“CHALLENGES IN THE LIFE of A PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER”
by: Dr. Jerry J. Blunt
If you have had the opportunity to visit a mall, chances are you have saw a private security officer. Typically, we never have to witness them apprehend an individual; but what happens when they do? We generally, accept the fact that our goods and services that arrive on ships from foreign countries are protected, and arrived inside of our ports without incident, but who are the individuals that ensures our assets are protected? Questions can be extremely broad when dealing with the genre of private security. This paper is an attempt the broaden the knowledge of the reader, regarding private security; along with understanding the complexities associated with field.
Keywords: CRISP, Blackwater, Maritime Piracy
The role of private security is as diverse, as a box of crayons. So, with this paper I will attempt to color a picture so beautiful; the reader will truly appreciate the role of a private security officer. People often assume, that private security is irrelevant; and the field is insignificant. This is a problem, and with this paper; I will attempt to reconcile it. In this paper, I will discuss various aspects of private security. Although I will not be able to discuss every aspect of private security, I hope I can leave the reader knowing more; then what they knew prior to reading this paper. This paper will also critique, and analyze various articles regarding private security’s: concepts, terminology, and outlook.
BECOMING A PRIVATE SECURITY GUARD / OFFICER
The basics of being a security guard revolves around the focus of crime, and incidents that can be prevented. This ensures that both people and property, are both safe and secure. The significance of a security officer often goes overlook, yet they are extremely vital. In El Paso Texas, a mass shooting took place inside of a Walmart. A lone gunman killed 20 people and injured many more. According to an article, “Walmart Workers’ New Security Threat Is Active Shooters, Not Shoplifters; Retail giant’s stores are often targets of crime, but El Paso massacre is the worst mass shooting in its history” explains the growing threat of mass shooting and the need for private security officers. “Mr. Villahermosa who is the owner of Crisis Reality Training stated, there is only so much retail security officers can do. Many businesses are reluctant to add invasive security checks near building entrances. However, something must be done; “If I can’t stop something from happening, then I better have a plan when it does,” “Private security officer role is extremely vital, and having a plan in place; can potentially save lives. Below we will discuss both tools and techniques, private security officers should utilize to be effective in their jobs.
One of the most overlooked points in guarding and securing property, is returning to normal operations following an incident. Working in corrections, we would often find staff not doing their job after an unforeseen incident occurred. This raises the chances for other potential threats to take place. Additionally, this puts the integrity of the facility at risk. As mentioned in the Walmart article above, “many of the employees are afraid to return to work”. As a private security officer some may began questioning their employment. One-way, Walmart in the article mentioned above; decided to address the issues is by providing counseling services. “In the wake of traumatic store events, Walmart provided counselors on location for workers and other services.” I believe this was a brilliant move and should be modeled after. Inside the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, we offered CRISP services for any employee or contractor who has experienced a traumatic event. CRISP services are proactive and can be vital for private security officers’ transition back into their role.
TOOLS OF PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICERS “INTERROGATION & BODY LANGUAGE”
Body language can be essential to not only veterans in private security, but newly trained employees as well. Body language is defined, as the outward appearance, expressions, movements, and subtle gesture that can convey a person’s emotional state in addition to verbal language, sounds or other forms of communication. Body language tells us with the mouth will not. Body language can be grouped into both voluntarily and involuntarily. Understanding the difference between the two, can assist a guard with their duties. Another tool private security officers can utilize, is interrogation techniques. Interrogation techniques can be defined as in-depth questioning/ or a process of obtaining information from a person reluctant to speak. Interrogation techniques can also be broken down into the following categories: direct approach, incentive approach, emotional love approach, emotional hate approach, fear up approach, decreased fear down approach, futility technique approach, we know all approach, repetition approach, file and dossier approach, rapid fire approach, and the silence approach. My father was the master of the silence approach. As a kid, I would be forced to give my version of the events; knowing I was telling lie. My father would sit utilizing the silence approach, picking my story apart.
MODELING THE WAY in PRIVATE SECURITY
We will now begin to discuss leadership, and role of an ideal leader. An ideal leader must always remain calm and in control in the mist of disasters / emergencies. A great leader communicates with their employees and is mindful of the image they are projecting to client’s and staff members. Perception matters, and how the public / clients view the security employee; determines their faith in your capabilities. A great leader must develop business management skills. The main objective of private security in the business sphere, is to protect the assets and interest of the client. Protecting the assets and interest of the clients, should be done with the highest business professional standards. This at times can be challenging, which leads to the emphasis on leadership. Working with both the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and Royal Security Firm; I have been allowed to teach leadership courses to both supervisors and staff.
