New York State Security Guard Training

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New York State Security Guard Training

Chapter 1Introduction

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Why Have this Course?

The Security Guard Act of 1992In response to the rapid growth in the field of private security

Public security is overwhelmedPrivate concerns need immediate attention that public security can’t providePrivate industry relies on private security

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Why Have this Course?


Provides a general and specialized workforce to enforce rules, regulations and procedures of employersPrevents loss or damage to people and property

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Duties of Private Security


Represents the employer by providing guidance to visitors and employees

Manage traffic flowDeter criminal activities on the employers property

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New York State Responds to this Need

The Security Guard Act of 1992Ensures security personnel meet a minimum recruitment and training standardsThere is a need to regulate and license security guards

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Training

Unarmed Training8 hours pre-assignment training16 hour on-the-job training course8 hour annual in-service course

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Training

Armed Training47 hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards8 hours annual Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards

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Security Guard Training

Chapter 2Role of a Security Guard

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Role of a Security Guard

The Role of a Security Guard

Provide client or employer with professional protective servicesDedicated to the principle of maintaining order and securityFirm and fair in their actions when providing safety to persons and property

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The Role of a Security Guard

Public RelationsTreat people with courtesy and tactBe firm but politeComplete assigned tasks

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CharacterA security officers should be honest and loyal to their employersA security officer should not

Fail to prevent damage or theft of propertyAccept bribesPermit violations of company policies or proceduresEngage in unlawful activities

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Character Report all violations of rules and regulationsBeware of the “Routine”

This is what you are paid to doThere is also the possibility of dangerRemain alert

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Attitude

The security officer is often the first person a visitor comes into contact

This is the first impression of the companyThis will impact all future contacts

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Be CourteousThis allows for greater cooperationDo’s

Assume non-threatening attitudeRemain impersonal

ExpectRepeat questions from visitorsQuestions that seem silly or ridiculous

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Be Courteous

Should never be discourteouslyMaking the visitor waitBecome emotionalUse abusive languageDon’t escalate the situation

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Appearance Hard AppearancePolice type uniformTraining of a paramilitary structure

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Appearance Soft approach

Blazer, slacks, shirt and tie

More in tune with a public relations approach

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Appearance

Regardless must be readily identifiableGood personal appearance, goes with ability

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Knowledge of the Job

Learning is a Never Ending ProcessRules and regulationsLocations and areas of protectionStructure of the company

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The Security Officers Primary Directive

DetectThis includes diligent patrolGood observation and perception skillsBeing proactive

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DeterDeterrence is seen as preventing a crime or incident from occurringThis is accomplished by maintaining

High visibilityHigh profileUniformed appearance

Don’t fall into a routine or pattern

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ReportReporting is gathering information and passing it on the appropriate person

WrittenVerballyElectronically

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Duties of a Security Officer

No Longer Just a Watchman or Guard

Must have knowledge of the facilityPolicies and procedures of postLayout of facilityHours of operationRegulations, procedures, notification

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General tasks of Security OfficersEscort serviceAlarm responseCrime preventionPatrolCrowd and traffic controlBasic investigation

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Control of theft or loss preventionBe aware of delivery schedulesBe knowledgeable of visitor accessBe knowledgeable of employee access

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No Longer Just a Watchman or GuardSubstance Abuse

Allows others to be placed in jeopardyWhite Collar Crimes

Sabotage, bribes, kickbacks, payoffs, computer fraud, embezzlement

Emergency SituationsFires, explosions, disturbances, strikes, hazardous materials, natural disasters, evacuations

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No Longer Just a Watchman or GuardSecurity officers are not police officersSecurity officers can only act on company rules, regulations and policiesWhen it comes to enforcing the law, security officers are viewed as private citizens

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Chapter 3Legal Powers and Limitations

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Main Functions of a Security Officer

Provide a Safe and Secure Environment for:

EmployeesVisitorsResidents

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Use Caution When Taking ActionLiable for Actions

ArrestDetentionUse of force

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Use Caution When Taking ActionLiable for Inactions

Mistaken for being a police officerActing outside your geographic areaSecurity officers have the same legal rights as private citizens

Liable may be civil or criminal

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The Origins of Law

Common LawA traditional body of early unwritten legal precedents created from everyday English social customs, rules and practices that were supported by judicial decisions during the Middle AgesJudicial decisions came together into a set of legal rules that were accepted as national law

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The Origins of Law

Common LawJudges criminalized actions that were previously private disputesCommon Law involved the transformation of community rules into a national legal systemCommon law became the law of the land by proclamation of King Edward the Confessor and William the Conqueror in the 11th Century

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The Origins of Law

The Magna Carta (1215)Signed by King John in response to pressure from British barons which demanded a pledge from the king to respect their traditional rightsIt was interpreted in 1613 by Sir Edward Coke, a Chief Justice under James I, to supply basic liberties to all British citizens and any acts imposed by Parliament which were contrary to common law would not be valid

