Security Guard Study Manual
Security Guard Study Manual
Security Guard Study Manual
Training Manual
© 2008,
Gerald T. Aitken.
Course Curriculum
1
Part One: Mental Awareness
Security Awareness
Ethics
Professionalism
Professional Image
Public Relations
2
Security Awareness
3
Three steps you should take when you notice a potential hazard:
Identify it
Fair enforcement
Let people know the reasons why – the types of misfortunes that can be
prevented
4
Security Officer Ethics Involve:
Enforce all lawful rules and policies
Strive for professional competence
Respect the client’s private property and that of employees
Protect confidential information
Good liaison with Firefighters, EMTs, Peace Officers and Police Officers
Elements of Professionalism
Good manners (don’t interrupt, give praise, stand when greeting)
Professional appearance
Integrity (doing the right thing)
Seek professional education
Vigilance (helping protect employees, guests, property and image)
Embrace your training opportunities
Helpfulness (provide superior customer support)
Accumulate experience
Strive for excellence
5
Security professionals are:
Professional Image
6
Professional Image
Positive attitude
Alert at all times
Professional body language
Correct English
Good manners
Public Relations
Any time you interact with clients, guests, the media, or the public, you are
involved in PUBLIC RELATIONS.
Public relations involves face to face contact, the telephone, and
documents in writing. The type of PR you’ll be involved with most frequently is
face to face.
The Security Officer is frequently the first point of contact with the public.
7
You may also need to establish good public relations with:
8
Good professional appearance and image
Public Relations Techniques
9
Part Two: Routine Daily Duties
Post Orders
Patrolling
Observation and Memory
Report Writing
Communications
10
Post Orders
Each work site to which you will be assigned will have a set of POST
ORDERS at the main security desk.
The Post Orders explain your duties and the client’s expectations of
Security Officers.
You must read and sign the Post Orders. You are responsible for the
information therein.
Review the Post Orders periodically for new updates and to refresh your
memory.
11
Purposes of Patrol:
12
2 Major Principles of Patrol
13
To enhance your ability to detect unusual situations:
Become familiar with the central alarm station (alarms and CCTV screens)
Get to know the people in your patrol environment (professionally, not
personally)
Note existing cracked windows, doors ajar, scrape marks near doorknobs,
etc. so they don’t present a false alarm
Check the maintenance tags on equipment
Get to know the maintenance and janitorial personnel and their
procedures
14
Tips for Vehicular Patrol
See
Hear
Smell
Touch
Taste
Remember
Assist your memory with field notebook and pen
15
Exercise to Develop your Memory
Study a photograph in a magazine. Then put it down, and write down all
your observations. Then go back and compare.
As you become more accurate and complete, reduce your observation
time slightly and try again.
Remembering Faces
Hair
Forehead
Eyebrows
Eyes
Nose
Cheeks and Cheek Bones
Mouth
Chin
Complexion
Neck
Remembering the Whole Person
Hair
Face, Eyes, Complexion
Age
Sex
Height
Weight and Build
16
Remembering the Whole Person
Hat
Shirt
Coat or Jacket
Tie, Turtleneck or Collar
Pants or Skirt
Shoes, Socks/Stockings
Accessories
17
Client Supervisors
When Using a Field Notebook
18
The Purpose of Reports
Document routine patrols and what you observed on patrol (shift report)
Accurate and permanent record
Document the shift – all duties carried out and events that occurred (shift
report)
Detecting problem areas
Basis for later statistical data
Document a special occurrence (incident report)
Indication of officer work and competence
Clear
Accurate
Complete
Concise
Legible
Prompt
19
Security Reports are Intended for:
Incident Reports
Safety concerns
Report violations
Disciplinary matters
Medical response
Fire investigations
Theft investigations
Eyewitness statements
Traffic accidents
Reporting officer’s name, date, shift start and end times, location
Executive Summary
Detailed chronology
Follow-up actions still pending
20
Report Writing Tips
Don’t rush
Third person (“He entered the hallway.”)
Legible handwriting
As soon as possible after the observation or event
Not later than end of shift
Use your field notes
Black ink (copies better than blue ink)
Past tense
Detail events in chronological order
When paraphrasing do not use quotation marks
Good spelling and grammar
Polite choice of words
Do not include opinions, just facts
Re-read (proofread)
If you see a mistake, do not erase it; draw a single line through it, initial it,
and then write the correct information in a nearby margin
If extensive corrections are needed, rewrite the report
File the report in a safe, secure, confidential place where your Supervisor
will find it.
