel shooting in his chest.

As a result, Boyle continually experiences numbness and other after effects of the shooting. The defendant's lawyers are arguing that he was coerced into robbing the jewelry store because of his cocaine addiction, depression, and loneliness.

Proper Security Guard Safety Techniques Can Prevent Workplace Fatalities

Over one million security guards patrol businesses and respond to emergencies in the United States. Among security guards, the leading cause of death is workplace homicides, typically those that involve shootings.

To prevent senseless deaths on the job, proper security guard safety techniques are essential. Good entry and investigative techniques can help keep security guards safe and prevent fatalities.

For instance, when you're entering a potentially dangerous situation, such as a break-in scenario, you should approach the building or area with caution and call for back up. Security guards should also wear protective body armor as a preventive measure.

Above all, it's important for security guards not to just go through the motions of their duties. Although some security guard posts can get monotonous, guards must remain cognizant of the potential dangers that could occur at any time. Stay alert and prepared at all times.