Forty-hour Security Officer Training Curriculum

Lesson #1 – Introduction to the Security Profession (3 hours)
After an introduction to the training program, this first lesson focuses on the history of security in America and the evolution of the security profession. Law enforcement and security professions are compared with an emphasis on the limitations of security officers, and the importance of a professional, productive relationship with local law enforcement professionals

Lesson #2 – Laws and Liabilities (3 hours)
This lesson is an abbreviated version of the Eight Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course for Security Guards as prepared by the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services. This lesson, in concert with the course textbook, The Security Handbook, 2nd Ed. by Ralph Purpura, provides a strong foundation of the law and how it relates to the security officer of today. Extensive coverage is devoted to security officer liability and limitations.

Lesson #3 – Effective Communication (3 hours)
To a security professional, there is no greater tool or skill than the officer’s ability to effectively communicate with witnesses, victims, customers, supervisors, emergency response personnel and co-workers. In this lesson, the student is exposed to the various components of effective communication, as well as interviewing techniques, telephone skills and change of shift responsibilities. In the final segment of this lesson, the topic of ethics in the security profession is presented.

Lesson #4 – Observation Skills and Report Writing (3 hours)
In this lesson, the security professional is presented with recommendations on improving observation skills in order to critically observe and record, as opposed to looking or watching. Students are instructed in techniques to use and improve their senses when performing daily security-related duties. Finally, the importance of note taking and report writing is discussed and stressed as an important activity in the security profession and its potential use in civil and criminal legal proceedings.

Lesson #5 - Critical Incident Response (3 hours)
Occasionally, security professionals must respond to incidents in which life or property requires protection, assistance or rescue. This lesson addresses many critical incidents such as sick or injured people, natural disasters, gas leaks, and police or fire emergencies. The role of the security officer in preparing the scene for responding personnel is the focus of this lesson, coupled with the importance of teamwork and realization of limitations.

Lesson #6 – Crime Prevention for Security Professional (3 hours)
In this lesson, the elements required to commit a crime by a perpetrator are examined and the role the security professional plays in preventing crime is detailed. The lessons learned from September 11th are discussed from a security perspective, as well as traditional security practices. Tactics utilized by perpetrators are examined and recommendations to mitigate these practices are discussed.

Lesson #7 – Terrorism Awareness and Response (3 hours)
The elements of a terrorist attack are discussed with a focus on the areas where a security professional may have an opportunity for intervention. The student is encouraged to focus on behavior, and not people. The all-important identification of fraudulent documents is discussed as an important element in countering potential terrorist activities. The topic of weapons of mass destruction is presented with the objective of identifying the potential release, dissemination, or detonation of these potentially deadly agents. Substantial time is dedicated to discussing conventional explosive devices and improvised explosive devices, as well as the way to handle a report of a “suspicious package” or bomb threat.

Lesson #8 – Safety and Fire Protection (3 hours)
The concept of safety and accidents in the workplace is introduced with emphasis on the security officer’s role in this “loss prevention” aspect of the security profession. Specific practices are recommended to mitigate these risks as well as the responsibility of the security professional to report acts of non-compliance by employees, visitors or residents. Finally, the devastating effect of fire is discussed and fire prevention strategies are discussed.

Lesson #9 – Use of Fire Extinguishers (3 hours)
In this lesson, the various types of fires are explained and the proper method of extinguishing fires is discussed. Students will be able to differentiate between the various types of fire extinguishers available and how to properly use them.

Lesson #10 – Access Control and Security Technology (3 hours)
The important role security plays in the access of people and packages to a location is discussed as well as hardware and technology that the security professional of today may encounter. This lesson discusses the importance of procedure and personnel in limiting access and egress from a building and identifies how technology can augment these roles.

Lesson #11 – Customer Service (3 hours)
The security profession is very much a customer service industry and the important relationship between customers, employees and security personnel is explained. The importance of non-verbal communication and appearance is explained and recommendations to improve job performance are discussed.

Lesson #12 – American Red Cross - CPR (3 hours)
By completing this lesson the security professional will be certified by the American Red Cross to administer Cardio-Pulmonary- Resuscitation

Lesson #13 – American Red Cross - AED (3 hours)
New York City requires that commercial buildings have an automated external defibrillator (AED) in commercial buildings. After completing this module the officer will be certified by the American Red Cross in the use of an AED.

Testing (1 hour)

Total (40 hours)

NY Safe & Secure Home