Day 1 Role of private security and legal aspects 8 hours

Role of Private Security (3 Hours)

1.Introduction and Pretest (30 minutes)
Participants will gauge the baseline knowledge of participants on security practices and set the context for training. Discuss why participants chose to enter the security profession and share initial thoughts on their role. Explain the importance of professionalism, observation, and safety awareness in their roles. Students will take a pretest to a assess knowledge in basic security principles, general legal responsibilities, and common ethical scenarios

2. Crime Awareness and Prevention (45 minutes)
Introduce participants to common crime types and strategies to prevent them, focusing on the role of situational awareness and preventive measures. Overview of common property crimes (theft, vandalism), violent crimes (assault, robbery), and cybercrimes relevant to private security.
Crime Prevention Techniques: Show examples of locks, security barriers, and alarms to deter criminal activity. Use of security cameras and patrols to increase detection and deterrence. Train techniques for observing suspicious behavior, using real-world examples like identifying a loiterer or handling unauthorized access attempts. Participants will watch a video on crime prevention the break into groups to discuss potential crime scenarios, role play and share ideas on prevention strategies.

3. Private Security and the Criminal Justice System (45 minutes)
Explain the relationship between private security and the broader criminal justice system, emphasizing how security officers support law enforcement. Outline differences in authority, jurisdiction, and responsibilities between private security and law enforcement (e.g., security officers can perform a citizen’s arrest but do not have the power to issue warrants). Discuss situations requiring coordination with law enforcement, such as reporting a crime or securing a crime scene until police arrive. Participants will watch a short video and present scenarios and role play where private security’s intervention and reporting are critical to supporting criminal justice processes. Discuss real-life examples of public-private partnerships in crime prevention and community security.

4. Ethics and Professionalism (1 hour)
Emphasize the importance of ethical conduct and professional behavior in the security profession. Introduce the industry’s code of ethics, focusing on integrity, honesty, and respect for privacy. Discuss behavior expected on duty, including punctuality, respectful communication, and maintaining confidentiality. Explain potential ethical dilemmas, such as favoritism or handling requests for personal favors. Have participants role-play situations involving ethical challenges, followed by a group debrief on proper responses. Participants will watch a video on a case where a security officer’s professional behavior impacted a situation positively or negatively and discuss the consequences.

Legal Aspects (5 Hours)

1. Principal Misdemeanors and Felonies (1.5 hours)
Educate participants on common misdemeanors and felonies, focusing on crimes they are likely to encounter. Define misdemeanors and felonies, highlighting the difference in legal consequences. Explain and give examples of crimes. Misdemeanors such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, and petty theft. Felonies such as assault, armed robbery, grand theft. Explain the proper response to different types of crimes, when to contact law enforcement and collecting evidence without contaminating it if needed. Discuss potential incidents and how to respond, ensuring actions align with legal limitations.

2. Overview of Title 43-38 as it Relates to the Security Profession (2 hours)
Provide participants an understanding and a copy of Georgia Title 43-38, covering the laws governing private security. Summarize the key provisions, focusing on licensing requirements, training standards, and permitted duties for security officers. Highlight what private security officers can and cannot do under the law, including restrictions on arrests, search, and use of force. Outline regulations around carrying firearms and other security equipment. Allow participants to ask questions about specific legal points to clarify areas of concern or confusion. Review a real-life case or a hypothetical example where Title 43-38 regulations were crucial, such as an incident where an officer exceeded their authority.

3. Overview of Board Rules 509 et al. (1.5 hours)
Familiarize security officers with the Board Rules that govern professional conduct, certification, and discipline within the security industry. Provide participants a copy of the board rules 509 et al. Explain the purpose of Board Rules and their role in maintaining standards in the security profession. Discuss specific sections relevant to training, conduct, certification renewal, and disciplinary actions. Outline initial certification requirements and ongoing training or educational requirements for maintaining certification. Explain what constitutes a violation, the types of disciplinary actions the Board can take, and the process for appeals. Conduct a group discussion on compliance scenarios, such as handling complaints or reporting misconduct, to reinforce understanding.