Saudi Gazette report

TAIF — Many private security guards are complaining of abusive language from the public while performing their duties at shopping malls.



Some even claim that altercations at times develop into physical abuse, Al-Hayat newspaper reported.



They lamented that the majority of people ignore their social role they play as security guards. They also asked for a review of their working hours, demanding that they be reduced to reasonable levels.

Additionally, they suggested that their uniforms be replaced by the national dress (thobe and ghutrah), as it would gain them a measure of respect from the public.



The National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) has classified the abuse of these private guards as psychological abuse. The NSHR representative in Taif, Adel Al-Thebaiti, said contempt shown by the public harms the morale of security guards and may lead to negligence at work.



Such abuse may also cause some to abandon their jobs for personal reasons, Al-Thebaiti said, adding that the NSHR’s doors are always open and the security guards can approach it anytime with their complaints.



Ibrahim Hazzazi, a Saudi who works as a private security guard, said he had been in many situations where he was subjected to mockery and verbal abuse. During his duty at a shopping mall, he faced abuses from people who had long passed their adolescence age and even some married men with children.



Such behavior in front of the children, Hazzazi added, will only embolden children and reinforce their idea that security guards are marginal. “These actions will definitely reflect on the children’s behavior when they grow up,” he said.



Hazzazi’s anger was mainly directed at adolescent boys and girls who used abusive language. Some teenagers had even attempted to physically abuse him.



He said he was not afraid of confronting them, but he had to deal with them respectfully for fear of losing his job.  Mohammad Al-Harthy, a security guard, suggested that the job description of the security guard should be changed to security personnel, and they should be linked to the police department. He also suggested that certain punishments should be implemented against those who do not respect their work.



He also believed that changing the uniform and wearing the national dress would gain them some respect.



He also asked for a review of work hours of security guards, their salaries and adding more benefits such as training courses and other career developmental plans.