21
Effective Communications Must Be:
Concise
Accurate
Timely
Clear
Complete
Factual
Polite
Problems with 2-Way Radios:
Be courteous
Hold the microphone 2-3 inches away from your face
Speak across the microphone, not directly into it
Know areas of interference
Make sure no one else is broadcasting
Point antenna straight up
22
When on the Radio:
Common 10 Codes
23
When on the Phone Do Not:
Yourself
Your department (e.g. “Security”)
(If it is an outside caller) your client corporation
Listening
Pleasant
Positive
Polite
Informed
Patient
Calm
Caring
24
When acting as a Receptionist, your telephone voice must be:
Concerned
Professional
Sincere
Moderate speed
Moderate pitch (slightly lower than your normal voice)
Telephone Security
Rude Callers
25
Taking Phone Messages
Listen carefully
Echo the caller’s message
Tell caller to whom you are going to route the message
Tell caller approximately when message should reach its recipient
Write down your name, caller name, recipient name and department, and
substance of message, clearly and accurately
Multiple Calls
Handle one call at a time
Prioritize urgent calls
Answer all calls quickly
Offer to call back or put on hold
If putting on hold, explain it may take several minutes
If necessary, jot down which caller is on which extension
Get the caller’s number (in case of disconnection)
Emphasize two-way radios and cell phones; use pagers only as backup
When announcing into an intercom, do not speak loud
If you hear an intercom announcement and can’t make it out, call dispatch
26
Part Three: Special Types of Security
Theft Prevention
Physical Security
27
Theft Prevention
Theft by employees
28
Warning Signs of Impending Theft
29
Preventing Theft
30
When You Suspect Theft
31
Collect all allegedly stolen items
If directed by Supervisor, detain suspect and call the police
32
Physical Security
Perimeter Security
Exterior of Buildings
CCTV
Access control
Locks and keys
Intrusion alarms
Protective lighting
Glazing (adding intrusion resistant surface to windows)
33
Interior Controls
Controlling access
People
Vehicles
Property
34
Entrance security
35
Mechanical Security Locks
Key Control
Maintain a Key Cabinet and Key Log at the main security desk
Keys issued only to authorized employees
Employees with keys may not pass the key to another employee without
authorization from Key Control
Employees with keys are responsible for them
Lost or stolen keys are reported immediately
Only Key Control may change or remove locks
Unauthorized locks are removed and discarded
36
Visual display (newer – graphical; older – text only)
Sound device
Logging device (saves data to disk or tape)
Alarm and report printers
Operator controls (keypad, keyboard, mouse or trackball)
Glass-break sensors
Stress detectors
Balanced magnetic switch sensors
Motion detectors (microwave, thermal, video)
Light sensors
Grid-wire sensors
Switch sensors
Infrared sensors
Biometrics detectors
Vibration sensors
Capacitance sensors
Laser system sensors
Pressure mats
Pressure switch sensors
Doppler sensors
Dual-technology sensor (ultrasonic or microwave, with thermal)
Anti-Fire Technology
Fire alarms
Flame detectors
Smoke alarms
Sprinkler alarms
37
ID card readers
CCTV
Intercoms, telephones, radios
Alarm glass
Photoelectric controls
Electronic lock
Strong door, no alternate entrances
Access credential database
Credential reader
Decision-making processor
Monitoring and recording device
Access Control
Guard at entrance
Frequent patrols of outdoor or open areas
Fences funnel visitors
“No Trespassing” signs
Identification of individuals (vocal or keypad codes, coded swipe card,
biometrics attribute)
Locks
CCTV
Alarm systems
Hidden surveillance
Identification for entry
Deterrent to crime
Permanent record of events on videotape
38
Central Security Desk
Alarm Response
39
Part Four: Special Types of Security (Continued)
Information Security
Traffic Control and Parking Lot Security
Crowd Control
Labor Strikes
40
Types of Critical Information
41
Where is Sensitive Information Stored?
