A customer becomes increasingly frustrated after being asked to leave a store. Their voice gets louder, their fists begin to clench, and they take a step toward the security guard.
Is this simply someone expressing frustration, or is the situation becoming dangerous?
For security guards, recognizing the difference is an important part of staying safe on the job.
Physical confrontations don’t always happen without warning. Changes in body language, communication, and behaviour may provide clues that a situation is escalating.
These behaviours are often referred to as pre-assault indicators, and learning to recognize them is a valuable skill for anyone preparing to work in Alberta’s security industry.
Whether you’re assigned to a shopping centre, residential property, event venue or commercial building, the ability to assess behaviour and respond appropriately can help protect both yourself and the people around you.
Why Body Language Matters in Security Work
Security guards regularly interact with people experiencing frustration, stress, anger or emotional distress.
Most of these interactions never become violent.
However, some situations can escalate quickly, particularly when an individual feels challenged, threatened, or unwilling to cooperate.
A person may begin raising their voice, changing their stance, moving closer or making threatening statements.
Recognizing these changes gives security personnel an opportunity to reassess the situation before it becomes more dangerous.
It’s important to understand that body language isn’t an exact science. A single gesture doesn’t prove that someone intends to become violent.
Instead, guards should consider the overall situation, including what the individual is saying, how they’re behaving, and whether several concerning behaviours are occurring together.
Eight Pre-Assault Indicators Alberta Security Guards Should Know
The following warning signs are commonly discussed in pre-assault awareness training. Understanding them can help security guards identify situations that may require greater caution.
1. Repeatedly Looking at Specific Targets
During a conversation, someone may repeatedly glance at your face, hands, torso, or security equipment.
This behaviour is sometimes called target glancing.
In certain circumstances, it may suggest the individual is assessing your position or considering a physical action.
On-the-job example:
You’re speaking with someone who has been asked to leave a commercial property. They repeatedly glance at your radio, then back toward your face.
This doesn’t necessarily mean an attack is coming, but combined with threatening language or other unusual behaviour, it may warrant increased awareness.
2. Changing Their Stance
People sometimes adjust their posture before a physical confrontation.
They may turn their body sideways, position one foot behind the other, or raise their hands.
This sideways positioning is sometimes referred to as blading the body.
On-the-job example:
A security guard at an Alberta shopping centre asks an individual to stop behaving aggressively toward an employee.
The person turns sideways, raises their hands, and responds, “What are you going to do about it?”
The combination of threatening language and a change in posture suggests that the interaction may be escalating.
3. Clenching Their Hands or Jaw
Physical tension can become more noticeable when someone is experiencing heightened stress or anger.
Possible behaviours include:
- Making fists
- Repeatedly opening and closing their hands
- Tightening their jaw
- Grinding their teeth
- Raising their hands toward their face
On-the-job example:
During an argument at an event, an attendee begins breathing heavily and repeatedly clenching their fists.
The guard should recognize the behaviour change and consider whether additional distance or support is appropriate.
4. Becoming Suddenly Quiet
A person who has been shouting or arguing may suddenly stop speaking.
Sometimes this means they’re calming down.
Other times, particularly when combined with threatening behaviour, the change may signal increased tension.
On-the-job example:
An individual has been loudly refusing to leave a property. Suddenly, they become silent and stare directly at the guard while maintaining a tense posture.
Rather than assuming the situation is resolved, the guard should continue assessing the individual’s behaviour.
5. Moving Into Personal Space
Distance is an important safety consideration during tense interactions.
Someone who repeatedly steps closer, leans forward aggressively, or refuses to respect personal boundaries may be increasing the risk of confrontation.
On-the-job example:
You’re speaking with an agitated individual at a residential property.
You take a step backward to maintain distance, but they immediately step forward.
When this happens repeatedly, it may indicate that the person is attempting to intimidate you or create an opportunity for physical contact.
Maintaining appropriate distance provides additional time to assess and respond.
6. Repeatedly Adjusting Clothing or Touching Their Face
Stress can cause people to make repetitive movements, sometimes called grooming gestures.
These might include:
- Pulling up sleeves
- Adjusting clothing
- Rubbing the face
- Running hands through the hair
- Repeatedly touching the head
These behaviours are common and can have many explanations.
However, when they appear alongside threats, aggressive positioning, or other warning signs, they may contribute to a broader assessment of escalating risk.
7. Scanning the Surroundings
Someone involved in a tense interaction may begin repeatedly looking around.
They may glance toward exits, nearby people, security cameras, or objects within reach.
