Lesson 1

Introduction to Security and Public Relations
As you read and study this Security Training Course you should be aware that you are in one of the fastest
growing industries in the United States. The purpose of this training is to familiarize and instruct the
individual on basic skills and provide a common body of knowledge in the performance of security
officer work throughout the State of California.
What Is Private Security?
For purposes of our discussion, private security consists of privately funded businesses which provide
security and related services to other persons and businesses. Security is intended to protect and preserve
activities/ property without loss or disruption. Security, like most professions, has continued to change
amid rapid growth. Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, security has come under greater scrutiny from the
federal and state government as well as from private citizens.
Different definitions and terms are often used to describe private security:
 Private Police
 Security Police
 Plant Protection
 Facility or Plant Security
 Loss Prevention
 Risk Management
 Loss Control
 Fire Protection
 Asset Protection
 Safety
 Hazardous Material Control
Private security personnel are an increasingly important part of Homeland Security in the United States.
Private security personnel currently greatly outnumber law enforcement personnel. Several studies of the
security industry have been made and are referred to as the Hallcrest Reports I and II. In these studies, the
authors note the security industry will continue its rapid growth.

The requirements for professionalization of the private security field are increasing. In California, private
security officers may not work without a nationwide criminal background check.
Furthermore, California security officers go through one of the most stringent training laws in the nation.
Training as defined by California was established by AB 2880 and subsequent regulations. This law and
the regulations state that officers must take a mandatory eight-hour “Powers to Arrest Course,” 16
additional hours (8 mandatory hours, 8 elective hours) within 30 days of the issuance of your security
officer registration (guard card), and 16 more hours (for a total of 40 hours) within 6 months of issuance
of the registration.