Recognizing Pre-Assault Indicators: How Manitoba Security Guards Can Prevent Escalation

A disagreement doesn’t always turn violent without warning.

Sometimes, the warning signs are subtle. A person begins clenching their fists. Their tone changes. They move closer despite being asked to maintain their distance.

For security guards, recognizing these changes early can make an important difference in how a situation unfolds.

Whether you’re working at a shopping centre, residential property, event venue, or commercial building in Manitoba, dealing with frustrated or uncooperative individuals may be part of the job.

Most interactions never become physical. However, when tensions rise, knowing how to recognize potential warning signs and respond appropriately is an important part of protecting yourself and others.

These warning signs are commonly referred to as pre-assault indicators, and understanding them is a valuable skill for anyone preparing for a career in security.

Recognizing Escalation Before It Becomes Physical

Security guards are often responsible for enforcing rules, managing access, and responding to situations involving people who may be upset, frustrated, or unwilling to cooperate.

An individual might become angry after being denied entry to a building. A customer may refuse to leave a store. Two attendees at an event may begin arguing.

In these situations, the way a security guard responds can influence what happens next.

Recognizing changes in behaviour creates an opportunity to reassess the situation, communicate calmly, request assistance, or disengage when appropriate.

The goal isn’t to predict violence with certainty. It’s to identify potential risks early enough to make safer decisions.

What Are Pre-Assault Indicators?

Pre-assault indicators are physical or verbal behaviours that may occur before a confrontation becomes violent.

They can include changes in posture, facial expressions, hand movements, personal space, and communication.

It’s important to understand that these behaviours aren’t proof someone intends to attack.

People may display similar behaviours because they’re nervous, frightened, stressed, or overwhelmed.

However, when multiple warning signs occur together, particularly alongside threats or escalating aggression, they may suggest an increased risk.

For security guards, the key is to observe the overall situation rather than focus on a single gesture.

Eight Warning Signs Security Guards Should Recognize

1. Target Glancing

During a tense conversation, an individual may repeatedly look at specific parts of your body or equipment.

They might focus on your hands, face, torso, or radio.

This behaviour is sometimes called target glancing.

In certain circumstances, it may suggest the person is assessing your position or considering physical action.

Example: You’re speaking with someone who has been asked to leave a property. They repeatedly glance at your radio while making threatening comments.

While this doesn’t establish intent, it may be worth considering alongside other behaviours.

2. Changing Their Stance

A person may adjust their body position during an escalating confrontation.

They might turn sideways, place one foot behind the other, or raise their hands.

This positioning is sometimes referred to as blading the body.

Example: After being told they cannot enter a restricted area, an individual shifts their stance and says, “Are you going to stop me?”

The combination of threatening language and changing posture may indicate that the situation is becoming more confrontational.

3. Clenching Hands or Tightening the Jaw

Physical tension is common when people experience stress or anger.

Possible warning signs include:

• Making fists
• Repeatedly opening and closing the hands
• Tightening the jaw
• Grinding teeth
• Raising the hands toward the face

Example: During a disagreement, an individual begins breathing heavily and repeatedly clenching their fists.

These changes may indicate heightened agitation and should prompt the guard to reassess the interaction.

4. Sudden Silence

An individual who has been shouting or arguing may suddenly become quiet.

Sometimes this means they’re calming down. In other circumstances, particularly when accompanied by threatening behaviour, it may indicate a change in the level of risk.

Example: Someone has been loudly refusing to leave a building. They suddenly stop speaking and begin staring directly at the guard.

Rather than assuming the situation has resolved, the guard should continue assessing the individual’s behaviour.

5. Invading Personal Space

Maintaining appropriate distance is an important part of personal safety.

Someone who repeatedly moves closer, leans forward aggressively or refuses to respect physical boundaries may be increasing the risk of confrontation.

Example: You step backward during a tense conversation, but the individual immediately steps forward again.

Repeatedly closing distance may be an attempt to intimidate or create an opportunity for physical contact.

Maintaining space provides additional time to assess and respond.

6. Grooming Gestures

People experiencing stress sometimes make repetitive movements involving their clothing, face, or hair.

These might include:

• Pulling up sleeves
• Adjusting clothing
• Rubbing the face or head
• Running hands through the hair

These behaviours are common and have many possible explanations.

However, when they occur alongside threats or other concerning behaviours, they may contribute to a broader assessment of escalating risk.

7. Scanning the Surroundings

During a tense interaction, someone may repeatedly look around.

They might glance toward entrances, exits, security cameras, nearby people, or objects within reach.

Scanning can have several explanations, including anxiety or a desire to leave.

Example: An individual making threats repeatedly looks toward an exit and checks where other security personnel are standing.

The guard should consider this behaviour in context while remaining aware of the surrounding environment.

8. Threats and Changes in Tone

Verbal threats are among the clearest signs that an interaction may be becoming more dangerous.

Examples include:

• “What are you going to do about it?”
• “You’re going to regret this.”
• “I’d like to see you try.”
• “Don’t come any closer.”

