Security Guards – Not Just Mall Cops

In the movie, “Mall Cop,” Kevin James portrayed a bumbling security officer whose good luck at catching the criminals seemed to be just that-luck. While the movie was funny and great entertainment, security officers are highly trained and skilled individuals who save lives on a daily basis. Unfortunately many people only see them as “cop wannabes” that would be real police officers if they had the skills. That perception is far from the truth. Security officers are subject to a comprehensive background investigation, drug screening and training.

Security officers must undergo rigorous training before they are assigned. This training includes:

• The law: Since some security guards have arrest powers, they need to know what the laws are. Training covers every situation from burglaries and robberies to criminal trespassing and bomb threats.

• Crowd control: Security is present at almost every big event around the country. Controlling those crowds is not as simple as saying ‘Get back.’ Officers are trained to keep hordes of people under control.

• Traffic control: Big crowds bring large volumes of traffic. Event organizers use security officers to make sure everyone gets to and from the event safely.

• Interview and interrogation: What an officer learns when detaining someone can be used by police and possibly even the courts. Ask the wrong question and you can damage the case against the criminal.

• Testifying in court: Often security officers will have to appear in court as a witness. These officers are trained in court procedures.

• Firearms training: Armed officers must learn about the legal uses of their service weapon and qualify on the firing range. Armed officers are becoming more and more popular as violent crime increases across the nation.

• CPR and First Aid: Often security officers are the first ones on the scene when a medical emergency occurs. They are trained to give first aid until paramedics can arrive. In April of 2009 mall security officers were credited with saving a man’s life after he went into cardiac arrest in an Annapolis mall.

• Patrol procedures: Many security companies offer armed guards who patrol in vehicles just like the police and sheriff’s office do. Security officers learn how to spot something suspicious on patrol and how to pursue a suspect if necessary.

• Client relations: Security officers are assigned to private businesses. Interacting with the client positively, especially if there is a crisis, is an important skill.

While security officers don’t go to a police academy, many attend training academies where they receive much of the same training. These academies are taught by qualified state law enforcement officers who often teach the same classed to certified police officers and deputies. The officers can receive up to 72 hours of interactive and hands on training. Unfortunately, many security companies only require their officers to have the minimum training required by the state of Arizona, which is eight hours. If you need security officers, especially armed officers, look for companies that require comprehensive training.