Private Protectors on the Front Lines

 

Ask the average person who the first true responder is and the likely answers you will receive are police, fire, and EMS personnel. The answer is correct - or is it? Our first reaction to this question would be "of course." This is the traditional answer. However, what if we said "not so fast." Yes, when you dial 911, it is expected a public safety dispatcher will answer your call and depending on the situation, the police, fire or EMS will rush over to your location to help. This is true. However, in many instances we've seem to overlook the obvious and perhaps the most important personnel: the many security officers and private police who protect us at work, bars, schools, hospitals, condos, parks, malls, government facilities and so many other places.

 

Statistically private security officers outnumber public law enforcement by 3:1 and the number continues to increase as public safety resources are stretched and some services are outsourced to the private sector.

 

So we ask the question: why are these protectors overlooked and why are they not part of the answer of who are the first true responders? it is because society portrays them an incompetent, "wanna be," uneducated or the like? Or perhaps it's the lack of training they receive?

Those of us who are employed as sworn law enforcement will agree that police officers not only receive academy training and field training, but continually receive new and refresher training periodically to meet state and department criteria, particularly if they have to meet accreditation standards. Fire and EMS always continuously train.

 

Security, public safety, and private police officers are in a class of their own and are generally considered to be a part of the security industry. However, they should also be recognized as part of the public safety profession. Generally speaking, security officers' salaries and benefits tend to be on the lower side which may explain the turnover rate. This being said, security officers are some of the most loyal, hard working, and dedicated individuals in the profession, Many security professionals exemplify loyalty and dedication even to the point of being injured or killed in the line of duty. Yes-security officers have died in the line of duty in the protection of life and property!

 

Unfortunately, many of us don't read or hear about these injuries or deaths because the media reports these officers as "victims" and not as a security officer. Unlike our public safety counterparts, government officials don't take to the airwaves to express public condolences to a security officer's family. Yet, these men and woman sacrificed their own lives to protect what was entrusted to them. Private Officer International, a security-law enforcement association, dedicates itself to the benevolence of private security and private police officers including a memorial wall, a memorial ride, LODD assistance.

 

Today, security officers can be found protecting people and property in a variety of settings. Many of these officers are unarmed and yet are willing to risk their lives so we, the general and working public, remain safe. The security professional has come a long way since the days of the "watchman." They are a source of information that should be cultivated not only by those on the property they are protecting but law enforcement as well. Security Officers know more about what is happening on the property and the neighborhood then they lead us to believe. For this reason alone, they should be held to a higher regard among other employees and even the general public.

 

Security Officers have become the "go to" persons. As a protection professional, they will know the layout of the property, emergency procedures, policies and procedures, and even be familiar with the surrounding area. In the event of a true emergency, the Security Officer is ready and willing to assist you in any situation which may include rendering CPR and first aid, evacuating persons, extinguishing fires, investigating accidents or thefts, providing a physical deterrent for terminated employees and the list goes on.

 

Private security officers have always been on the front lines and through continued training and professionalism, they will continue to be the first true responders on the properties they protect.

 

Dan Sinisi, CAPP

 

Partner - Sound Training Group LLP