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The Next Generation of Technology, Equipment and Training for Security Officers Is Here
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Security Service Integration and Training Is Key
Push aside any old notions of low skilled security officers. The security officer of the future has arrived. Today’s security officer may be using a Segway to conduct patrols. You may find today’s highly skilled and trained security officer piloting control panels with a host of IP-connected digital applications that include closed circuit television (CCTV), life and fire safety systems, and remote online access control systems. Updates to post assignments can be communicated electronically and advanced training for security officers conducted online.
Today’s officer is searching for and locating potential threats to client assets using technologically advanced surveillance systems that feature high-tech full-motion, real-time enhanced imaging capabilities. That technology allows officers to identify potential threats quickly and discretely, without conducting a physical pat down or alerting others to the situation, causing panic or general disruption.
Security officers of the “future,” working today at some of the country’s busiest and most respected brands, operate complex systems which comprehensively track and control visitors to the property. When guests arrive, officers verify the identity of the visitor, send real-time notification of the visitor's arrival to the host, and automatically print a guest badge, enabling guest access to the building.
Additionally, officers use advanced integrated security solutions based on trace detection equipment and X-ray screening systems. These systems, managed by highly trained officers, help safeguard those on the front line and the public at large, protecting buildings and transportation systems, and screening everything from a ticket to a truck.
State-of-the-Art Training for Security Officers Is Vital to Meeting Technological Advances
How can you ensure that your security officers are optimally deployed, responsible and accountable? State-of-the-art training for security officers is crucial to keep the burgeoning physical security workforce ready and able to take on the daily challenges they face. The digital revolution is transforming our culture and is clearly altering the way we communicate with each other. Nowhere is technology’s power more visibly demonstrated than with security training. Factor in digital training that educates, empowers and connects the vital security officer sector, and you have a game plan for success.
Today’s security leaders are making training not only better, but more accessible. By taking advantage of future-looking security technology, and the fact that many of today’s security officers are avid computer-users, security companies have created online training programs for their officers. This is especially ideal for officers who would like to continue their standard training but work in remote locations or work atypical hours – making classroom training in a challenge.
Integration: Just a Buzz Word?
As the security officer, and the security industry, continues to evolve and advance, integration is more than just the buzz word du jour with increasingly complex and disparate systems being integrated on a single platform. Different functions including incident reporting, camera monitoring and security officer tour systems, are all integrated to create a comprehensive program.
While the past may have seen either a security officer or a security camera, today, we often see both - not as two separate functions, but as an integrated system. Add to that an access control system and sophisticated motion sensors, and you have an integrated system. Is this all too much? While the industry may be exploding with products, systems and choices, the ideal is a carefully selected and integrated suite of security solutions specific to the needs of a particular location.
It is not unusual to hear security directors say, “Yes, it’s technologically advanced, but what value do I get from integration?” Not only is this a good question for the security industry to answer, it should probably be the focal question. It is important to take a balanced approach when reviewing the benefits of security system integration and design a system that has the right elements for each location. To do this, a careful review of the facility, security policies and procedures, technology, equipment for security officers, and personnel is necessary.
Creating a security solution where all of the pieces work together is essential to creating a safe and secure environment regardless of how simple or complex the security picture is. Today’s officers are a critical piece of the security puzzle, and are often our first line of defense against many threats. We must continue to be proactive about developing programs and solutions that can help them perform at their best, which includes providing state-of-the-art training and equipment for security officers.
Realities for Today’s Security Environment
The development of meaningful security protocols has changed significantly in the last decade. The economy, the state of the commercial real estate market and the ever-present threat of terrorist attacks have also made an impact. Operating costs have increased significantly in providing routine and emergency security personnel. Tenants have increased expectations of security programs, and we all have the responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment. All of these factors create a significant challenge to the buyer and service provider.
The security officer of the future brings a whole new set of considerations for the end user. The property manager or security director making the security decisions should now view the security officer as a professional employee. An average wage and clean uniform are no longer enough. Today’s officers receive competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and award-winning training and equipment. And, there are also extensive recruiting efforts to identify quality applicants, as well as retention and recognition programs designed to keep them.
Safe and secure facilities are the expectation. Administrators and property managers are expected to provide protection for building tenants, employees and visitors. An investment in current and comprehensive security technology, married with continually trained and technologically literate officers, is the most effective and cost efficient form of liability insurance and protection against crime.
Cost of service, insurance, employee benefits, performance tracking, wages and training are all considerations when security providers are considered. In this new area of security, life may have become more complex for the security decision maker, but for good reason. Today’s security is more complex.
These considerations are a reflection of the changed perception on the part of the security director, security company, general public and the security officers themselves. A position as security officer is now regarded as a career, not just a job. Security officers now seek additional training as a path to upward mobility, and today’s security leaders are recognizing that. Shift and site supervisor positions are sought after by those security officers wanting to advance their security careers, and account management positions are the next step up the ladder.
Security and Law Enforcement Partnership
The relationship with law enforcement has also progressed as well. Today’s security officers work in conjunction with police officers. Many locations benefit from a mix of security and law enforcement officers. Higher education is one market where both are often employed. A campus security or public safety director will often see the benefits of supplementing the efforts of a dedicated campus police force with security officers trained for the higher education setting. The security officers can assume the burden of security escorts, access control and locking buildings, while the police officers focus on higher profile matters. The two groups work together as a team focused on safety and security.
This revolution of change in the security officer and the security industry is incredible. Our security officers are well-trained and dedicated to their site and the industry. We’ve seen an influx of applicants from law enforcement and military personnel. Our security officers are better equipped and better respected. And the security industry leaders have raised the bar on training, wages and benefits. As the need for security has increased, our men and woman have stepped up and are meeting that need.
Equipped with computer skills and advanced security training, today’s security officer is not complacent. Rather, he or she is technologically savvy and committed to continual training. The security officer of the future is working at your facility today. Security officers are our first line of defense and work tirelessly for our protection. Behind the public face of the security officer lives an expertly prepared and ever vigilant security professional who is well-trained and supported by cutting edge, integrated technology.
