When things get out of hand at large public events, there need to be measures that will keep people safe. Security officers should receive the extra training necessary to control the masses.

In a bill proposed by Sen. Bill Bullard Jr., R-Highland, security guards would have the power to remove disruptive individuals from entertainment venues or shopping centers.

Currently, security guards have limited control, often only able to issue verbal warnings.

But to ensure excessive force isn’t employed, training procedures need to be adopted.

First, before security guards take action in removing unruly patrons, there needs to be a consistent definition of “disorderly conduct.” The public doesn’t need newly elevated security guards threatening pepper spray at every outburst.

If approved, the law would grant more power to security guards. Proper training is necessary so the guards won’t abuse their power.

Instead, once the security guards are granted this authority, criteria should be outlined to keep the law as productive as possible.

This should state clearly what they should and shouldn’t be able to do, resulting in fewer problems.

If security guards are trained at the same level as police officers, they should be able to react immediately and appropriately when a situation arises.

The benefits of this law only will be realized if security guards don’t take excessive actions. If excessive, drastic force is taken, unnecessary lawsuits could crowd our courtrooms.

The importance of this bill should not be lost in security guards’ need for power or control.

To keep from defeating the purpose and to ensure people’s safety, proper training is key.