Strike and Protest Security That Stays Neutral and Documented
Neutral officers who keep entrances open, protect property and document what happens on the line.
Strikes and protests are lawful, and most stay peaceful, but they create real operational risks: blocked entrances, confrontations between picketers and people crossing the line, vandalism after hours, and disputes over what actually happened. Southern California saw this during the 2023 hotel strikes, when Unite Here Local 11 members ran rolling strikes and picket lines at hotels across the region for months. Security during a labor dispute must be handled carefully.
Under the National Labor Relations Act, photographing or videotaping protected activity is treated as more than observation, and employers need a legitimate reason, such as picketers blocking an entrance or traffic. California Labor Code 1134 also bars employers from knowingly using professional strikebreakers to replace striking workers. Blackout officers do not replace workers or police protesters. They keep entrances and driveways clear, protect property and vehicles, escort staff and deliveries when asked, and document incidents for your counsel.
What we protect against
- Blocked entrances, driveways and loading docks
- Confrontations between picketers and employees, vendors or guests
- Vandalism, graffiti and tampering with vehicles or locks
- Escalation when outside groups join a protest
- Disputed accounts of incidents that later become legal claims
What we provide
- Entrance, driveway and loading dock access posts
- Escorts for employees, guests, vendors and deliveries
- Perimeter and overnight patrol for vandalism
- Incident documentation scoped with your labor counsel
- Liaison with local police on access and safety issues
- Daily shift reports
Rules and requirements
- Under NLRB precedent (F.W. Woolworth Co., 310 NLRB 1197 (1993)), photographing or videotaping employees engaged in protected concerted activity violates the National Labor Relations Act unless the employer has proper justification, such as a reasonable, objective basis to anticipate picket line misconduct.
- California Labor Code 1134 makes it unlawful for an employer to willingly and knowingly use a professional strikebreaker, as defined in Labor Code 1133, to replace employees involved in a strike or lockout at a place of business in California.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements for your license and location.
Example program with more than one officer
Example for a hotel facing a two week strike: two unarmed officers at the main and service entrances keeping access open during picketing hours, one off duty officer as site supervisor and police liaison during the same hours, and mobile patrol overnight checking doors, vehicles and the loading dock with photo proof. Documentation is limited to incidents such as blocked access, as directed by your counsel.
Questions we get
Will your officers replace striking workers?
No. Our officers provide security only. They do not perform the work of striking employees.
Can your officers record picketers?
Only within limits your labor counsel approves. Under NLRB precedent, photographing or recording protected activity is unlawful without proper justification, such as a reasonable, objective basis to expect picket line misconduct. We document specific incidents, not routine picketing.
Can you remove protesters from the sidewalk?
No. Public sidewalks are not ours to control. We keep your entrances clear, protect your property, and call police for crimes or blocked access.
Which officers fit
Most sites need one officer type. Larger sites and events sometimes use more than one.
Unarmed guards
Primary
Unarmed guards fit entrance control, perimeter patrol, escorts and documentation at most labor disputes.
Armed guards
Common
Armed officers are rarely appropriate on a picket line; consider them only for cash, high value storage or credible threats of violence away from protest areas.
Off duty police officers
Common
Off duty or retired law enforcement fits supervisor roles and liaison with local police, where calm judgment and accurate reporting matter most.
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Learn moreRelated industries
- Churches and houses of worship
- Schools and campuses
- Hospitals and clinics
- Vacant property and trespass
- Government and municipal
- All industries
Where we cover strikes and labor disputes
Not sure what you need? Call or text (909) 927-7001 and talk to the owner directly, or send us a few details.