Chris Hertig, former professor and IFPO board member.
Preventing and Mitigating Violence Part 3
by Chris Hertig
Overcoming prejudice and preconceived notions is essential to properly managing violence. If our sources of information regarding violence and related issues is restricted to the news and entertainment media, there is a major problem in the making.
One key area of misperception concerns security officers:
“The Forgotten Soldiers of the ‘Invisible Empire’ of Criminal Justice."
Their numbers are substantial but outside of existing data bases. They perform important functions, are depended upon and are growing in number.
Unfortunately there is a very strong prejudice against them. Unfavorable stereotypes are continuously fed by Hollywood and YouTube.
These stereotypes are repeatedly reinforced.
They are inescapable:
If you don’t think you have this prejudice, pinch yourself!
A full and objective assessment of what security personnel normally do and are expected to do in emergencies is critical.
Without a clearly articulated view as to the roles and responsibilities of protection officers we simply don’t fully understand them. While there have been studies galore on police officers; there are almost none on security personnel. There is a big “black hole” concerning empirical data on the role and function of protection officers.
A simple self-assessment which can begin the journey to better understanding is in the form of the questions below:
What do you see security officers doing in an emergency?
Are they trained and equipped to perform as expected?
Are they socialized effectively for quick, decisive response?
Is there anything that would reduce the loyalty of security staff?
Is there a current job description for protection officers?
For reading on professional development programs for security personnel visit the International Foundation for Protection Officers. Retailers should also become familiar with the Loss Prevention Foundation which has certification processes for loss prevention personnel.
An enlightening paper can be found at: http://superheroeswithoutsuperpowers.com/2014/04/23/a-curious-lack-of-respect/