Filing cabinets
Laptop computers
Desktop computers
Minicomputers
Mainframe computers
Computer networks
Corporate intranets
Microfiche machines
Brief cases and portfolios
Floppies, CDs and magnetic tapes
Conference rooms
Threat Sources
42
Physical Security Aspects
Unauthorized access
Unauthorized deletion of information
Unauthorized modification of information
Destruction of information using a virus, worm or Trojan
Someone masquerading as an authorized user
Unauthorized withholding of information
43
Password cracking
Steal information
Plant a Trojan Horse
Steal sensitive laptops
Overload the system
Email hacking
Steal sensitive floppies, CDs or tapes
Denial-of-service attacks
Tricking people into revealing their password (“social engineering”)
Access controls
Email security
Internet and Intranet security
“Lock up” computer room
Password security
Backup and restore procedures
Floppy, CD and magnetic tape security
Fire vaults
“Lock down” PCs and terminals
44
Goals of Traffic Control
Reduce accidents
Convenience for employees, visitors, contractors, cabbies, delivery
personnel
Quick access for emergency vehicles
Handle occasional extra traffic load (special events)
Maintain safety
Prevent speeding
Regulate traffic
Unblock long term problem spots
Relieve short term bottle-necks
45
Radio
Caution!
A security officer should never attempt to control traffic until he or she has
received specific training in traffic control.
46
Goals of Parking Lot Security
47
Controlling Unruly Crowds
48
If there is a Fight
49
50
Part Five: Emergency Situations
Crisis Intervention
Safety Awareness
Fire Prevention
Hazardous Materials
Emergency Response
51
Disruptive Employees or Visitors
Abusing alcohol
Lost money gambling
Illness or injury
Just got fired, laid off, or disciplined
Mental illness
Argument with spouse
Under stress
Emotional problems
Loss of a loved one
Substance abuse
Suffered an accident
Anger or Frustration
Adolescent child out of control
Financial problems
Always be alert
Do not stand between the upset person and the exit, cutting him off
Remain calm
Stand four feet away
Do not return anger
Show respect
Address the person by name
Do not raise your voice
Act appropriately
Do not argue
Be impartial and objective
Listen to the upset person carefully
Stand to the side, not in front of, the upset individual
52
Signs of Impending Violence
Hyperventilating
Gritting teeth
Foaming at the mouth
Opening and closing hands
Eyes dilated
Tensing
Let the person blow off steam with hostile language and gestures, but not
violently
Use calming verbal persuasion
Use physical restraint as a last resort
Have a crisis management team in place (3 to 5 persons including the
Security Officer on duty)
53
Accurate
Characteristics of Accidents
Unexpected
Harmful contact is made
An employee is sickened, injured or killed
Work is stopped or delayed
The employer has to pay through the nose
Causes of Accidents
54
Things to notice on patrol
55
Are ladders, exits, stairways, electrical switch boxes, aisles and walkways,
emergency equipment, first aid kits, or fire fighting equipment blocked?
Do machines look dirty, have frayed wires or worn belts?
Are all hazardous substances identified, labeled, correctly handled and
properly stored?
Adequate ventilation?
Eating or drinking in potentially toxic or infectious areas?
Are the overhead valves secure?
Are there shields and guards for belt driven equipment?
Are emergency routes clearly marked?
Is there dust, fumes, gas or vapors?
Ample lighting?
Broken or damaged equipment adequately tagged?
Do you notice any unsafe practices?
Are all air vents, water pipes and electrical cords well maintained and
away from water, heat or sharp objects?
Are hand and electrical trucks being used safely?
Employees horse-playing in work areas?
All safety devices accessible and well maintained?
56
Preventing Fires
Ingredients of a Fire
Oxygen
Fuel
Heat
Once started, a fire spreads quickly
57
Commit to memory:
Your site’s escape routes
Your site’s evacuation plan
The essentials of your client’s fire plan
Location of all fire alarm boxes
Fire rating of the materials in the work area
The locations where flammable or hazardous materials are stored
The location of all fire extinguishers
Types of fires each extinguisher is suited for
The work areas where flammable or hazardous materials are used
Types of fires
Fire Detection
58
Electronic detection
59
Identification symbols on fire extinguishers
60
Preventing hazardous materials incidents
61
Natural Emergencies
Man-Made Emergencies
Fire / Arson
Explosion
Chemical spill
Hazardous gas leak
Riot or violent strike
Sabotage / Terrorism
Radiation accident
Bomb threat
62
Preparation for Emergencies
63
Security Duties in an Emergency
64
Natural Disasters
65
Part Six: Emergency Situations (Continued)
Workplace violence
Bomb threats
Substance abuse
Terrorism and WMD
VIP protection
66
Types of Workplace Violence
Hate crimes
Robbery
Against employees or managers
Angry customer or vendor
Against domestic partners
Vandalism
Random shooting
Civil disturbance in the neighborhood
Looting after a natural or manmade disaster
Warning Signs
Continuous stressors
