Adequate security training helps business owners address one of the most alarming internal industry threats — high turnover rates. Continuous learning teaches security guards how to safely and legally deal with risks. However, decision-makers usually fail to provide these experts with ample coaching. 

One of the most effective ways to advance guards’ learnings in today’s modern era is to use an online platform for physical security professionals. Headed by Russell Willmon, CPP, Defencify offers interactive online courses that satisfy laws, training mandates, and company requirements. 

We’ve compiled a list of the top security guard training topics for 2022 below. 

Crisis Intervention 

Crisis intervention serves various purposes, but its core goal is to stabilize an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental reactions during an emergency. Contrary to popular belief, authorities don’t need advanced degrees to understand and apply behavior management skills. In reality, security training can address this need. 

Crisis intervention is essential because it saves lives. Dangerous situations don’t happen every day, but it’s better to prepare for them than struggle when they unfold. For instance, security guards should understand the repercussions and underlying motives behind suicide terrorism, robbery, and suicide attempts. 

Training Components 

• Identify factors that lead to crisis. 
• Use measures to de-escalate dangerous situations. 
• Deploy coping strategies. 
• Review and report. 

Use of Force and De-Escalation Techniques 

On May 25, 2020, the news of George Floyd’s death shocked the world. Most viewers from throughout the globe shared a common thought: The ex-police officer used unnecessary force over a counterfeit report. 

As professionals, security guards should learn to protect other people, company property, and themselves as peacefully as possible. That is, after all, part of their tasks. However, not all delinquents will listen to authority figures. 

For this reason, they should know when to use force — and what a reasonable amount is for various situations. 

Training Components 

• Determine the appropriate force for various situations. 
• Learn de-escalation skills. 
• Review situations. 

Medical Emergency Basics 

Below are some first aid statistics that should concern business owners: 

• Work injuries and illnesses kill an estimated 2.2 million people in the world annually. 
• In the U.S., unintentional injury tops the list of death causes for individuals under 44 years old. 
• On average, 15 workers die of traumatic injuries daily in the U.S. 
• Over four million workers suffer non-fatal injuries or illnesses per year. 
• More importantly, first aid knowledge can save up to 150,000 annually. 

Integrating medical emergency basics with security training can be the difference between life and death for many individuals. 

Training Components 

• Identify medical emergencies. 
• Learn security guard responsibilities during such situations. 

Emergency Operating Procedures 

Emergency operating procedures (EOPS) are processes teams use during unplanned events that require immediate attention. These circumstances include fires, earthquakes, bomb threats, chemical hazards, and medical emergencies. We recommend including EOPs in training sessions to enable guards to identify, prepare for, and mitigate risks effectively. 

Most facilities don’t develop step-by-step response guides to various emergencies and rely on security teams to address such situations. We suggest creating plans for all possible risks, but online learning is an ideal first step in the right direction. 

Training Components 

• Understand the essential factors of EOP. 
• Learn how to collaborate with teams to implement processes properly. 

New Hire Orientation 

Continuous learning for security guards has many obvious benefits, including risk management, enhanced defense, and client trust. Remember that training provides personnel with the knowledge, skills, and instincts they need to keep people, workplaces, and themselves safe. Business owners should commit to their guards’ education from day one. 

One of the overlooked advantages of adequate orientation and training time is that it boosts employee confidence, satisfaction, and loyalty. Constant learning is one of the most cost-effective ways to hire personnel faster and keep them longer. 

Training Components 

• Understand distinct company needs. 
• Learn systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
• Study an outlined onboarding program. 

Empower Your Workforce Now 

Continuous security training is essential for businesses to thrive because it helps guards perform their tasks well and protect themselves in the process. However, because of the pandemic, instructor-led tabletop exercises are not ideal anymore. 

Today, security companies can use online platforms to perform such tasks, from webinars to courses to simulations.  

Join us for our Modernizing Your Security Guard Training webinar on January 25 at 10am PST (1pm EST). It’s the fastest, most cost-effective way to learn how to empower your workforce. Register now to boost your employee and client retention rates.