Training – Can you ever know too much?

So you decide that you’d like to pursue a future in Security.

You take the Ontario Security Guard course, write your exam, apply for your licence and you’re all set!

You get a shiny ID card mailed out and you proudly toss it in your wallet with your drivers licence and the rest of your ID’s and credit cards.

Thats it right?

Well aside from the obvious of obtaining a job and working – there really doesn’t have to be much more to the story. Aside from maintaining a valid licence, there is no governing body constantly hounding you to update your skills and broaden your horizons by learning new things. If you’re happy with the daily grind of wake up, work, sleep and repeat then by all means. You do you.

However, furthering your education in the security industry is something that is perhaps not pushed nearly enough. There are countless courses from endless organizations offering additional training when it comes to de-escalating, disarming, combat, negotiation and lots of other options. We ourselves offer courses on Executive and VIP Protection, and advance training.

Why would you further your knowledge?

For one – these courses and skillsets aren’t just out there to make people money (even if they do). These are practical skills that can be applied to your everyday security job. Things that sometimes may seem like common sense, but end up being learned behaviours.

It could mean the difference between a physical fight, or a basic communication breakdown. Or it could possibly be a matter of life or death.

When it comes to learning in this industry, you can almost never know all of it and taking time to learn more is only going to make your job easier. Not only that, it will make your job safer for you and for those around you.

Recently in Winnipeg, Security working front line at a Government Assistance office was attacked by someone who ran into the building, jumped a counter and went past a glass barrier and stabbed Security after being asked to leave.

The rise in drug use in the city of Winnipeg, and a lack of additional training, have both been factored into the increased risk Security there faces. They speak to the need for Security to not just have the responsibility to deal with these threats, but also the authority.

So beyond training, they want some of their Government Front line Security to have additional powers such as that of a Peace Officer. This could include the ability to carry hand cuffs.

This being said, with the additional power handed over, additional training would also become mandatory so that Security is well equipped to mentally, and physically handle the increase in potentially volatile situations.

While handing over more power to the entire Security industry is likely not the best answer, ensuring more training is readily available and perhaps mandated would definitely be something that could greatly pay off.

Having better knowledge on how to identify risks, attackers, threats, and then deescalate to the best of a persons ability while trying to avoid further threats or attacks is good information to have. This could potentially lessen the risk of incidents where Security ‘attacks’ and crosses the line.

Recently in Australia, a club goer was put in a choke-hold and almost blacked out after a confrontation got out of hand. This particular club goer had stepped in to defend his girlfriends friend when things escalated and the group was ejected from the club. Once outside, Security stepped in and threw all of their weight on one gentleman while almost causing him to black out.

There are definitely times when people start to get physical where Security has to step in and at times has no choice but to also put up a physical presence. However, keeping a level head and ensuring that every action they take is within reasonable grounds is something that is often more easily said then done.

Generally when it comes to physical altercation, our alter ego’s take over and we can quickly lose control of a situation. Having training where we learn to keep control of ourselves, and gain it efficiently from others will always only help in a situation.

You can never know too much when it comes to the risks, powers, and controls of the Security industry. Things are always changing and keeping up to date will only help keep yourself safe, and those you are protecting safe. Furthering your knowledge could also always help your Security role evolve as well, and potentially open the door for more opportunity.

As they say – Knowledge is power. And using it wisely is key.

 

 

 

Guest Blogger Rayna Davies

Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management.  She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security.  Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and experienced many security details.  These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities.  She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration.  Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent.