New York State
Security Guard Training
Chapter 1
Introduction
1

Why Have this Course?
The Security Guard Act of 1992
In response to the rapid growth in the field of private security
Public security is overwhelmed
Private concerns need immediate attention that public security can’t provide
Private industry relies on private security
2

Why Have this Course?
The Security Guard Act of 1992
In response to the rapid growth in the field of private security
Provides a general and specialized workforce to enforce rules, regulations and procedures of employers
Prevents loss or damage to people and property
3

Duties of Private Security
The Security Guard Act of 1992
In response to the rapid growth in the field of private security
Represents the employer by providing guidance to visitors and employees
Manage traffic flow
Deter criminal activities on the employers property
4

New York State
Responds to this Need
The Security Guard Act of 1992
Ensures security personnel meet a minimum recruitment and training standards
There is a need to regulate and license security guards
5

Training
Unarmed Training
8 hours pre-assignment training
16 hour on-the-job training course
8 hour annual in-service course
6

Training
Armed Training
47 hour Firearms Training Course for
Armed Security Guards
8 hours annual Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards
7

Security Guard Training
Chapter 2
Role of a Security Guard
8

Role of a Security Guard
The Role of a Security Guard
Provide client or employer with professional protective services
Dedicated to the principle of maintaining order and security
Firm and fair in their actions when providing safety to persons and property
9

The Role of a Security Guard
Public Relations
Treat people with courtesy and tact
Be firm but polite
Complete assigned tasks
10

Role of a Security Guard
Character
A security officers should be honest and loyal to their employers
A security officer should not
Fail to prevent damage or theft of property
Accept bribes
Permit violations of company policies or procedures
Engage in unlawful activities
11

Role of a Security Guard
Character
Report all violations of rules and regulations
Beware of the “Routine”
This is what you are paid to do
There is also the possibility of danger
Remain alert
12

Role of a Security Guard
Attitude
The security officer is often the first person a visitor comes into contact
This is the first impression of the company
This will impact all future contacts
13

Role of a Security Guard
Be Courteous
This allows for greater cooperation
Do’s
Assume non-threatening attitude
Remain impersonal
Expect
Repeat questions from visitors
Questions that seem silly or ridiculous
14

Role of a Security Guard
Be Courteous
Should never be discourteously
Making the visitor wait
Become emotional
Use abusive language
Don’t escalate the situation
15

Role of a Security Guard
Appearance
Hard Appearance
Police type uniform
Training of a paramilitary structure
16

Role of a Security Guard
Appearance
Soft approach
Blazer, slacks, shirt and tie
More in tune with a public relations approach
17

Role of a Security Guard
Appearance
Regardless must be readily identifiable
Good personal appearance, goes with ability
18

Knowledge of the Job
Learning is a Never Ending Process
Rules and regulations
Locations and areas of protection
Structure of the company
19

The Security Officers
Primary Directive
Detect
This includes diligent patrol
Good observation and perception skills
Being proactive
20

The Security Officers
Primary Directive
Deter
Deterrence is seen as preventing a crime or incident from occurring
This is accomplished by maintaining
High visibility
High profile
Uniformed appearance
Don’t fall into a routine or pattern
21

The Security Officers
Primary Directive
Report
Reporting is gathering information and passing it on the appropriate person
Written
Verbally
Electronically
22

Duties of a Security Officer
No Longer Just a Watchman or Guard
Must have knowledge of the facility
Policies and procedures of post
Layout of facility
Hours of operation
Regulations, procedures, notification
23

Duties of a Security Officer
No Longer Just a Watchman or Guard
General tasks of Security Officers
Escort service
Alarm response
Crime prevention
Patrol
Crowd and traffic control
Basic investigation
24

Duties of a Security Officer
No Longer Just a Watchman or Guard
Control of theft or loss prevention
Be aware of delivery schedules
Be knowledgeable of visitor access
Be knowledgeable of employee access
25

