The Effective Security Officer’s Training Manual Review
In the “See Something, Say Something” post I discussed the importance of employee security education and training, but this training is often times overlooked or underutilized. An employee is part of the human element of a security program, and this element also include security personnel (contract & proprietary), contractors and visitors. This element is the most vulnerable and is often times targeted by threat agents using social engineering tactics. Thus, the training of security personnel is one of the most important parts of a security program because they are the first responders in private sector security.
The Effective Security Officer’s Training Manual by Ralph Brislin is great starting point for security officer training. The book’s 34 chapters cover a variety of fundamental topics pertaining to security operations and officers. Training is the most important part of becoming an effective security officer, and this book delivers security fundamentals in an easy to understand way without watering down topics. The book also includes discussion question at the end of every chapter and concrete examples of scenarios officer may encounter. Some topic include the following:
- Physical Security
- Electronic Alarm Systems and Camera Systems
- Crowd Control, Persons with Special Needs, Sexual Harassment
- Report Writing and Notetaking
- Patrols
- Investigations
- Overview of legal system
- Court Procedures
- Emergency Preparedness
- Cultural Diversity & Public Relations
The topic listed above are just an example of some of the topics this book covers. Some important key features of the book are:
- It meets ASIS International’s guidelines for Private Security Officer Selection and Training.
- Addresses technologies and how it impacts security officer duties and responsibilities.
- Stresses the important of observe and report.
- Include end of chapter discussion questions to enhance understanding of chapter topics.
This book is a must read for any security officer, supervisor, manager or individuals who deal with guard force services. I used this book to assist me in training guard forces during my time as a contract security manager. Now I keep a copy on my desk to assist me in training new Corporate Security team members who may be lacking in certain fundamental areas. Once again this book is a must read for all security professionals!!!
The book can be purchased on Amazon just follow the link below:
The Effective Security Officer’s Training Manual, Third Edition