Security training is used to teach the fundamentals of the security field to those people who wish to become security officers. The vast majority of security work involves controlled access to properties, but personal security and body guard training are also offered in most courses. Many security training courses spend time not only on the physical side of the profession, but also delve into the assorted paperwork security officers are required to complete as part of their duties. Security training can also include small arms and hand-to-hand combat training, radio procedure, evasive driving instruction and terminology, such as the 10-code. Some advanced security training courses involve working with dogs as well as robotic detection methods.
In the world of private and commercial security, the only prerequisite for the position used to be physical size. The modern security officer, however, is armed with not only hand guns and Tasers™, but radios and other electronic devices. Knowledge about implementing all of these devices is learned through security training courses. Many security companies offer their own private security training that prospective new hires are required to take and pass before officially beginning the first day on the job. There are more generalized courses in security training offered in many community colleges and online courses.
Airports, hospitals and many businesses in the private sector are in need of highly trained security officers to maintain order in high-crime areas. In the past, many of these roles were filled by hiring off-duty police personnel, but this practice is becoming less common. Lawsuits, insurance concerns and other legal issues have demanded that security personnel be trained in particular situations and taught how to properly respond and react to dangerous scenarios. Even public schools in many areas incorporate security training into their staff's employment education and training.
A key to many security training programs is threat identification techniques. This type of specialized training teaches individuals about identifiers of the typical threat that should be watched for. A person's unique and noticeable traits, mannerisms and facial expressions as well as interesting habits such as hiding their face, particular dress and attitude are all examined in great length in the training programs. While most of the lessons deal with reactive training, many course hours are also dedicated to preventative reaction in the hopes that some violence can be curbed. For many security officer candidates, a portion of their training will revolve around first aid methods and procedures to secure crime and accident scenes.