PRIVATE SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT COMPARISION
Although there are some similarities between law enforcement and private security positions; there are also major differences. These differences include but is not limited to the following: salary levels, responsibilities, roles, and level of training. These differences also vary by state, and titles. The most lucrative private security positions revolve around private security firms. These jobs typically include a higher salary, along with benefits not usually offered to the following security positions: bodyguards, bouncers, insurance claim adjusters, etc. Some of the major private security firm includes the following: Wackenhut, Allied-Burton Security Services, The Brinks Company, Royal Security Firm, etc. These companies typically train their employees, “in house”. The higher the title, the more training is usually required. In the private security arena, there is a job for every level of education. Entry level employees inside of the private security arena, typically take jobs as guards. While higher educated professionals typically take jobs in private security corporations.
BLACK WATER /OTHER PRIVATE SECURITY COROPORATIONS – and the MEDIA
I must admit, I have a personal fascination with the private security firm Black Water. About five years ago, I would have my students research and discuss the private security firm Black-Water. Since then, Black-Water has changed its name to Academi. According to the Academi website, the American private military company was founded in 1997 by a Navy Seal named Erik Prince. This private security firm provides security for the world’s most elite clients. These clients include government officials from governments foreign and domestic. In an article titled, “Blackwater Guards Were Under Attack, Defense Argues; Guards Believed They Were in Mortal Danger When They started Shooting in 2007 Baghdad Incident, Their Lawyers Say” the private security company began to come under scrutiny, after they fired shots at a car, they believe was a bomb. This incident took place in Baghdad most dangerous city. Prior to the private security officers shooting at the car, a car bomb had just been detonated. After shots was fired at the vehicle, the passengers took out AK-47 and began firing on the private security offices. This event made significant headlines, placing private security at the forefront of the media.
The American Media can be extremely hard on security companies, and the personnel they employ. Employees are tasked with upholding the image of the organization in which they are employed, when faced with a crisis or public issue given media attention. According to “Private Security in the 21st Century” a crisis is considered anything that disturbs the natural flow of business or normal operation and jeopardized and organization’s existence if recognized too late or addressed improperly. This is extremely important for the livelihood of a security company. Depending on how an employee address an issue, can determine if your company is held liable for any given situation. In the case of Academi, the four private security officers have been charged under a law that extends U.S. jurisdiction to contracts supporting the Defense Department. This is what prompted the sale of Black-Water to a group of private investors, renaming the company Academi.
PRIVATE SECURITY POST 9/11
Private security companies are the first line of defense when detecting a potential terrorist threat. Terrorists utilize various types of explosives, in order to further their agenda. The creation of bombs can be simple, and quite inexpensive to make. They can also be improvised to operate remotely. Private security officers must understand the various aspects, terrorism can take to be effective. Terrorism is ever evolving and is growing domestically. Terrorism can be in the form of attacking the following critical infrastructure: chemical plants, transportation routes, banking / finance, energy facilities, transportation systems, etc.
MODERN WARFARE in private security
The means of terrorism that stood out the most was cyberterrorism. Cyberterrorism is any premediated, politically motivated attack against information, computer systems, computer programs, networks, and subnational groups or clandestine agents. I wanted to further discuss cyberterrorism, because I feel it is a growing threat to our democracy. The FBI director have recently stated that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. This was all done electronically. This is cyberterrorism at its finest. The ability to impact the result of the United States election, from behind a keyboard; is modern warfare.
private security and white collar crime
When dealing with private security, it is a must to talk about corporate and white-collar crime. Corporate and white-collar crime is a growing issue in the United States. Particularly, I would like to discuss corporate espionage; and its rise throughout businesses around the world. One aspect, I would like to discuss in this section is that 85 percent of the Fortune 1000 companies in the United States have regular private security covert investigators who focus on the movements and communications of their employees. Those numbers alone, should enlighten the reader that this is both a growing threat and issue to corporate revenue. Additionally, “In 1999, Fortune 1000 companies reported a total of $45 billion in losses from corporate espionage.” According to a book entitled Private Security in the 21st century, “the financial losses have increased over the years; currently, it is believed that theft of trade secrets exceeds $100 billion annually in the United States.” Corporate espionage is the key to bankrupting any company. Imagine having a formula to make race cars, and your business exclusively sells the product. Shortly after you fire staff members, they now work for your clientele who no longer needs your product. You must explore the possibilities of corporate espionage. People are now being recruited to facilitate corporate espionage. This should worry every small business and corporate entity.
RIOTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS in the field of private security
Private security officers have a vast number of jobs, one that can be extremely challenging; deals with riots and demonstrations. First, we will discuss the differences associated between a riot and a demonstration. A demonstration it typically peaceful and planned. However, demonstrations can disrupt business operations, and should be monitored. A riot is much more dangerous. A riot consists of the following three stages: formation, progression, and outbreak. One of the key idea private security officers utilize during riots, is addressing minor infractions immediately. This is a concept I utilized while working for Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and now Royal Security Firm. If you address the small issues, you typically do not have big ones. It is when you allow the small issues to go unacknowledged, that you have the bigger ones.
