The IFPO applauds Private Officer International for taking a major step forward in the initiative to have security professionals properly licensed and trained. In recent months, we have seen a chilling statistic on the number of security professionals involved in lethal force incidents  and a major news outlet investigating the lack of oversight and training for security officers in Illinois. As society has evolved, so has the role of the security professional and with that, so must training and licensing to ensure that the public has the best, most qualified individuals in these high-profile, fist responder positions. -- IFPO.

Here is the news release from Private Officer International --

Charlotte NC February 13 2019 -- Private Officer International, a professional private security and law enforcement association, has begun working with legislators in North Carolina and Virginia to introduce a new bill that would add new language to current laws which would mandate licensing and training for all security personnel.

The proposed law would include any person working in the capacity of a security officer, loss prevention agent, bar bouncer, event staff or anyone else performing control access, watchman or other security related duties, including those now known as proprietary security officers.

The addition of all persons working in these positions and not just those contracted through a licensed security agency will enhance public safety and ensure compliance with licensing and training requirements, Richard McCann, Founder/CEO of Private Officer International stated on Monday.

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Security officer duties continue to evolve and change and it is absolutely important that substantial training requirements, licensing and compliance be required of anyone whose job it is to protect life and property, keep the peace or provide protection for persons entering or working at a business, church or school, McCann said.

Guards no longer work just at a factory or an office. They’re often seen patrolling malls, keeping the peace at concerts, fairs and sporting events and responding to fights, shootings and crimes in progress.
“Retail security agents, often referred to as loss prevention or asset protection agents, make over one million apprehensions of shoplifters, burglars, persons suspected of identity theft, credit card fraud or other crimes," according to the Jack Hayes Group and these security agents are currently not required to undergo any type of training or licensing.

Making a detention of a shoplifter has become extremely dangerous with many agents being assaulted and there’s been a substantial increase of weapons being introduced by suspected shoplifters during these apprehensions.

These men and woman are, in all actuality, are making an arrest every time that they stop and detain someone suspected of committing a crime within their stores.
They need a whole lot more training than what retailers are giving them today.

Bouncers, including those with serious felonies, have recently been involved in shootings at nightclubs in Dallas, Columbus, and metro Atlanta that resulted in murder charges being placed against them.
Had their employers been required to better screen and train their employees, lives may not have been lost and others would not have been injured.”

Private Officer International’s legislative unit is interested in working with all states to add these changes into law and plan to talk with legislators in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina next.

When the public looks at someone in a uniform or with a badge clipped to their belt, they should be assured that the person is properly trained, licensed and capable of protecting them from harm.

PRIVATE OFFICER INTERNATIONAL

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The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) is dedicated to providing meaningful and cost effective security training for security guards and protection officers.

We believe that education is a necessary and essential part of professional security training and the security officer’s background. IFPO serves individuals, security companies, and organizations that have their own private security staff. Our students and members benefit from the recognition and standing that the prestigious IFPO certification conveys.

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International Foundation for Protection Officers Mission Statement

Mission Statement Part I.

The International Foundation for Protection Officers provides professional learning opportunities for security practitioners, to impart the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to maximize job performance and enhance career potential.

Purpose: to make a positive difference in the quality of the participant’s job performance and elevate the professional status of students who partake of our learning opportunities.

Business: to supply committed security practitioners with a quality education to help achieve their highest potential and provide recognized accreditation for successful completion of educational goals.

Values: commitment, integrity, responsibility, and standards of excellence, provide the platform that supports our journey as we pursue our mission.

Vision Statement

Commitment to Excellence: To be the recognized center of excellence and primary provider of education and training products and services to the security industry.

Mission Statement Part II.

“The International Foundation for Protection Officers is committed to the support and professional development of protection officers and supervisors. Through advocacy, promoting training standards, and providing accessible training, education and certification opportunities, we seek to enhance their professional standing as well as increase and diversify the value of the vital services they provide.”