With the rise of tensions around the world and the increase in terrorism, there is more demand for security officers to be trained in the recognition of suspicious behavior, reporting such behavior to the appropriate authorities, and actions to take in the face of a terrorist threat. Emergency Film Group has now filled this need with the release of “Professional Security Officer: Countering Terrorism,” the latest module in the Professional Security Officer DVD-based training series. Countering Terrorism is effective for both new hires and refresher training to help security officers recognize the signs of terrorism and deter an impending attack. When terrorists do attack, this training prepares security officers to act swiftly and make life-saving decisions.
Topics in the program include terrorist weapons and how they are used, hardening targets against terrorism, improvised explosives devices, response to a suspected or actual terrorist event, self-protection, and steps to take upon discovery of a suspicious object. Countering Terrorism includes a live action 28-minute DVD plus a separate Instructor’s CD-Rom with Power Point, quiz, suggestions for activities to relate the lessons of the film to the particular organization or facility, and extra study materials.
The Professional Security Officer series provides the comprehensive training that security officers need to perform their jobs effectively. Other modules include Roles & Responsibilities, Patrolling & Observation and Handling Emergencies. The series is based on extensive research, including a study of the programs for the states that have requirements for security officer training. This training is appropriate for security officers who work for contract companies providing outsourced security services as well as for those employed directly by the institutions they serve.
Technical advisors for Countering Terrorism include James F. Broder, a former FBI Special Agent and employee of the US State Department; Jane Bullock of FEMA; Damon Coppola, a disaster management consultant; George Haddow, Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management at The George Washington University; Robert Fischer, former Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Executive Institute; Edward Halibozek, a corporate vice president of security for a Fortune 100 company; David C. Walters of Cisco Systems, formerly the head of Corporate Safety & Security and currently the Director of Brand Protection; and Eugene Tucker, head of Praetorian Protective Service and a past member of the board of directors of the Business Recovery Managers Association.