A door supervisor searches with the person’s permission, given before the search, as part of the admissions policy or as a condition of entry.[1] If someone will not consent, the specification’s answer is that they should be refused entry, not searched anyway.[2]
The Pearson specifications quoted here are used across the UK. The Equality Act 2010 applies in England, Wales and Scotland.
Where the right to search comes from
Identify a door supervisor’s right to search; Only with the permission from the person prior to the search; As a part of the admissions policy; As a condition of entry
Read the list for what it leaves out. Every item depends on the person agreeing or on the terms the venue sets for coming in. The specification lists no power to search somebody who says no.[1]
Compare the police. Among police powers in relation to licensed premises, the same specification lists a right of entry and inspection and a right to search premises.[3] And on arrest, it states that security operatives have no special powers, only the same powers as every other citizen.[4]
A security officer’s list is longer. Alongside the admissions policy, a condition of entry and prior permission, it includes employees’ contracts, loss prevention, protecting sensitive data and intellectual property, and what the assignment instructions say.[5]
When someone refuses
The door supervisor specification sets out the steps in order:[2]
- politely explain the reasons for the search: it is a condition of entry and part of the admissions policy;[2]
- if the customer still does not consent, deny entry;[2]
- follow the venue policy or assignment instructions;[2]
- record the details in the search register or another report.[2]
On a site rather than at a venue door, the security officer version adds two things: the reason may be an employment contract rather than entry, and a visitor who is refused should have the person they came to see informed.[6]
The door supervisor refresher specification carries the same rule.[7]
Types of search
- General: everyone is searched.[8]
- Random: a random selection is searched, for example every fourth person.[8]
- Specific: particular individuals are searched for particular reasons.[8]
- Premises: the building itself is searched.[8]
- Vehicle: listed for security officers, with areas such as the interior, the boot or cargo area, the engine compartment and underneath.[9][10]
A premises search has its own purposes: a check before opening, identifying hazards, looking for drugs, weapons and suspicious packages, and a closing check that nobody is left in the toilets or other places where it is easy to stay hidden.[11]
Searching safely
The hazards the specification lists are drugs, needles and sharp objects, weapons, violence, infectious diseases and uncooperative clients.[12] The security officer list adds malicious allegations.[13]
The listed precautions are:[14]
- use a dedicated search area;[14]
- search in pairs if possible, and in view of CCTV if possible;[14]
- wear personal protective equipment such as safety gloves;[14]
- use self-search techniques.[14]
Equipment ranges from a search wand or handheld metal detector to archway metal detectors.[15] Security officers may also use baggage x-ray scanning, search mirrors with lights, torches and trained search dogs.[16]
Searching fairly
The specification’s method starts before anyone is touched: signs telling people that searching may take place, a witness or CCTV, an explanation of the search policy, and the person’s permission before the search begins.[17]
Search people of the same sex wherever possible, and where somebody does not want to be touched, use self-search techniques.[17] The refresher specification says consideration must be given to protected characteristics, and points to guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission on searching single-sex and transgender individuals.[18][19]
Behind that sits the Equality Act 2010. A person providing a service to the public must not discriminate against someone by refusing them the service.[20] The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.[21]
When the search finds something
The response depends on what the item is.[22][23] Something against the entrance policy but not illegal can be held and handed back when the person leaves, if the venue policy allows.[22]
For an illegal item, the options listed are to seize or secure it, refuse entry, record the find and inform the police, or to seize it, arrest the person, call the police and hand over both the person and the item. Drugs amnesty boxes are listed where they are available.[23]
Whatever you find, record it and inform the control room or senior management.[23] Search records protect you against allegations of misconduct, protect the person searched, capture the time, date, people present and reason, and serve as evidence.[24]
If an incident or accident happens during a search, contact the emergency services and follow the venue policy or assignment instructions.[25]
Searching is one of the units in the Door Supervisor mock test, and you can drill it on its own in topic practice.
Questions people ask
Can a door supervisor search someone who says no?
The specification gives no route to that. It lists permission, the admissions policy and the condition of entry as the basis for a search, and says a customer who does not consent should be denied entry.[1][2]
Do I have to search people of the same sex?
The specification says to conduct same-sex searching wherever possible, and to use self-search techniques when a person does not want to be touched.[17]
What if I find something that is not illegal but is not allowed in?
Follow the venue policy or assignment instructions. The specification suggests the item could be held before entry and returned when the person leaves.[22]
What this guide does not cover
- Police search powers. They appear here only for contrast.
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance the specification points to. We have not archived it, so its content is not described here.
- The practical search assessment. Searching a person, a bag and a coat, and using a handheld detector, are skills you demonstrate in training.
- The law on arrest itself, which has its own guide.
Where to go next
Topic practice
Door Supervisor questions on searching, including rights, refusals and prohibited items.
Door Supervisor mock test
A timed paper covering searching alongside the other units.
