How One Company Implemented the IFPO Program:
Bootstrap Training Builds Quality

By Ronald R. Minion, CPP

When Gregory L. Brouse, CPP, wants changes, nothing stands in his way. Responsible for corporate security at Bergin Brunswig Corp., with facilities throughout the United States, Brouse set a lofty goal: improve the quality of in-house officers at the company's corporate headquarters in Orange, Calif.

Two years ago, Brouse felt the security officers were not properly trained and motivated, too often unable to adequately meet the needs of the corporate office.

"At that time, the officer staff was the target of disrespect and jokes," admits Brouse.

Bootstrap Program Works

A call for improvement led to use of an innovative, bootstrap program aimed at security officers and offered by the International Foundation for Protection Officers [IFPO].

A first step was hiring Leo F. Schmock, CPO, an experienced trainer/supervisor. Schmock's charge: strengthen the proprietary officer force. The department's restructuring also highlighted its commitment to professionalism through training.

Two years after that original commitment, Schmock now feels that the Certified Protection Officer [CPO] program, offered through IFPO, is an integral part of the security department's success.

Training Key to Success

Today, all officers are required to become CPOs. "Training is the key to success in our industry," say Schmock. "At Bergin Brunswig, we feel our personnel are now among the best trained and qualified in the industry."

The CPO program is a complete security course designed for self-study and pacing to accommodate candidates unable to attend structured training in a classroom environment. The course materials can also be used "on-site" with a standardized CPO lesson plan and other course material.

The course text includes 12 Units authored by 33 security professionals and educators. It covers a broad range of generic security subjects including report writing, investigations, computer security, crisis management and VIP protection.

CPO Requirements

To be a candidate for consideration, officers must have six months of security experience. Course text is the Protection Officer Training Manual. There is a 310-question interim examination and a final, proctored examination of 310 questions. Successful candidates must earn a score of not less than 70 percent accuracy.

Students working independently are piloted through the program by the course study guide. Candidates need good reading and comprehension skills but may enroll without any post-secondary education.

"Every concerned security professional should support the important work of the IFPO," says Albert L. Haywood, CPP, CPO, director of security, American Red Cross, Detroit, Mich. "The entire security industry should be thankful that there is now a nonprofit organization truly concerned about first line officers that is doing something positive to improve training, professionalism and officer image."

Educational institutions have turned to the IFPO to assist them, too. Originally designed as an office or home study course, the CPO can stand as a separate credit course offered through a university or college continuing education extension.

Used in Joint Ventures

The University of Houston-Downtown, a leader in developing "joint venture" projects with private industry, scrutinized the program. Dr. Robert W. Kendrick, executive director of continuing education at the university, coordinated enrollment of 15 members from Texas Instrument's in-house security department in Houston.

After completing the program, Dr. Kendrick, in conjunction with the university criminal justice faculty, met with Patrick Bailey, the local Texas Instruments security supervisor, to evaluate the program. Both the IFPO and the CPO program received excellent marks.