Written by Head of Training, Clare Causier
We live in a world with inherent risks, from traditional physical security risks to new, emerging threats via advanced technology. How we protect ourselves and others in this current landscape must be evaluated properly and effectively taught to manage the security ecosystem that exists in our society, and it is essential that we develop a positive security culture in which everyone feels responsible for their own security and that of others.
Training plays a key role in ensuring the public is adequately protected. Many businesses still consider security training as a tick-box exercise and will engage with it only on a surface level. In addition to this being an ineffective use of company money, it creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited to detrimental effects. When delivering best practice training, providers must consider many factors when developing a robust training course. First, they must go into the business and understand the root cause of its problems and identify the desired outcomes. No two companies are affected by or can deal with security threats in the same way, and this due diligence provides clients with the assurance that their specific needs and issues are being addressed. As a result, staff are more empowered to feel confident in their abilities to handle threats should they arise.
Once the training is complete, it is vital that participants are effectively evaluated. Measurement is often an overlooked step in the training process, resulting in sub-par levels of competency being reached. Once properly tested, training must then be implemented on an ongoing basis, featuring different scenarios, to ensure officers are best skilled to carry out their duties, regardless of the location or task at hand.
It is not only security officers who require and benefit from security training. Whilst security personnel are the first line of defence, businesses can bolster their security systems by training all employees, such as retail and customer service staff as well as cleaners. One extremely effective form of training is Behavioural Detection Awareness. It’s a powerful tool in educating a wider range of people working in a public place on how to identify and report suspicious behaviour that could be linked to a security threat. This proactive and pre-emptive approach to security focuses on preparedness and prevention in the first instance and escalates to the appropriate response if required. Without this training, which is a low-cost, high-impact solution, security personnel may only become aware of threats when it is too late. This ability for all staff to identify and escalate makes it more likely for attacks to be intercepted at the first possible instance.
Security is an ecosystem in which we all play a role in maintaining. Where training provides the tools and knowledge deployable when needed, there must also be a security culture present that embodies an inherent understanding of the importance of security among teams and beyond, which is then reflected in the company’s daily operations. When a positive security culture is present among all staff, the levels of effectiveness increase, leading to better outcomes for all.
In a world where there is risk all around us, we must reach a place where security is considered as everyone’s business. Training is the cornerstone of embedding a legacy of security awareness and action that is ultimately for the public’s best interest. Recent events have demonstrated the devastating impact missing the signs or not properly carrying out security processes can have. Education and training are part of the solution and must be treated as such by all.
Our Behaviour Detection Awareness (BDA) training is delivered as an eLearning course or in the classroom, providing flexibility for training to fit around you. It also forms a solid foundation for further security training. To find out more about our range of security courses, contact us at sales@trustredline.co.uk or visit our training page.