Duties of a Security Officer
No Longer Just a Watchman or Guard
Substance Abuse
Allows others to be placed in jeopardy
White Collar Crimes
Sabotage, bribes, kickbacks, payoffs, computer fraud, embezzlement
Emergency Situations
Fires, explosions, disturbances, strikes, hazardous materials, natural disasters, evacuations
26

Duties of a Security Officer
No Longer Just a Watchman or Guard
Security officers are not police officers
Security officers can only act on company rules, regulations and policies
When it comes to enforcing the law, security officers are viewed as private citizens
27

Security Guard Training
Chapter 3
Legal Powers and Limitations
28

Main Functions of a Security Officer
Provide a Safe and Secure
Environment for:
Employees
Visitors
Residents
29

Main Functions of a Security Officer
Use Caution When Taking Action
Liable for Actions
Arrest
Detention
Use of force
30

Main Functions of a Security Officer
Use Caution When Taking Action
Liable for Inactions
Mistaken for being a police officer
Acting outside your geographic area
Security officers have the same legal rights as private citizens
Liable may be civil or criminal
31

The Origins of Law
Common Law
A 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 Ages
Judicial decisions came together into a set of legal rules that were accepted as national law
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The Origins of Law
Common Law
Judges criminalized actions that were previously private disputes
Common Law involved the transformation of community rules into a national legal system
Common 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 rights
It 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 government
The framers believed that English
Common Law was a solid foundation of civil and human rights laws
35

The Origins of Law
The U.S. Constitutional Convention
(1787)
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
36

The Origins of Law
The U.S. Constitutional Convention
(1787)
The first 10 Amendments are the known as the “Bill of Rights”
The 4th Amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures
The 5th Amendment protects citizens against self-incrimination
37

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 presence
For any offense when he has reason to believe a person has committed the offense whether in his presence or not
38

Security Officers and Their Authority
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 felony
For 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 Proof
The “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 belief
Remember, only police officers can arrest on a reasonable belief
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Felony, Misdemeanor and Violations
Felony
An offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year may be imposed
Misdemeanor
An 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
Offense
Conduct for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment or to a fine is provided by an law of this state
42

Security Officers and Their Authority
Violations of the Rules
Civil Law Suits seek monetary compensation from the security officer or company
Criminal charges seek punishment from the wrongdoer in the form of imprisonment
43

Security Officers and Their Authority
Violations of the Rules
The “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
44

Factors Supporting an Arrest
Physical Evidence
The “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
Confessions
All confessions must be written, signed and witnessed
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Factors Supporting an Arrest
Fingerprints and Photographs
All must be clear and recognizable
Witnesses
Keep all witnesses at the scene until police arrive
Keep them from talking about the incident
If they are unable to wait for the police, get good identification
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Factors Supporting an Arrest
Record personal observations ASAP
Record all information from the police
Record all information received from sources in addition to the police
Establish the reliability of the person making the identification
Establish the basic knowledge of the witness
47

Procedures for Taking a Person into Custody
The Arrest
The person effecting the arrest is allowed to use the physical force necessary in Section 35.30 (4) of the
New York State Penal Law
48

Procedures for Taking a Person into Custody
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
49

Procedures for Taking a Person into Custody
The Arrest
Security officers do not possess the authority given to police officers or peace officers and are not duty bound to act as law enforcement officers
50

Procedures for Taking a Person into Custody
The Arrest
Security officers should try to:
Use physical presence to deter crime
Refrain from using physical force
Abide by company policies
Instead they should contact police or peace officers
51

Procedures for Taking a Person into Custody
Procedures After an Arrest
A person making an arrest must without unnecessary delay deliver the arrestee to the custody of a police officer
A person may also solicit the aid of any police officer
A person may also solicit the aid of others to deliver the arrestee to the police
52

