PUBLIC RELATIONS

Introduction to Security and Public Relations

As you read and study this Security Training Course you should be aware that you are in one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. The purpose of this training is to familiarize and instruct the individual on basic skills and provide a common body of knowledge in the performance of security officer work throughout the State of California.

What Is Private Security?

For purposes of our discussion, private security consists of privately funded businesses which provide security and related services to other persons and businesses. Security is intended to protect and preserve activities/ property without loss or disruption. Security, like most professions, has continued to change amid rapid growth. Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, security has come under greater scrutiny from the federal and state government as well as from private citizens.

Different definitions and terms are often used to describe private security:

  • Private Police
  • Security Police
  • Plant Protection
  • Facility or Plant Security
  • Loss Prevention
  • Risk Management
  • Loss Control
  • Fire Protection
  • Asset Protection
  • Safety
  • Hazardous Material Control

Private security personnel are an increasingly important part of Homeland Security in the United States.

Private security personnel currently greatly outnumber law enforcement personnel. Several studies of the security industry have been made and are referred to as the Hallcrest Reports I and II. In these studies, the authors note the security industry will continue its rapid growth.

The requirements for professionalization of the private security field are increasing. In California, private security officers may not work without a nationwide criminal background check.

Furthermore, California security officers go through one of the most stringent training laws in the nation. Training as defined by California was established by AB 2880 and subsequent regulations. This law and the regulations state that officers must take a mandatory eight-hour “Powers to Arrest Course,” 16 additional hours (8 mandatory hours, 8 elective hours) within 30 days of the issuance of your security officer registration (guard card), and 16 more hours (for a total of 40 hours) within 6 months of issuance of the registration.