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The Origins of Law

The U.S. Constitutional Convention (1787)

A constitution is a system of basic laws and principles that establish the nature, function and limits of a governmentThe framers believed that English Common Law was a solid foundation of civil and human rights laws

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The Origins of Law


However, there were those, Anti-Federalists, who opposed a strong federal government In an effort to appease the Anti-Federalists, the framers of the Constitution added Amendments to ensure the national government would not interfere with individual liberties

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The Origins of Law


The first 10 Amendments are the known as the “Bill of Rights”The 4th Amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizuresThe 5th Amendment protects citizens against self-incrimination

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Security Officers and Their Authority

Police Officers Can Arrest Without a Warrant NYS CPL 140.30

For any offense when he has reason to believe a person has committed the offense in his presenceFor any offense when he has reason to believe a person has committed the offense whether in his presence or not

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Security Officers, Just Like Any Other Person, Can Arrest Without a Warrant NYS CPL 140.30

For a felony when the person has in fact committed that felonyFor any offense when the person has in fact committed that offense in his presence

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Arrest Without a Warrant by Security Officers

The Standard of ProofThe “Standard of Proof” necessary to support an arrest by a private person or security officer requires that the act was committed, not a hunch, not a guess, not ever reasonable beliefRemember, only police officers can arrest on a reasonable belief

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Felony, Misdemeanor and Violations

FelonyAn offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year may be imposed

MisdemeanorAn offense, other than a traffic infraction, for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of 15 days may be imposed, but not in excess of one year

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Felony, Misdemeanor and Violations

Violation An offense other than a traffic infraction for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of 15 day cannot be imposed

OffenseConduct for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment or to a fine is provided by an law of this state

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Violations of the RulesCivil Law Suits seek monetary compensation from the security officer or companyCriminal charges seek punishment from the wrongdoer in the form of imprisonment

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Violations of the RulesThe “Theory of Respondeat Superior”

An employer may be responsible for the acts of an employee, when the employee is acting within the legitimate scope of his authority

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Factors Supporting an Arrest

Physical EvidenceThe “Chain of Evidence” requires that all property seized from an arrestee must be properly documented and accounted for until it is turned over to law enforcement officers

ConfessionsAll confessions must be written, signed and witnessed

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Fingerprints and PhotographsAll must be clear and recognizable

WitnessesKeep all witnesses at the scene until police arriveKeep them from talking about the incidentIf they are unable to wait for the police, get good identification

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Record personal observations ASAPRecord all information from the policeRecord all information received from sources in addition to the police

Establish the reliability of the person making the identificationEstablish the basic knowledge of the witness

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Procedures for Taking a Person into Custody

The ArrestThe person effecting the arrest is allowed to use the physical force necessary in Section 35.30 (4) of the New York State Penal Law

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The Arrest (Section 35.30)A private person acting on his own account may use physical force upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes such to be necessary to effect an arrest or to prevent the escape from custody of a person whom he reasonable believes to have committed an offense and who in fact has committed an offense

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The ArrestSecurity officers do not possess the authority given to police officers or peace officers and are not duty bound to act as law enforcement officers

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The ArrestSecurity officers should try to:

Use physical presence to deter crimeRefrain from using physical forceAbide by company policiesInstead they should contact police or peace officers

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Procedures After an ArrestA person making an arrest must without unnecessary delay deliver the arrestee to the custody of a police officerA person may also solicit the aid of any police officerA person may also solicit the aid of others to deliver the arrestee to the police

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The Miranda WarningsIn 1966 the U.S. Supreme Court decided that all citizens in police custody should be warned about making statements that may incriminate themselvesPrivate citizens making arrests need not give these Miranda Warnings

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Chapter 4Emergency Situations

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Potential Emergency Situations

FiresThe security officer needs to aggressively act to prevent fires from startingRemember the old saying

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

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Classification of FiresClass A

Ordinary combustibles, wood, paper, cloth

Class BFlammable or combustible liquids, gases or grease

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Classification of FiresClass C

Energized electrical equipment, automotive

Class DCombustible metals such as magnesium and titanium

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Fire ExtinguishersSome are single purpose, some are multi-purposeThey will be marked on the side of what fires they will extinguishYou should check the this prior to useYou need to know what types are available, where they are located, and their status (full)

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Factors that can Contribute to the Start of a Fire

Rubbish build up, greasy rags stored improperly, smoking in unauthorized areas, open flame heating devices, improperly stored hazardous materials, defective electrical equipment, unattended space heaters, unattended coffee makers left on, combustibles stored near heaters

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Steps When Entering a Fire ZoneRemember RACE

R – RespondA – AlarmC – ContainE – Extinguish

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Steps When Entering a Fire ZoneRemember PASS