Avid gun or knife collector
Sudden behavior changes or extremes
Problem with authority figures
Intolerant
Poor performance ratings
Fond of violent films or TV shows
History of alcohol or drug abuse
Aggressive stance, attitude or comments
Self centered
Intimidation
Recent layoff
History of job losses
67
History of family problems
Expresses threats or hostility
Uncooperative
Lies or exaggerates
Frequently discusses violent topics
Recent discharge
Mood swings or depression
Incommunicative
Recent disciplinary action
Blames others for his or her problems
Aloof, detached, distant
Job dissatisfaction
Personal problems
Very neat or very sloppy
Poor social skills
Frequently argues
Frequently complains
Violent or criminal history
68
Physical Intervention
Incident Report
Who, What, Where, When, Why, How
Clear
Accurate
Concise
Complete
69
Bomb Threats
Prevention
70
Bomb Threat Plan must be properly documented
Access control with inbound property searches
Employees must be trained to observe and report
Threat Checklist tailored to each work area
Secure all equipment and storage rooms when not in use
Periodic bomb threat drills
Alert employees reporting any unusual object
Proper controls over any explosive materials used in the business
71
If it’s an email, save it
Call the police
If specific time and location was mentioned, tell Supervisor and police
If an evacuation is authorized
72
Search Guidelines
If an explosion occurs
73
Types of Workplace Substance Abuse
Alcohol
Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish, Hashish Oil)
Depressants (Barbiturates, Tranquilizers, Rohypnol)
Stimulants (Cocaine, Amphetamines)
Narcotics (Heroin, Opium)
Hallucinogens (Mescaline, LSD, PCP, DMT)
Inhalants (glue, gasoline, erasing fluid)
Bathrooms
Bottoms of stairwells
Parking lots
Seldom used areas (like storage rooms)
Vehicles
Secluded areas (indoors or outdoors)
74
When you see an employee probably under the influence
Do not presume to diagnose; the symptoms may have causes not related
to drugs or alcohol
Report your suspicions to your Supervisor and/or the Police
If an employee is acting out dramatically, get backup, then escort the
suspect to the Security Office. Call Police and EMS.
Evidence
When you detect certain drug use, contact your Supervisor and the Police
Wear protective gloves, face mask and clothing
Do not touch or move the evidence unless instructed by Supervisor or
Police
Do not allow the evidence to be contaminated
Do not taste or sniff anything
Use the words “allegedly” and “suspect”
Document transfer and disposition of evidence
75
Dilated pupils
Emotional outbursts
Needle marks
Memory problems
Sniffles, runny eyes or nose (Cocaine)
Suspicious activity in secluded areas
Suspicious activity in parking lots
Detecting Narcotics
76
Small rectangular paper package (“doper fold”)
Detecting Depressants
Slurred speech
Diminished alertness
Disorientation
Impaired judgment
Drunken-like behavior
Poor manipulative skills
Recurrent confusion
Uncoordinated
Obvious inability to function
Trouble driving or operating machinery
Detecting Stimulants
Delusions or paranoia
Nervous, restless, excited, hyperactive (early stage)
Depression, exhaustion, dullness (late stage)
Irritability
Euphoria
Feeling of super capability
Razor blades, mirrors, straws, small spoons
Weight loss
Excessive talking
Argumentative
Dilated pupils
Performs same tasks repeatedly
Odor like urine-soaked diapers
Poor judgment
Runny nose, sniffles, watery eyes (Cocaine)
77
Detecting Hallucinogens
Trance-like state
Excited behavior
Fearful or terrified
Slurred speech
Drooling
Rapid eye movement
Sweating
Flushed face
Exaggerated walk
Trembling hands
Impaired judgment
Dizziness
Irrationality
Sensory confusion
Detecting Cannabis
78
Detecting Inhalants
79
Counterterrorism Measures
CCTV
Ongoing employee training
Checking IDs and packages
Computer security
Avoid racial profiling
Access controls for personnel and vehicles
Barriers
Drills
Alarm systems
Security lighting
Emergency Plans
Locks
Information security
Liaison with police, fire and EMS
Metal, biochemical and radiation detectors
Screening and ongoing surveillance of employees
Liaison with HAZMAT and Homeland Security
Checking vehicles
Insurance coverage
Do not obsess about terrorism to the exclusion of more everyday threats
like fire and theft
Secure communications
Detect and report suspicious activity
Alert, staggered patrols with varied routes
Incident Response Plans
Keeping parked vehicles locked and secured
80
WMD – Weapons of Mass Destruction
Radiation or radioactivity
Toxic chemicals
Biological disease agent
Terrorists
Criminals
The mentally disturbed
81
Wear protective equipment
Remove contaminated clothing
Decontaminate all personnel (water with soap and bleach)
Approach affected area from upwind not downwind
Assist emergency responders; remember, they are in charge
Radiation: administer Potassium Iodide
82
VIP Protection – the Guard Must:
83
Part Seven: Legal Aspects of Security
Legal Aspects
Harassment and Discrimination
Use of Force
Apprehension and Detention
Testimony
Evidence
Crime Scenes
Police and Security Liaison
84
STAY WITHIN THE LAW!