Citizen’s arrest and reasonable force
When a find leads to an arrest: the law under section 24A of PACE.
Conflict de-escalation basics
A refusal at the door can escalate. How the qualification expects you to handle it.
SIA documents
The Pearson specifications quoted here, linked to the publisher.
Sources
Each passage below is quoted from the copy of the document we checked on the date shown. Follow the link to read it in full on the publisher’s site.
Identify a door supervisor’s right to search; Only with the permission from the person prior to the search; As a part of the admissions policy; As a condition of entry
1. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.2, page 73UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Politely explain reasons for search condition of entry admissions policy; If customers do not give consent for a search, then they should be denied entry; Follow venue policy/assignment instructions; Record details in search register/other report.
2. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.9, page 78UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Identify police powers regarding licensed premises; Have right of entry/inspection; Have right to search premises; Have powers of closure.
3. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 5.3, page 86UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Security operatives have no special powers of arrest, only the same powers of arrest as every other citizen
4. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 1, criterion 3.2, page 39UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026As a part of the site admissions policy; As a condition of entry; In accordance with employees’ contracts (for entry/exit); As a loss prevention technique to ensure staff/visitors are not stealing; where sensitive data/industrial espionage is risk to ensure data/intellectual property is not taken off site
5. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 6.2, page 87UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Politely explain reasons for search condition of entry/employment contract; If visitors/customers do not give consent for a search, then they should be denied entry, inform person they are due to visit
6. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 6.10, page 94UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026If customers do not give consent for a search then they should be denied entry
7. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher): Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 1, criterion 1.9, page 36UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026General when everyone is searched; Random when a random selection of people are searched (i.e. search every fourth person); Specific when specific individuals are searched for specific reasons; Premises.
8. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.1, page 73UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Specific: when specific individuals or vehicles are searched for specific reasons; (suspicious people, vehicles / packages etc); Vehicle; Premises.
9. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 6.1, page 87UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Areas to be searched interior (inc. under seats; door pockets; under carpet) boot or cargo area engine compartment (including behind battery) outside underneath
10. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 6.8, page 93UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Pre-entry check to ensure the safety of the premises on opening; Identifying potential hazards; Search for drugs, weapons, suspicious packages; Closing check to ensure no patrons are left in toilets, VIP area or areas where it is easy to stow away
11. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.8, page 77UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Recognise possible hazards when conducting a search; Drugs; Needles/sharp objects; Weapons; Violence; Infectious diseases; Uncooperative clients.
12. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.4, page 74UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Weapons; Violence; Malicious allegations
13. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 6.4, page 88UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Use of a dedicated search area; Carry out searching in pairs if possible; Carry out searching in view of CCTV if possible; Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), e.g. safety gloves; Use self-search techniques
14. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.5, page 74UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Identify the different types of searching equipment; Search wand; Metal detector; AMD - Archway Metal Detectors.
15. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.3, page 73UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Baggage/packages x-ray scanning, trays for smaller belongings; Search mirrors with lights; Gloves; Torch; Search dogs (trained to detect specific threats of concern).
16. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 6.3, page 88UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Use of signage to indicate that searching could take place; Search with a witness or in view of CCTV; Explain the search policy to the individual; Obtain permission of the individual before starting the search; Conduct same-sex searching where-ever possible; Where a person does not want to be touched by the Security Operative use self-search techniques
17. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.7, page 75UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Consideration must be given to protected characteristics
18. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher): Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 1, criterion 1.7, page 34UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Conducting searches on single-sex and transgender individuals guidance on conducting a search is available on paragraphs 13.57-13.60 on pages 197 to 198 of the; Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance
19. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher): Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 1, criterion 1.7, page 34UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026A person (a “service-provider”) concerned with the provision of a service to the public or a section of the public (for payment or not) must not discriminate against a person requiring the service by not providing the person with the service.
20. legislation.gov.ukEquality Act 2010 (opens in a new tab)Section 29: provision of servicesEngland, Wales and Scotland · Checked 5 Sept 2026age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation.
21. legislation.gov.ukEquality Act 2010 (opens in a new tab)Section 4: the protected characteristicsEngland, Wales and Scotland · Checked 5 Sept 2026If the item is against entrance policy but is not illegal follow venue policy/assignment instructions. This could be to consider holding/looking after the item before entry is granted and then returning on exit
22. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.11, page 79UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Consider seizing/securing item (where appropriate), refusing entry, recording find and informing police; Consider seizing the item, arresting the customer, calling the police (where appropriate), handing-over both person and item to the police; Record the find in line with venue policy/assignment instructions and record details of the find; Inform control room/senior management; Use drugs amnesty boxes if available.
23. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.11, page 79UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Protection against allegations of misconduct; Protect person who is being searched; To capture time, date, people present and reason for search; For evidential purposes.
24. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.10, page 78UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026State the actions to take if an incident or an accident occurs; Contact emergency services; Follow venue policy/assignment instructions.
25. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.6, page 75UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026
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