Approaching and Removing a Sleeping Transient from a Construction Site

sandman security guard
As a security guard, handling unauthorized individuals on a construction site is one of the more common and delicate situations you'll face on the job. Construction sites can offer unauthorized temporary shelter that attracts unhoused individuals seeking a safe place to sleep. While your primary responsibility is to protect the site and ensure safety, these encounters require a careful balance of firmness and compassion. A poorly handled situation can escalate quickly, creating risk for both you and the individual involved. Following proper protocol protects you, the individual, and your client.

Step 1: Observe Before You Act

Before making contact, take around 30 seconds to assess:


  • Is the person breathing and showing signs of life?
  • Do you see any weapons, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol?
  • Are there any other individuals nearby?
  • What are the exit routes?

If the person appears unresponsive, injured, or in medical distress, call 911 immediately. Your job is security, not emergency medicine.

Step 2: Notify Your Dispatcher

Before approaching, radio your dispatcher or supervisor to report the situation and your location. This creates a record and ensures someone knows where you are. Follow your company's specific SOPs, some require law enforcement to be called before any direct contact.

Step 3: Approach Safely

  • Never approach alone if backup is available.
  • Approach from the side or foot end, never from directly behind.
  • Maintain a reactionary gap, stay 6–8 feet away until the person is awake and oriented.
  • Keep your body at an angle, not squared up, to reduce confrontational body language.
  • Have your flashlight visible but not shining directly in their face.

Step 4: Make Verbal Contact

Wake the individual with a calm, clear voice:

"Security. Sir, I need you to wake up. This is a construction site and you cannot be here."

Repeat if needed. Give them a moment to become oriented; a startled, disoriented person is more likely to react unpredictably.

Step 5: Issue a Trespass Warning

Once the individual is awake and responsive:

  • Identify yourself as security.
  • Clearly state they are on private property and are not authorized to be there.
  • Inform them they must leave immediately.
  • Point them toward the nearest safe exit.
  • Remain calm and professional regardless of their reaction.

Do not make physical contact unless your jurisdiction, your license level, and your company policy explicitly authorize it  and only as a last resort if the person becomes threatening.

Step 6: Escort to the Exit

If the individual is cooperative, calmly escort them to the site exit. Maintain a safe distance behind or beside them. Do not rush them, but keep the interaction moving forward.

Step 7: Call Law Enforcement If Needed

Call police if the individual:

  • Refuses to leave
  • Becomes verbally or physically aggressive
  • Appears to be under the influence and unable to care for themselves
  • Is in possession of stolen property or tools from the site

Your role is to contain and report, not to physically force removal in most circumstances.

Step 8: Document Everything

Complete a detailed incident report immediately after, including:

  • Time and location of discovery
  • Description of the individual
  • Condition they were found in
  • Actions taken and their responses
  • Whether law enforcement was called and any report numbers

A Note on Professionalism

Unhoused individuals are often in vulnerable circumstances. Firm, professional, and respectful treatment is not just good ethics, it reduces the risk of escalation and reflects well on you and your employer. Your job is to secure the site, not to punish anyone for their situation.