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Security
Officers in Post 9/11 America
by Marian Hoy,
Classen-Buck Seminars, Inc. II
The events of 9/11 changed all of our lives. That single event demonstrated how vulnerable the U.S. is to those who hates us, and want to do us harm. Even though it�s been more than three years since 9/11 this country is still not prepared for a dirty bomb attack, or even another attack using aircraft as missiles.
Consider the thousands of foreign freight transport ships that dock in our ports every year, and less than five percent are actually searched. And almost everyday a television newscaster reports another failed test of our nation�s airport security.
Today our country is more prepared for a terrorist attack, but none of us enjoy the level of protective comfort we felt in this country on 9-10-01. Fortunately, there is an area of protective service that, with intense specific training, would enhance the chances of foiling an attack, and that�s with our security officers.
Security officers are in the enviable position of being the first line of defense. They are the real eyes and ears of their community. Police departments are notoriously understaffed, and have the daily responsibility of patrol duties and answering calls for police service. Police don�t have the luxury of consistent daily contact with individual businesses and their employees. On the other hand, many security Officers have permanent assignments, which awards them the privilege of knowing the intricate functioning of a specific location or business.
A security officer at a bank or office building is usually more knowledgeable about employees, their friends and family, and the vehicles they drive than the beat police officer. They are also familiar with procedures of the organization, and normally would be alerted to any behavior that was out of the ordinary. Furthermore, employees who know the security officer would be more apt to report suspicious activity to him.
We underestimate the collective power of our security officers. They are in place in this country in our businesses and neighborhoods. Let�s utilize them to the best of their abilities. Provide them, and/or encourage them to enroll in training courses that will give them the tools of information and knowledge that will enable them to make good, solid decisions that could prevent another tragedy. Quality education for security officers translates into a safer community for our families.
This is a golden opportunity for professional security companies and their employees to prepare in the event of another attack. We don�t know where terrorists will hit next - we only know they will.
Enroll your security officers in training for Tactics for Counter-Terrorism and Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Terrorism today!
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