Procedures for Taking a Person into Custody
The Miranda Warnings
In 1966 the U.S. Supreme Court decided that all citizens in police custody should be warned about making statements that may incriminate themselves
Private citizens making arrests need not give these Miranda Warnings
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Security Guard Training
Chapter 4
Emergency Situations
54

Potential Emergency Situations
Fires
The security officer needs to aggressively act to prevent fires from starting
Remember the old saying
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
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Potential Emergency Situations
Classification of Fires
Class A
Ordinary combustibles, wood, paper, cloth
Class B
Flammable or combustible liquids, gases or grease
56

Potential Emergency Situations
Classification of Fires
Class C
Energized electrical equipment, automotive
Class D
Combustible metals such as magnesium and titanium
57

Potential Emergency Situations
Fire Extinguishers
Some are single purpose, some are multipurpose
They will be marked on the side of what fires they will extinguish
You should check the this prior to use
You need to know what types are available, where they are located, and their status (full)
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Potential Emergency Situations
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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Potential Emergency Situations
Steps When Entering a Fire Zone
Remember RACE
R – Respond
A – Alarm
C – Contain
E – Extinguish
60

Potential Emergency Situations
Steps When Entering a Fire Zone
Remember PASS
P – Pull
A – Aim
S – Squeeze
S – Sweep
61

Potential Emergency Situations
Explosions Can be the Result of
Accidents
Intentional
Terrorism
Sabotage
Bombs
62

Potential Emergency Situations
Steps When Encountering an
Explosion
The safety of the officer is primary
Attend to the injured
Calm down those who are in panic
Make sure everyone is safe and there is no further danger
Secure the area to minimize additional loss and injury
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Potential Emergency Situations
Bomb Threats
Facts About Bomb Threats
Most are unfounded, but need to be taken seriously
They are intended to create a disruption to the workplace
False reports are made to catch the victim off guard when the threat is real
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Potential Emergency Situations
How to Respond to Bomb Threats
List to what the caller is saying
Try to keep the caller on the phone
Listen for background noise
Try to determine the type of bomb, location, detonation time, why the bomb was placed
Record all the information
Notify the management
65

Potential Emergency Situations
How do Bombs Enter the Building
Mail or messenger
Disgruntled or former employee
Emotionally disturbed person
Protest groups
Car or truck
Bombs don’t have to enter the building to be effective
66

Potential Emergency Situations
Tips on Locating Bombs
Look for something out of place
Assist professionals in finding them
67

Potential Emergency Situations
Hazardous Material Incidents
Security officer should be aware of stored hazardous materials, their properties and dangers
Hazardous Material Training
HazCom Awareness
HAZMAT accidents
National Fire Protection Association placard system
68

Potential Emergency Situations
General Rules Established by
HAZMAT
Don’t touch or smell the material
If it is liquid, don’t try to mop it up
Make all notifications by phone, radio transmissions can trigger an explosion
Only properly trained personnel should attempt the cleanup
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Potential Emergency Situations
Natural Disasters
Power interruptions
Water leaks
Window damage
Failing ice
Icy sidewalks
Be prepared to assist in evacuations and emergency relocations
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Potential Emergency Situations
Crimes in Progress
Respond with more than one guard if possible
Listen to the dispatcher for updates and information
Relay information to other units
Remember laws about arrest and force
Identify and separate potential witnesses
Establish and secure the crime scene
71

Security Response to Emergencies
Evacuation of Employees
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Notification lists
Proper authorities to contact
Evacuation routes
Loss control procedures
Individual roles in executing the procedures
72

Security Response to Emergencies
Responding to Emergencies
The safety of the officer is primary
Know the employers emergency plans and your role
Keep and up to date emergency list
Request assistance when needed, no heroes
Secure the area as best as possible
Ensure your safety and then the safety of others
73

Security Response to Emergencies
Responding to Emergencies
Evacuate and assist if necessary
Remain calm, you are in control
Take mental and field notes
Know your limitations
Have a thorough knowledge of the work area
74

