New York State Requires All Security Guards to Take the 8 Hour Annual Training Online
New York State requires all security guards to take the 8 hour annual training course within 12 months of completing the 16 hour on-the-job training and annually thereafter. This refresher course is designed to help you stay current and enhance the skills you learned during your initial training.
This general introductory course covers the role of the security guard, legal powers and limitations, emergency situations, communications, and ethics. It’s a necessary first step before obtaining your registration card.
Overview of the Course
The 8 hour annual training course is required for all security guards in New York. It covers a variety of topics that are important to the job, including legal aspects, emergency situations, and ethics. This course is the first step in obtaining a security guard license in New York, and it provides you with the skills and knowledge to be successful on the job.
This course also includes basic interviewing skills. Security guards and loss prevention personnel often need to interview witnesses of incidents, such as theft and trespassing. This training will teach you the appropriate way to conduct these interviews and how to handle any potential hostile or violent situations that may arise.
This course is a prerequisite for the 16 hour on-the-job training, which must be completed within 90 days of employment. In addition, individuals who wish to become armed security guards must take the 47 hour firearms training course on a yearly basis.
Legal Aspects
A security guard who can understand and appreciate the legal aspects of his or her job is far more valuable to property owners and clients than one who only knows about security specific duties. This is why the course contents cover both physical and legal concepts, including the role of a security guard, law enforcement powers and limitations, emergency situations, communication and public relations, and access control.
This 8 hour annual training online is a requirement for all licensed unarmed and armed security personnel. It must be completed within the first twelve months after completing a 16 hour on-the-job training course, and every year after that to maintain your license. The course contains 9 mandated topic areas, and you must pass a final examination to receive your certificate. As a result, it is a comprehensive, and comprehensively designed course that will help you to excel in your career as a security guard. The “GuardForce Mastery” program includes 52 hours and 19 courses, incorporating interactive learning, gamification, simulations, and real-world scenarios to create a transformative training experience.
Emergency Situations
An emergency situation is a sudden, unexpected and usually dangerous event that may threaten health, life or property. These can range from medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes or mudslides. Other emergencies may affect a whole community such as disease outbreaks or terrorist attacks.
If an emergency situation occurs where a person is threatening harm or there is a potential threat inside the building, all students should seek shelter in place (i.e. classroom, office, closet) unless directed by law enforcement to evacuate the premises. All cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off or put on silent. Ensure that all windows are closed and ringers are turned off in classrooms.
Some emergencies may not be immediately endangering human lives but could have long term impacts on wildlife and the environment, such as forest fires or marine oil spills. Some agencies may still respond to these calls, depending on their remit and availability of resources.
Communication Skills
Having strong communication skills is essential for security guards, especially when working with stakeholders and customers. They need to be able to persuade people to take security seriously and to help them implement new security practices.
It’s also important to communicate well with colleagues and clients to ensure everyone is on the same page. This includes verbal and written communication, as well as meetings and conference calls.
In addition to providing the skills and knowledge required for a career in private security, this course can also help to build confidence. It teaches how to interact with the public and stay composed in difficult situations. It also helps to prepare students for the 16 hour on the job training course and obtaining a security guard license in New York. It’s a great first step for anyone who wants to start a new career in security.