In-House Security Training Programs – Are They Effective?

Should guard companies teach their own officers by providing in-house security training programs? Now this may seem like a no-brainer to some companies monetarily speaking but lack of a good program, to include ensuring laws and procedures are given to each security officer, could cost so much more than the few dollars companies attempt to save by giving their own classes.

Aside from the two or three state required and regulated security training courses which must be given by a licensed training academy, DPS-RSD expects each security company to provide “employer-based training” to its employees while working at their company.

No one-time class at any school was meant to be enough for a guard’s entire career.

Outsourced versus In-house security training programs 

Every employer is expected to keep their officers updated on not just company “Dos and Don’ts,” but also on laws, policies and regulations. We applaud all companies that actually take the time and care to do this.

Outside of basic informational company meetings and classes, we want to caution all security providers from entering into the area (generally done to save a buck), handled by a “licensed training academy” with licensed Instructors.

Although the state currently allows all guard companies to give their own Level-2 (non-commission guard course) in their own office, some are now providing their own handcuffing, OC, defensive tactics and a handful of other “homemade” classes.

In-house security trainingThere are a few issues to consider if you are a guard company providing “in-house security training programs.”

Your biggest concern in this business, if you have been around for any length of time, is “Liability.”

Any time you give any type of class, whether it is a Level-2, handcuffs, OC, or Verbal Judo, you and your company are placing yourselves at risk for the guard’s actions by certifying and/or providing their training – which 100% will come into question in every court case. So, you will not only be liable for a guard’s actions while on duty, but also the training you provided will follow them throughout their career.

It will not matter whether you provide a certificate or not, or if you have the guards sign a waiver, if you trained them you could potentially be named in the lawsuit. Remember the term “deep pockets” and the fact that the guards have limited money? Attorneys will pursue the guard company, the client and whoever trained them.

Not only are you exposing yourself to more liability but with that said, how many guard companies have notified their insurance of the added exposure that they are conducting training operations, and sought the additional coverage to protect them… probably not many.

Who wants to be part of a lawsuit for a guard your company trained years ago?

Since your company trained the officer, even though he no longer works for your establishment, you can be named in a lawsuit, as he is using tactics taught by you.

Security training programsThe few dollars you might save by providing in-house training will be lost with the extended exposure to your company by “training” the guards yourself.

Remember This: Separation, layers of protection, and deniability cannot be done if you are 100% training your own officers yourself.

Private security training programs

While providing training, you will have to keep training records, seek updates, ensure you are providing up-to-date information on all laws, and be proficient at your task. This takes away from company administration time, and oh by the way, if the training is mandatory, to include any mandatory company meetings by Texas law, you have to place your employees on the clock during that time and pay them.

The bottom line is: outside of company SOPs and company updates, leave the training to licensed, insured and professional training academies that use state licensed Instructors. Guards sued for inadequate trainingTexas Certified Training Academy is prepared to handle training records; we have immersed ourselves in the law and procedures; and we can defend ourselves and the guards in court, as this is what we do for a living – make sure your employees are trained properly and limit your liability.

Want more information about in-house security training, contact Texas Certified Training Academy.

 

 

May 10th, 2015 by