Security Response to Emergencies
After the Emergency has Passed
Asked to be critiqued on your performance
Learn from your experience
Find new ways to improve your response
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Security Response to Emergencies
The Next Two Things
A smoke condition appears to be coming from the floor above
25 people walk into the lobby and begin to picket your buildings biggest tenant
A 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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Security Response to Emergencies
The Next Two Things
You hear a rumble, glass start to break, the first major earthquake in N.Y. in 100 years
A riot breaks out, outside your building when a local sensational trial verdict is handed down
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Security Guard Training
Chapter 5
Communications and
Public Relations
78

Communication
The Importance of Communication
Can’t be Overstated
Components of Communication
The sender-the person delivering the message
The receiver-the person to whom the message is being delivered
Feedback-affirmation that the message was received by the person intended and that they understood the message
79

Five Uses of
Communication in Security
Public Relations
This is the most common
It is used to combat prejudices
Tools to use are appearance, demeanor, tact and understanding
A combination of verbal and non-verbal skills
80

Five Uses of
Communication in Security
Compliance
Used to maintain order
Describing events
Key for reports
Legal testimony
Documentation
Communication with outside agencies
81

Five Uses of
Communication in Security
Emergencies
Protecting people and property
The rapid, accurate exchange of information can be critical for successful response to an emergency in progress
Interviewing
An investigative tool
82

Three Methods of
Communication
Verbal Communication
Sent by speaking and received by hearing
Speaking components
Listening components
Non-verbal communication skills can enhance verbal skills and the overall communication process
83

Three Methods of
Communication
Verbal Communication
Common uses of oral communications
Common problems
Skills to practice to communicate more effectively
84

Three Methods of
Communication
Non-verbal Communication
Non-verbal components
Non-verbal communication is usually the first and has a lasting effect on communication
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Three Methods of
Communication
Written Communication
Documentation of activities
May be an aid to memory
Communication with superiors
Types of written communication
Rules of written communication
Writing exercise
86

Three Methods of
Communication
Written Communication
Statements
May be taken orally, but written is preferred
Must be voluntary, no threats or promises or intimidation
87

Three Methods of
Communication
Written Communication
The interview should be planned in advance
Questions to be asked
Suitable location
Recording method
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Obstacles to
Effective Communication
Message Breakdown
Caused by the security officers ability to correctly state the message
Lack of speaking ability
Lack of understanding the message to be delivered
Using phrases or jargon, poor presentation, poor organization, no feedback
89

Obstacles to
Effective Communication
Psychological Barriers
Bias or prejudice
Panic or fear
Threat to personal safety
Noise
Extreme emotion
90

Obstacles to
Effective Communication
Failed Reception
Mental illness
Stress
Marital problems
Financial problems
Health problems
Cultural or language problems
91

Components for
Effective Communication
Feedback
Use a third ear
Adjust your rate of speech
Face to face
Sensitivity to the receiver
92

Components for
Effective Communication
Reinforce words with actions
Use direct and simple language
Use repetition
Command presence
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Security Guard Training
Chapter 6
Access Control
94

Elements of Access
Control and Identification
Visual Recognition
Personal knowledge
You know the person and stop asking for identification
Least reliable means of identification
Adhere to posted orders
95

Elements of Access
Control and Identification
Written Documentation
Employee photo badges
Visitor badges and vendor identification
Work orders
Delivery manifests
If the security officer has a question about the documentation
Ask for additional identification
Contact a person in the area
96

Elements of Access
Control and Identification
Third Party Authorization
Issuance of a written order authorizing admittance of a visitor at a certain time and date
Contacting the employee to be visited and verifying the visit
The employee can come to the security post and personally escort the visitor to the area
97

Elements of Access
Control and Identification
Security Escorts
All visitor are escorted to the area to be visited and the responsibility is passed to the employee
This is high security, the visitor has little freedom of movement
98