If you exceed the law, in arresting, searching, seizing, or using force, there
may be criminal and/or civil actions against you personally and/or your employer.
As a Security Officer, your power of arrest is the same as that of an
ordinary citizen. YOU ARE NOT a police officer or peace officer.
Citizen’s Arrest
85
There must be a company policy allowing searches
The employee must voluntarily consent to be searched
Do not search beyond limits of consent granted
If possible, have someone of the same sex as the suspect perform a body
search
Employee can withdraw permission to search
You can seize company property if removal is unauthorized
You can seize weapons
You can seize items that would help the suspect escape detention
You may seize WITHOUT a search if the above items are in PLAIN VIEW
You can report due cause for suspicion to the employee’s Supervisor, the
Police, or both
Also write up an Incident Report
But you CANNOT force a search upon an unwilling suspect, EVEN IF
there is a company policy calling for searches
In that case, the employee is violating a company policy and will be
disciplined soon enough
Use of Force
Confessions
86
You are not required to recite Miranda rights
But the confession must be VOLUNTARY, not induced by promises or
coerced by threats
Can be short and simple, or long and detailed
Can be oral or written
Write down exactly what is said
Do not ask ambiguous questions
Give the suspect time to explain
Have a second officer on hand as a witness
Discrimination is illegal
Disability
Citizenship
Race
Age
Gender
Sexual Orientation
Religion
Political Opinions
National Origin
Marital Status
87
Harassment is illegal
Sexual or non-sexual
Derogatory or suggestive language
Derogatory or suggestive posters or literature
Unwelcome touching
Woman must sleep with boss to get raise or keep job
Report any harassment you see to your Supervisor
Supervisor MUST report up the chain of command
There must be disciplinary action against confirmed harassers (after a fair
hearing)
Alternatives to Force
Gradations of Force
88
You cannot escalate to a higher grade than the threat
Controlling physical contact (hand on the arm) (low threat)
Joint control (low threat)
Pressure points (low threat)
Chemical controls (medium threat)
Barehand striking (high threat)
Baton striking (high threat)
Pistol (deadly threat)
89
When you need to
apprehend and detain:
Types of Testimony
Testifying in Court
If it’s been a while since the event, the case is complex, or you’re involved
90
in many similar cases, ask permission to use your notes in court.
Review your notes and Incident Reports before court
Discuss your testimony with the Prosecutor beforehand
Address the jury; make eye contact
Speak clearly, and loud enough to be heard across the room
DO NOT mention previous convictions of defendant
Use last names
Use “alleged” before “offender” or “victim”
Address the judge as “Your Honor”
Answer the questions the Prosecutor asks you, clearly, concisely, and
without extraneous information or personal opinion
Avoid slang; use polite, educated words
Avoid exaggeration or underestimation
Delay answers to give your attorney time to object
Professional image
Maintain your composure
When being questioned, make eye contact with the questioning attorney
When answering, make eye contact with the jury
Emphasize essential points
Do not volunteer information
Review your notes and reports beforehand
Know the storage and ownership history of the evidence
Do not argue with attorneys
Ignore abuse from the opposing attorney
Be concise and to the point, yet complete
Remember what makes evidence admissible (next)
Listen to the entire question before answering
Be accurate, organized and consistent
91
Evidence
Types of Evidence
Scientific investigations
Body substances
Lay and expert testimony
Handwriting samples
Accomplice testimony and confession
Videotapes, audiotapes, CDs, DVDs, emails, or letters produced by the
suspect confirming intent to commit the crime
Voluntary suspect confession
Voluntary suspect admission (a damaging statement that falls short of
acknowledging guilt)
Fingerprints
Voice recognition
Weapons or tools seized from the accused
Suspect’s computer data obtained with a search warrant
Depictions of the crime scene (diagram, photo, drawing, map, model)
92
Evidence and Guilt
Privileged Communications
93
The privilege against
self-incrimination
94
Police Security Liaison
95