Changes in tone, speaking volume, or pace may also be relevant.

When threatening language is combined with increasing physical tension or attempts to close distance, the overall risk may be greater.

Recognizing Patterns Instead of Individual Behaviours

Imagine you’re working security at a busy event in Winnipeg.

An attendee becomes frustrated after being told they cannot enter a restricted area.

At first, they’re simply arguing.

Then you notice several changes.

Their fists begin to clench. They shift their stance. They repeatedly move closer while making threatening comments.

Each behaviour alone could have several explanations.

Together, however, they suggest that the interaction may be escalating.

Recognizing these patterns allows a security guard to consider safer response options before the situation becomes physical.

The objective isn’t to assume the person will attack. It’s to recognize increasing risk and respond professionally.

De-Escalation: What to Do When You Notice Warning Signs

Recognizing potential danger is only useful if it helps you respond appropriately.

When a situation begins to escalate, security guards should focus on reducing unnecessary tension and protecting everyone involved.

Maintain a Safe Distance

Distance provides time.

When possible, maintain enough space between yourself and the individual to observe their behaviour and respond to changes.

Avoid allowing someone to repeatedly close the gap without reassessing the situation.

Use Calm, Respectful Communication

How you speak to someone can influence the direction of an interaction.

Use clear, simple language and avoid 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.”

A calm approach won’t resolve every situation, but it may help prevent unnecessary escalation.

Avoid Turning the Situation Into a Power Struggle

Security guards may encounter people who challenge their authority.

Statements such as “You can’t make me” or “Who do you think you are?” can be frustrating.

However, responding emotionally or attempting to prove authority can make an already tense situation worse.

Professional security requires the ability to remain composed and focus on the safest appropriate outcome.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Know where exits are located and avoid becoming trapped in confined spaces.

Pay attention to obstacles, nearby people, and potential hazards.

Consider whether other members of the public could be affected if the interaction becomes physical.

Your environment may influence which response options are safest.

Request Assistance Early

If an encounter becomes increasingly hostile, follow site procedures for requesting additional support.

Depending on the circumstances, this may involve another guard, a supervisor, or emergency services.

Waiting until an incident becomes physical can limit the options available.

Know When to Disengage

Not every disagreement needs to continue.

In some situations, creating distance and requesting assistance may be safer than continuing an increasingly confrontational interaction.

Security guards should follow their training, legal responsibilities, and employer procedures when determining the appropriate response.

Why Communication Is So Important in Security Work

A security guard’s words, tone, and body language can influence how an interaction develops.

Consider two possible responses to an angry individual refusing to leave a property.

Response A:

“I already told you to leave. If you don’t listen, you’re going to have a problem.”

Response B:

“I understand you’re upset. Unfortunately, you can’t remain on the property. Let’s work out the safest way to resolve this.”

Both responses communicate that the individual must leave.

However, the second approach is more respectful and less confrontational.

It establishes a boundary without unnecessarily increasing tension.

This is an important distinction for security guards who regularly interact with the public.

Applying These Skills in Manitoba Security Jobs

Recognizing escalation and using effective communication are valuable in many security environments.

Retail security: Guards may encounter customers who become angry when asked to leave or comply with store policies.

Residential security: Disputes involving visitors, noise complaints, or unauthorized access may require calm communication and careful judgement.

Event security: Large crowds, alcohol consumption and disagreements between attendees can create situations where early intervention is particularly valuable.

Commercial security: Guards may need to address access concerns or interactions with individuals who refuse to follow property procedures.

Healthcare and public-facing facilities: Security personnel may encounter individuals experiencing distress, confusion, or heightened emotions, making patience and communication especially important.

Each environment presents different challenges, but the principles of observation, risk assessment and professional communication remain relevant.

Documenting Threatening Behaviour

Even when an encounter doesn’t become physical, documentation may still be necessary.

A security guard may need to record an incident involving threats, aggressive behaviour, or a situation requiring additional assistance.

Good reports focus on observable facts rather than assumptions.

For example, instead of writing:

“The individual was about to attack me.”

A more objective description would be:

“The individual repeatedly clenched their fists, stepped toward me, and stated, ‘You’re going to regret this.'”

This provides a clearer record of what actually occurred.

Accurate documentation can help supervisors, management and other appropriate parties understand the incident and determine whether further action is needed.

Preparing for a Career in Manitoba Security

Security work involves much more than monitoring entrances or responding to alarms.

It requires observation, communication, patience, and the ability to make professional decisions when circumstances become difficult.

For aspiring security guards in Manitoba, understanding these responsibilities begins with proper training.

Manitoba regulates security guards through provincial licensing requirements, and individuals entering the industry must meet the applicable training and eligibility requirements.

At Manitoba Guard Training, we help future security professionals prepare for the industry through accessible online security guard training.

The knowledge gained through 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 real situations.

The best outcome isn’t winning a confrontation. It’s helping prevent one from becoming violent.

Start your Manitoba 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/