P – PullA – AimS – SqueezeS – Sweep

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Explosions Can be the Result of AccidentsIntentional

TerrorismSabotageBombs

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Steps When Encountering an Explosion

The safety of the officer is primaryAttend to the injuredCalm down those who are in panicMake sure everyone is safe and there is no further danger Secure the area to minimize additional loss and injury

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Bomb ThreatsFacts About Bomb Threats

Most are unfounded, but need to be taken seriouslyThey are intended to create a disruption to the workplaceFalse reports are made to catch the victim off guard when the threat is real

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How to Respond to Bomb ThreatsList to what the caller is sayingTry to keep the caller on the phoneListen for background noiseTry to determine the type of bomb, location, detonation time, why the bomb was placedRecord all the informationNotify the management

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How do Bombs Enter the BuildingMail or messengerDisgruntled or former employeeEmotionally disturbed personProtest groupsCar or truck

Bombs don’t have to enter the building to be effective

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Tips on Locating BombsLook for something out of placeAssist professionals in finding them

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Hazardous Material IncidentsSecurity officer should be aware of stored hazardous materials, their properties and dangersHazardous Material Training

HazCom AwarenessHAZMAT accidentsNational Fire Protection Association placard system

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General Rules Established by HAZMAT

Don’t touch or smell the materialIf it is liquid, don’t try to mop it upMake all notifications by phone, radio transmissions can trigger an explosionOnly properly trained personnel should attempt the cleanup

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Natural DisastersPower interruptionsWater leaksWindow damageFailing iceIcy sidewalks Be prepared to assist in evacuations and emergency relocations

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Crimes in ProgressRespond with more than one guard if possibleListen to the dispatcher for updates and informationRelay information to other unitsRemember laws about arrest and forceIdentify and separate potential witnessesEstablish and secure the crime scene

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Security Response to Emergencies

Evacuation of Employees Emergency Preparedness PlanNotification listsProper authorities to contactEvacuation routesLoss control proceduresIndividual roles in executing the procedures

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Responding to EmergenciesThe safety of the officer is primaryKnow the employers emergency plans and your roleKeep and up to date emergency listRequest assistance when needed, no heroesSecure the area as best as possibleEnsure your safety and then the safety of others

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Responding to EmergenciesEvacuate and assist if necessaryRemain calm, you are in controlTake mental and field notesKnow your limitationsHave a thorough knowledge of the work area

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After the Emergency has PassedAsked to be critiqued on your performance

Learn from your experienceFind new ways to improve your response

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The Next Two ThingsA smoke condition appears to be coming from the floor above25 people walk into the lobby and begin to picket your buildings biggest tenantA women rushes up to you and tells you that a man on the 5th floor appears to be in cardiac arrest

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The Next Two ThingsYou hear a rumble, glass start to break, the first major earthquake in N.Y. in 100 yearsA riot breaks out, outside your building when a local sensational trial verdict is handed down

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Chapter 5Communications and

Public Relations

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Communication

The Importance of Communication Can’t be OverstatedComponents of Communication

The sender-the person delivering the messageThe receiver-the person to whom the message is being deliveredFeedback-affirmation that the message was received by the person intended and that they understood the message

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Five Uses of Communication in Security

Public RelationsThis is the most commonIt is used to combat prejudicesTools to use are appearance, demeanor, tact and understandingA combination of verbal and non-verbal skills

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ComplianceUsed to maintain order

Describing eventsKey for reportsLegal testimonyDocumentationCommunication with outside agencies

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EmergenciesProtecting people and propertyThe rapid, accurate exchange of information can be critical for successful response to an emergency in progress

InterviewingAn investigative tool

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Three Methods of Communication

Verbal CommunicationSent by speaking and received by hearingSpeaking componentsListening componentsNon-verbal communication skills can enhance verbal skills and the overall communication process

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Verbal CommunicationCommon uses of oral communicationsCommon problemsSkills to practice to communicate more effectively

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Non-verbal CommunicationNon-verbal componentsNon-verbal communication is usually the first and has a lasting effect on communication

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Written CommunicationDocumentation of activitiesMay be an aid to memoryCommunication with superiorsTypes of written communicationRules of written communicationWriting exercise

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Written CommunicationStatements

May be taken orally, but written is preferredMust be voluntary, no threats or promises or intimidation

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Written CommunicationThe interview should be planned in advance

Questions to be askedSuitable locationRecording method

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Obstacles to Effective Communication

Message BreakdownCaused by the security officers ability to correctly state the message

Lack of speaking abilityLack of understanding the message to be delivered

Using phrases or jargon, poor presentation, poor organization, no feedback

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Psychological BarriersBias or prejudicePanic or fearThreat to personal safetyNoiseExtreme emotion

