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Training and education are key to a successful
business
By Cliff Grumbles, Manager
Texas Private Security Bureau
As the Manager of the Private Security Bureau of the Department of Public Safety, I have the opportunity to converse with the leaders of the security profession in Texas. Their goals for private security are admirable, as they wish for private security to �raise the bar� concerning the quality of service provided to their clients. Forward thinking leaders in the private security profession realize that training is the key to improving their quality of service and the image of private security practitioners.
I will focus on uniformed security officers in this article; however, the principles of quality training extend to all security services.
The licensing and regulation of the private security profession is an important aspect of the department�s responsibilities. Security personnel are given access to our businesses, our homes and our automobiles. They are given keys, access cards and entry codes. Some provide bodyguard service as personal protection officers. Commissioned security officers and personal protection officers are allowed to carry handguns in the discharge of their duties. These are serious responsibilities and the public deserves the assurance that security personnel are held to specific standards. The department enforces the standards imposed by Chapter 1702 Texas Occupations Code and Title 37, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 35. We all realize that the standards imposed by the Legislature are presented as the minimum requirements.
If private security professionals in Texas are sincere about improving their image, they must recognize that commitment to quality training is a key issue. Private security companies and individual security officers should never be satisfied with minimum training requirements. Companies should assist their officers in obtaining quality education pertinent to their job responsibilities. The individual security officers must realize that they also must accept responsibility by obtaining additional training. Homeland security is an important issue which you should include in your training plan.
Security officers do not have the authority given to law enforcement officers and should not attempt to create the illusion to the public that they do. This includes adopting uniforms similar to law enforcement. Private security professionals should not attempt to provide �police� services, but should concentrate on specialized and professional �private security� services they can provide for their clients. Private security professionals should strive to develop security plans and procedures for their clients that emphasize the specialized type of service they can provide to each client.
Building a desirable level of trust with the public requires dedication to proper principles and persistence. A key principle is the recognition of the need to go beyond the required training. The ability to become a �professional� takes commitment. According to Webster�s dictionary a professional is defined in part as one �possessing great skill or experience in a field or activity� and �one with assured competence in a field.� Earning the respect and trust of the general public requires accepting responsibility for your actions and challenging yourself to learn something new related to your profession every day.
If you are the owner or manager of a company, your desire to educate your security officers should be evident. Lead by example, attend training and encourage others in your organization to do the same. As an individual security officer, be willing to seek out and attend quality training courses. Establish your training goals and pursue the commitment to accomplish them.
On a separate, but related issue, Chapter 1702 Texas Occupations Code places a great deal of responsibility on the company�s licensed manager and the company�s �license holder� (owner). Sections 1702.119, 120, 121, and 122 outline the requirements placed on the manager and owner. Section 1702.388 describes the possible penalty for violations. Familiarize yourself with these sections and be responsive to the requirements.
Providing private security is an important and challenging profession. The safety and welfare of the public can be affected negatively by improper or illegal activities of private security companies or individual security personnel.
As a private security professional, accept the responsibility and challenges that are inherent to the business. Continue your training on a regular basis and encourage your peers to do the same. You will benefit personally from this endeavor and the long-term affect can mean increased safety to the citizens of Texas.
In the Regular Session of the 79th Legislature several bills were passed that will have an impact on Chapter 1702 (The Private Security Act). HB-1531 created an exemption, with certain qualifications, for �telematics service providers�. Services such as �OnStar� would be classed in that category. HB-2243 made changes to the provisions of 1702 that regulate locksmith services and HB-3140 changed statute language concerning alarm system services. HB-1393 deleted some requirements in 1702.323 which include �in-house� investigators and security personnel. HB-1132 included changes concerning requirements when hiring a peace officer along with training issues and the carrying of pepper spray. HB-2303 carried some provisions also addressed in HB-1132 and also allowed for the increase in registration fees which will go into effect Sept. 1.
The fee increase allowed by HB-2303 allows DPS to add personnel to their Private Security Bureau pursuant to provisions in the Appropriations Act. This was necessary to provide for staffing that will allow the Department to respond to the needs of the security profession and assure the citizens of Texas that licensed security companies and individual security officers meet the standards of Chapter 1702 and unlicensed and illegal activities will be pursued and offenders apprehended.
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