Guard Services

Oct 1, 1998 12:00 PM, JOSEPH P. GARGAN, CPP, CFE

More officer professionalism needed in high-tech world The increasing use of high technology in the security workplace is reducing security staffs, while requiring a higher knowledge level of newly hired security officers.

The challenge for the contract guard industry is to improve the quality of service delivered by officers. Successful organizations will grow with fewer, more educated and proficient personnel. The multi-functional, attentive and professional guard is replacing the "door shaker" and the "night watchman." Security services must keep pace with high-tech development. A good integrated CCTV, access control and fire system can be monitored by the security officers with minimum competency, but officers' training should allow them to operate the systems with optimum care and responsibility. Officers, instead of diminishing in value, will become more professional. While delivery of services has been significantly improved, there is a need for the contract security industry to take a core-knowledge approach, necessitating further professionalism.

A changing industry New technologies have improved our neutralization of violence - in the workplace, schools, homes, on the streets and at public gatherings. In all of these areas, more reliance has been placed on contract security. The research and training of personnel in preventing and responding appropriately is transforming the industry. During the mid-1970s a similar pattern took place in the law enforcement community. As crime became more sophisticated, so did law enforcement; the demand created the response. The results were improved public security and a higher-paid, more-accepted law enforcement officer. As the regard and appreciation of their customers - the public - rose, patrolmen became police officers.

Today, security officers supplement the activities of police. Private and public organizations such as the National Association of Security Companies (NASCO), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) are working together to synchronize their efforts for a safe and secure society. Partnerships help share vital knowledge through regular meetings. There now exists an awareness that we can work together to benefit all aspects of security, public and private. Whatever the business, the improved professionalism of the contract security provider will not only improve the clients' results, but also improve the results of the security industry. Presently, technology appears to be pushing the industry. However, as knowledge of technology and its applications becomes more commonplace, the security services industry will be more capable of driving the process enhancements.

Focusing on integrating security equipment and technology with the human element - private security officers - to maximize security system effectiveness, the column draws on the expertise of members of the National Association of Security Companies (NASCO). The column features different writers addressing aspects of the roles security officers play in today's systems.

This month's author, Joseph P. Gargan, CPP, CFE, is vice president of security operations for APG Security Inc., Denver. He has an extensive background in security and law enforcement and holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and behavioral science. A graduate of the FBI Academy, Gargan is retired from the New York City Police Department, where he served as commander of detectives, aide to the commissioner, aide to the chief, academy instructor, and detective.

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