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Failed ReceptionMental illnessStress

Marital problemsFinancial problemsHealth problems

Cultural or language problems

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Components for Effective Communication

FeedbackUse a third earAdjust your rate of speechFace to faceSensitivity to the receiver

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Components for Effective Communication

Reinforce words with actionsUse direct and simple languageUse repetitionCommand presence

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Chapter 6Access Control

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Elements of Access Control and Identification

Visual RecognitionPersonal knowledgeYou know the person and stop asking for identificationLeast reliable means of identificationAdhere to posted orders

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Written DocumentationEmployee photo badgesVisitor badges and vendor identificationWork ordersDelivery manifestsIf the security officer has a question about the documentation

Ask for additional identificationContact a person in the area

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Third Party AuthorizationIssuance of a written order authorizing admittance of a visitor at a certain time and dateContacting the employee to be visited and verifying the visitThe employee can come to the security post and personally escort the visitor to the area

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Security EscortsAll visitor are escorted to the area to be visited and the responsibility is passed to the employeeThis is high security, the visitor has little freedom of movement

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Log-in ProceduresAccountabilityIn case of an emergency, security is aware of all occupied areasComplies with guidelinesDiscourages access by unauthorized personnelEncourages security/employee interaction

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The Golden RuleWhen in doubt, deny accessDocument any attemptsBring the attempts to a supervisor

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Threat Potential

Assessment Assessment is used to determine the level of access control necessary to adequately protect the facility

DemographicsType of facilityOccupants functionsLevel of physical security in place

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Major Threats to Industry and Government

SabotageDamage or disable equipmentInternal causesExternal causesWhy was the damage caused

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EspionageSurveillance, infiltration and spying of the activities of a business or government agencyInternal or externalCommon practice among competitorsThe more competitive the market, the greater the chance for espionage

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TerrorismAn overt act that causes apprehension, panic, fear and/or damage and which ultimately disrupts the normal working environment of the business or governmental agencyLow level

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Types of Access Control

EnvironmentalBarriers created to control the flow of pedestrians and vehicle trafficStrategically placed landscaping and lighting

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Physical SecurityElectronic card readersTamper resistant locksSecurity doorsCentral station alarmsClosed circuit televisionFences

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PersonnelSecurity officers posted at entry points and at vulnerable areasPosted orders and employer rules and regulations about access and restrictionsApprove or deny access to restricted areas

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Chapter 7Ethics and Conduct

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Ethics

Defining Ethics The discipline with what is good and badWith moral duty and obligation and a set of moral principlesThe principles of conduct governing an individual or group

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Ethics

What are Ethics?Involves a value for one thing over anotherA choice of good over badInfers acting on principle because someone is the better for itInfers moral responsibility and principle upon which ones actions are based

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Integrity

Defining Integrity A firm adhere to a code of especially moral or artistic values

IncorruptibleHonest

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Morals

Defining Morals Relating to the principles of right and wrong in behavior

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Ethics

So, Ethics are a system of moral principles which lead to the highest good

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A Code of Ethics

A Code of EthicsContains general statements on principles and/or rules of conduct by which members of a particular profession regulate their behavior among themselves and others they deal with in a professional capacityIncorporates moral and ethical principles and philosophies and is a measure of a person’s conduct against a standard of behavior

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A Code of Ethics

A Code of EthicsIn society there are certain basic ethical and moral rules of behaviorA code of ethics focuses on conduct within specific professions

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Why a Code of Ethics for Security Guards?

Higher expectationsPosition of authorityPotential for serious harmPublic holds officers to a higher standardRepresent employer and companyPublic relies on officers

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Benefits of a Code of Ethics for Security Officers

Creates a sense of professionalismPromotes professionalismEnhances public’s view of officersProvides a foundation for professional, responsible and honorable actionsProvides better protection of public rights

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Benefits of a Code of Ethics for Security Officers

AttractsA better pool of applicantsCreates a more professional imageThere is less turnover

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Unethical Practices

Loss of Public ConfidenceOne bad apple spoils the whole basket

Excessive use of forceFalse arrest and detentionIllegal search and seizureImpersonation of police officersAny act of dishonesty

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Unethical Practices

Loss of Public ConfidenceOne bad apple spoils the whole basket

Failure to report criminal actsAccepting bribes or gratuitiesFalsifying reportsShowing favoritism

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Code of Ethics for Security Officers

Leaders in Establishing a Code of Ethics for Security officers

American Society for Industrial SecurityInternational Association of Chiefs of PolicePrivate Security Management and Security Employees

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Code of Ethics for Security Officers

The Bottom Line in Ethics is:Never knowingly to do harm

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Now that the Course is Complete

Call 518-474-4429 or www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/contact.htmAsk for a Security Guard Registration Application Packet or download the applicationFollow the instructions

Documents

New York State Security Guard Training