Many businesses assume that because they are not "Security Companies", their security personnel are exempt from the same required training and certification a Security Contractor's personnel receive. In an ever growing number of states, this is no longer the case. Many states require or are considering requiring, the same mandated training courses and certifications for "in-house" personnel, whose primary job function is "security". These requirements almost always include, pre-employment training, continuing education, as well as the often overlooked, annual/semi-annual re-certifications. Where required, this training must be conducted in a manner specified by the applicable state agency, and by a certified trainer.
Although your particular business or organization may be in one of the states where these requirements have not yet been implemented, what about liability? While most companies have well established training programs in their specific industry, very few if any, offer in-depth security training. This may not seem like a big issue....until it is a BIG ISSUE! Trying to explain in court why your security employee had little or no training in the law or use of force, AFTER the fact is never a good thing. Compounding this potential liability is the fact that many businesses have insurance that may not actually provide coverage for their personnel who perform a security function. Your insurer may be more than willing to protect you from a liability incurred during the manufacture, sale and distribution of your goods and services, but they may be less willing to do so when an overzealous employee acting as a security guard causes injury or effects a false arrest.
In short, if you operate a business with personnel who have "security" in their title, job description or the words "security" embroidered on their work uniform, you may be operating outside your state's regulations and be opening yourself up for liability. For more specifics check your states guidelines, confer with your insurer or contact a Security Contractor who knows your state's laws and requirements.