Elements of Access
Control and Identification
Log-in Procedures
Accountability
In case of an emergency, security is aware of all occupied areas
Complies with guidelines
Discourages access by unauthorized personnel
Encourages security/employee interaction
99

Elements of Access
Control and Identification
The Golden Rule
When in doubt, deny access
Document any attempts
Bring the attempts to a supervisor
100

Threat Potential
Assessment
Assessment is used to determine the level of access control necessary to adequately protect the facility
Demographics
Type of facility
Occupants functions
Level of physical security in place
101

Major Threats to
Industry and Government
Sabotage
Damage or disable equipment
Internal causes
External causes
Why was the damage caused
102

Major Threats to
Industry and Government
Espionage
Surveillance, infiltration and spying of the activities of a business or government agency
Internal or external
Common practice among competitors
The more competitive the market, the greater the chance for espionage
103

Major Threats to
Industry and Government
Terrorism
An overt act that causes apprehension, panic, fear and/or damage and which ultimately disrupts the normal working environment of the business or governmental agency
Low level
104

Types of Access Control
Environmental
Barriers created to control the flow of pedestrians and vehicle traffic
Strategically placed landscaping and lighting
105

Types of Access Control
Physical Security
Electronic card readers
Tamper resistant locks
Security doors
Central station alarms
Closed circuit television
Fences
106

Types of Access Control
Personnel
Security officers posted at entry points and at vulnerable areas
Posted orders and employer rules and regulations about access and restrictions
Approve or deny access to restricted areas
107

Security Guard Training
Chapter 7
Ethics and Conduct
108

Ethics
Defining Ethics
The discipline with what is good and bad
With moral duty and obligation and a set of moral principles
The principles of conduct governing an individual or group
109

Ethics
What are Ethics?
Involves a value for one thing over another
A choice of good over bad
Infers acting on principle because someone is the better for it
Infers moral responsibility and principle upon which ones actions are based
110

Integrity
Defining Integrity
A firm adhere to a code of especially moral or artistic values
Incorruptible
Honest
111

Morals
Defining Morals
Relating to the principles of right and wrong in behavior
112

Ethics
So, Ethics are a system of moral principles which lead to the highest good
113

A Code of Ethics
A Code of Ethics
Contains 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 capacity
Incorporates moral and ethical principles and philosophies and is a measure of a person’s conduct against a standard of behavior
114

A Code of Ethics
A Code of Ethics
In society there are certain basic ethical and moral rules of behavior
A code of ethics focuses on conduct within specific professions
115

Why a Code of Ethics for
Security Guards?
Higher expectations
Position of authority
Potential for serious harm
Public holds officers to a higher standard
Represent employer and company
Public relies on officers
116

Benefits of a Code of Ethics for Security Officers
Creates a sense of professionalism
Promotes professionalism
Enhances public’s view of officers
Provides a foundation for professional, responsible and honorable actions
Provides better protection of public rights
117

Benefits of a Code of Ethics for Security Officers
Attracts
A better pool of applicants
Creates a more professional image
There is less turnover
118

Unethical Practices
Loss of Public Confidence
One bad apple spoils the whole basket
Excessive use of force
False arrest and detention
Illegal search and seizure
Impersonation of police officers
Any act of dishonesty
119

Unethical Practices
Loss of Public Confidence
One bad apple spoils the whole basket
Failure to report criminal acts
Accepting bribes or gratuities
Falsifying reports
Showing favoritism
120

Code of Ethics for
Security Officers
Leaders in Establishing a Code of
Ethics for Security officers
American Society for Industrial
Security
International Association of Chiefs of
Police
Private Security Management and
Security Employees
121

Code of Ethics for
Security Officers
The Bottom Line in Ethics is:
Never knowingly to do harm
122

Now that the Course is Complete
Call 518-474-4429 or www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/contact.htm
Ask for a Security Guard
Registration Application Packet or download the application
Follow the instructions
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