Awareness training provides pro-active edge in security

In our post-September 11 world, security has become more focused, more robust and more proactive on the federal, state and local levels of government.

Building owners and managers as well as security professionals today are more aware of their important role to assist law enforcement to counter potential terrorist threats and disasters. But how safe can we really be?

There are many components that contribute to the overall safety and security of any building, arena, stadium, office or airport.

Since 9/11 we have seen a rapid acceleration in deployment of devices and equipment to assist in deterring or countering a potential terrorist event.

Some of these technologies are quite effective, some are not perfected for use in all situations, and some are still evolving in labs around the country.

However, as with any good security plan, these technologies are only a small segment of the "how to" in properly securing people and property.

Terrorism Awareness Training has proven to be an important addition to a solid security plan and can significantly aid in preventing or minimizing a potential disaster.

Security professionals, building managers, and in particular, your own security officers, would benefit greatly from awareness training.

Building security officers are the first responders to any event, before police or fire officials. Training the people at your building site is a cost-effective way to keep alert to any unusual circumstances that, if go unnoticed, could lead to potential disaster.

As a New York Police Department supervisor assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York City, we responded to every biological or chemical scare (mainly anthrax) and conducted thorough investigations.

My team and I handled the initial response and investigation into the anthrax incident at NBC in October of 2001. As soon as we walked into the room we knew we had a biological event as opposed to a chemical one. This was because the people were standing. If they were lying down, this would be a sign of a serious chemical event.

With biological agents, we knew we had more time to provide medical assistance.

With proper Awareness Training a security officer would be able to report if a vapor cloud was present. Or he may observe dead vegetation, birds or insects in an outdoor location. He may smell the presence of a strange odor, and be able to identify the type of smell. This is the type of invaluable information provided through Awareness Training.

In most every incident the first responders are either the security officers at the location or some type of employee. These are the people who are in the best position to report initial information about what has or may have happened.

Awareness Training effectively simplifies complex topics into a more easily understood process and stresses a heightened awareness to elements and surroundings. This training also helps to instill motivation as well as a proactive mindset among your security team. The security team therefore becomes a more valuable tool in protecting your employees, your building, and your company's reputation.

One thing we have all learned since 9/11 is that in our society law enforcement and emergency responders cannot do it alone.

We need the extra vigilance of the private security personnel that are deployed all over New York City to increase our chances for success.

A well trained security team, along with a keen public interest, is the formidable ally that law enforcement can take advantage of in this fight for the safety and peace of mind.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Hagedorn Publication
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group