PRIVATE SECURITY IN A NEW ASPECT
Another aspect of private security deals with the issues of Maritime piracy. This issue is extremely fascinating, due to the intrigue of modern-day pirates, still operating out at sea. Initially, I had no idea that corporation who operate out at sea; are preyed upon by terrorist groups. Those corporation must hire private security officers, to secure their assets, in the form of products and employees. Failure to do so, could be fatal. While reading a book titled, “Private Security in the 21st Century” I learned that China had a ship taken over by pirates. The following day they executed and arrested everyone who they believed took part in the event. Since this incident, pirates typically do not attempt to rob or steal from Chinese ships. Another article entitled, “Counterpiracy 2020: Maritime in the Gulf of Guinea” highlights the rise of piracy in Somalia and the Gulf of Guinea. According to the article, “The Gulf of Guinea’s waters are the world’s most perilous for international shipping: In 2019 the number of shipping crew kidnappings there increased by 50 percent over 2018, representing more than 90 percent of global kidnappings at sea. Thwarted attacks go unreported at a rate that some experts peg at 50 to 60 percent, and non-kidnap cases, including forced boarding for the purpose of robbery are often still seen.” Maritime piracy is the threat that will continue to keep private security officers employed. As mentioned above, it has doubled within a year; and does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. As a private security officer in the industry, you must analyze every potential threat. Failure to do so can be both costly and fatal. Nations throughout the world have begun to take notice. In 2013, the Yaoundé Code of Conduct was agreed; and signed by 25 Central and West African Nations. This agreement was utilized to help fight the war on maritime piracy. Additional measures have also been utilized, such as Nigeria’s Deep blue Project. All these measures are vital, to help protect the private security officers; tasked with protecting the ships personnel and cargo.
PRIVATE SECURITY IN EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Let us talk about school security. We all remember the Virginia Tech incident, that left students and parents mourning the loss of classmates and relatives. This incident shined an extremely bright light on the need of school security. Being a school security officer is an extremely critical role, to have. As school security you should know the complete atmosphere of the school, in addition to the educational layout. Security officials should also be familiar with staff, students, and the community to be successful. Our educational facilities have been tasked, with not only educating our children; but protecting them as well. Private security helps shield educational facilities from potential litigation. School violence is a real threat, that must be both recognized and neutralized. Recognizing potential threats initially starts with analytics. Being able to recognize key characteristics, can assist with protecting educational facilities.
One way a private security officer can assist in protecting educational facilities, is by protecting children from child exploitation. Children are at risk from being targets of pedophiles. Pedophiles can be members of a community and at times reside inside of the school. One of the facts presented in the book, “Private Security in the 21st Century” stated that 50% of men arrested for pedophilia are married. That was probably the most shocking statistics, however the following was quite interesting as well. About 30% of those who sexually abuse children are relatives of the child, such as fathers, uncles, or cousins. It is essential for private security to be placed in educational facilities, especially those that know and understand the nature of school violence.
Another way private security officers can protect educational institutions is through combating gang activity. Gang activity is a serious issue, that private security officers often find themselves in the middle of. Oftentimes private security officers are charged with combating gangs and the violence its poses to educational institutions. Personally, I find it challenging for a private security officer, to deter street gangs from recruiting; and furthering their agenda's. Federal and state agencies both, have a hard time combating gang activity. Therefore, I believe that the most value a private security officer could bring; would probably be contacting the local authorities. This in-turn now puts the private security officer, in a dangerous position. In neighborhoods where gang activity is prevalent, generally the response time of local authorities are slower. For the sake of an argument, I am not saying that private security officers shouldn’t do anything; I just believe that we should be thankful for anything that they do regarding gangs. Private security officers in schools are typically, not equipped financially or educationally; to fight active gang members. I have taught at both an inner-city school "South Park", and a suburban school in the heart of "Kingwood.” Both had gang members, but differed in the level of crimes committed. The gangs in Kingwood committed petty crimes, and membership was typically through word of mouth. This is a complete contrast, with the gangs in South Park. I believe that private security officials can be effective, depending on the level of the gang activity they are forced to combat.
The private security field covers a wide range of professions and responsibilities. Therefore, when entering the profession; it is good to have a specific area in which you would like to focus. Having a particular focus, can help accelerate your career; and provide you the experience you need to further your interest. Although the discipline can be broad, a few of the same concepts can be applied interchangeably. This paper mentioned a few, such as utilization of interrogation techniques and reading body language. No matter who you are, private security directly impacts your life and your lifestyle. If you are a CEO of a company, it is the private security that is ensuring that your assets are not stolen; nor tampered with.
The intent of this paper was to assist the reader in understanding, the significance of the role associated with private security. I sincerely hope I achieved this goal, by providing a broader understanding of the genre. For further recommendations of research in the field of private security, I would suggest the reader visit our website RoyalSecurityFirm.com!
REFERENCES
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