On-the-job example:
During an escalating disagreement, an individual repeatedly looks toward the building’s exit and then toward another security guard approaching the area.
The behaviour may have several explanations, but it provides an opportunity to reassess the environment and consider how the situation could develop.
8. Making Threats or Changing Their Tone
Verbal communication is one of the clearest ways an individual may indicate hostility.
Concerning statements might include:
- “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
- “You’re going to regret this.”
- “Don’t come any closer.”
- “I’d like to see you try.”
Changes in tone, volume, and speaking pace may also be relevant.
On-the-job example:
A guest at an event becomes increasingly argumentative after being told they cannot re-enter a restricted area.
Their voice becomes quieter but more threatening, and they begin moving closer to the guard.
The combination of verbal threats and changing physical behaviour may indicate a heightened risk.
Why Multiple Warning Signs Matter
Imagine you’re working security at a busy event.
An attendee becomes angry after being asked to leave.
At first, they’re simply arguing.
Then you notice several changes:
- Their hands begin clenching.
- They turn their body sideways.
- They repeatedly move closer.
- They begin making threats.
Each behaviour alone could have more than one explanation.
Together, however, they suggest that the situation may be becoming more dangerous.
Recognizing these patterns allows a security guard to consider safer response options before a confrontation becomes physical.
The goal isn’t to predict someone’s next move with certainty. It’s to identify increasing risk and respond professionally.
What Should an Alberta Security Guard Do When a Situation Escalates?
Recognizing potential warning signs is only the first step.
Knowing how to respond is equally important.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Where possible, create additional space between yourself and the individual.
Distance provides more time to assess changes in behaviour and react if necessary.
Avoid allowing an increasingly agitated person to repeatedly close the gap without reassessing your position.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Know where the nearest exits are located.
Avoid becoming trapped in a corner or confined space.
Pay attention to obstacles, nearby people, and potential hazards.
Your surroundings may influence which response options are safest.
Use Calm, Clear Communication
How you communicate can influence the direction of an interaction.
Use simple, respectful language and avoid escalating the situation through unnecessary arguments or confrontational remarks.
For example:
- “I understand you’re frustrated.”
- “Let’s give each other some space.”
- “I want to help resolve this safely.”
- “I’m going to ask my supervisor to assist us.”
Clear communication can help establish boundaries without unnecessarily increasing tension.
Request Backup Early
If an encounter is becoming increasingly hostile, follow site procedures for requesting assistance.
That may involve contacting another guard, a supervisor, or emergency services, depending on the circumstances.
Waiting until a situation becomes physical can limit the options available.
Recognize When to Disengage
Not every disagreement requires continued engagement.
In some situations, creating distance and requesting additional assistance may be the safest course of action.
Security guards should follow their training, legal responsibilities, and employer procedures when determining how to respond.
Applying These Skills Across Alberta’s Security Industry
Pre-assault awareness is relevant to many different security assignments.
Retail security: Guards may encounter customers who become aggressive when asked to leave a store or comply with property rules.
Event security: Large crowds, alcohol consumption, and disagreements between attendees can create situations where early recognition of escalating behaviour is valuable.
Residential security: Guards may respond to noise complaints, unauthorized visitors or disputes involving residents and guests.
Commercial properties: Security personnel may need to manage access concerns or interactions with individuals who refuse to follow site procedures.
Healthcare and public-facing environments: Guards may encounter people experiencing distress, confusion, or heightened emotions, requiring patience, communication, and careful risk assessment.
In each setting, the ability to recognize changing behaviour supports safer and more professional decision-making.
Training Builds the Foundation for Safer Security Work
Security work involves more than monitoring entrances and responding to alarms.
It requires observation, communication, sound judgement, and the ability to assess situations that may change without warning.
For aspiring Alberta security guards, developing an understanding of these responsibilities begins with proper training.
Alberta’s security worker licensing process includes required training and other eligibility requirements. Completing the appropriate training is an important step toward entering the profession.
At Alberta Guard Training, we help future security professionals take that step through accessible online security guard training.
The knowledge gained during training provides a foundation for understanding professional responsibilities, legal authorities, communication, and personal safety.
Recognizing pre-assault indicators is one example of how those skills apply in the real world.
The earlier you recognize a potential risk, the more opportunities you have to respond safely.
Start your Alberta security guard training and take the next step toward a career in security.
References
Blue Sheepdog. (n.d.). Pre-attack indicators. https://www.bluesheepdog.com/pre-attack-indicators/
Ti Training. (2025, June 20). Pre-attack indicators: A training guide to reading body language for law enforcement. https://titraining.com/blog/pre-attack-indicators/
