The level of training required by your needs and the location can have an impact on the cost of an officer. Are officers regulated in your country, and if so, what cost is incurred? Do security firms charge a premium for officers with specific licenses, experience, credentials, or training? Also, how much training do they need to cover your requirements? Is there anything about your location that will require special skills?
Most importantly, well-trained and experienced security officers can handle a versatile range of tasks, which aids businesses in more ways than what may have been originally considered. The American Society for Industrial Security has developed a set of training topics that are recommended to its members. Entry-level training may include but is not limited to:
- The role of a private security officer.
- Legal aspects of private security.
- Access control procedures.
- Emergency-response procedures.
- Life-safety procedures.
- Patrol operations.
- Intrusion detection and response.
- Workplace violence response procedures.
- Use of force.
- Note-taking and report writing.
- Court testimony.
- Conduct and appearance.
- Interpersonal skills.
- First aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and defibrillation.
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In addition to entry-level training, a client may require training appropriate for the client’s business. For example, orientation to:
- The physical layout of the protected premises.
- The names, faces, and positions of senior management.
- The client’s policies concerning harassment, discrimination, diversity, and so on.
- Substance abuse.
- Telephone protocol.
- Demeanor and behavior.