Transforming an ordinary guard into an ALERT security professional part 1

The negative mindset against the security profession can only be reversed if these people will see that the security personnel deserve to be respected and they are doing their jobs according to standards.

Security personnel, to be able to do their jobs according to standards and gain the respect of everyone they come in contact with, must undergo actual security training and catch up on information needed to improve themselves and help them do their jobs better, by devoting time to read materials on the subject which are disseminated through print or electronic means.

Security Industry

Man’s instinct for survival was eminent even during pre-historic times such that security for one’s self, his family and tribe was given a high priority.  He protected himself from ferocious beasts by making weapons out of stone materials, by learning how to build and use fire for his protection; and from the harsh environment during his time by using caves and tree houses as shelter.

During the middle ages, fire was a primary security concern such that the praetorian guard or vigiles’ main duty was to fight fire.

In the Philippines, our earliest record of the demand for and utilization of security services may be traced back from the time of the datu or lakan wherein protection was provided by the aliping namamahay (slave).

Recent global incidents of terrorism, computer viruses, kidnappings, hostage taking, shooting rampage, bombing of places where there are many people such as malls, schools, trains, embassies, offices, etc. resulting to large scale property damages, losses, injuries and death have greatly impacted the way people look at the security industry, nowadays.

As crimes against person and property increase the security industry experiences a tremendous growth brought about by the demand for protective services especially, security personnel.  Although, there is also a boom in security related software, hardware and gadgets, some companies feel that these are not enough to provide the type of protection that a live guard can, thus the increased demand for security personnel.

In the Philippines, the high demand brought with it significant changes such as:

1.  Higher level of education wherein the qualification for Security Officer, Private Detective and Security Consultant preferred graduates of criminology as educational entry requirements.

2.  Laws governing the security industry and implementing rules and regulations were amended.  2003 Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 5487, as amended “ An Act Governing the Organization and Management of Private Security Agencies, Company Guard Forces and Government Security Services wherein new rules and regulations were introduced in addition to the previously promulgated rules, all of which were designed to professionalize the security industry. Primarily defining and setting forth the rules of utilization of security personnel regarding post service, conduction service, armored service, investigation and detective service, electronic security service and other security services.

3.  A new set of Training Regulations for National Certificate Level I and Level II for Security Services was designed by TESDA and the Security Industry Sector

Security Training

The private security training system in the Philippines was designed to develop, new or previously gained, skills and knowledge, augment or expand current skills and knowledge to address identified security needs.

Private security training schools can conduct Pre-licensing, periodic and non-periodic training such as In-service and Security Supervisory Courses in compliance with national training regulations.  The innovation in the training system for private security personnel was also expanded to include specialization courses such as: Intelligence and Investigator Training Course, Basic Crises Management Course, Personal/VIPs Security Training Course, Armored Car Crew Training, Bomb Disposal Training Course, Bank Security Training Course, and Basic Aviation Security Specialist Course, and others.

This is primarily due to the promulgation of the Training Regulations for Security Services NC I and NC II as a basis for :

• Registration and Delivery of Training Program
• Development of Curriculum and Assessment Instrument; and
• Establishment of Certification Arrangement

The trainee who completes a security training course (NC1 or NC2) given by an accredited private security training school will be well prepared for an assessment of his competencies by TESDA for the issuance of a National Certificate (NC) or a Certificate of Competency (COC). This instrument is an internationally recognized standard of competency and being sanctioned by the International Labor Organization develops global competitiveness and improves professionalism.