Training and Development

At Code 3 Security, training and development is an on-going process. Training begins with initial audio/visual modules and continues throughout the security guard’s tenure with the company. In addition, Code 3 Security offers a Tuition Reimbursement Program which pays for college credits taken in approved programs such as: criminal justice, business management, law, and formal business communications programs. Code 3 Security is committed to developing security guards to their fullest capacity consistent with their own career objectives. In this way, Code 3 Security abides by a promote-from-with-in policy.

Class Room Training-Audio/Visual Modules

Our state-of-the-art audio/visual learning modules provide important information essential to properly performing future duties. After watching the tutorial modules, employees are required to take quantifiable examinations to measure their retention level of the information viewed. Individuals who score poorly, or fail examinations are required to view the learning modules a second time before retaking the examinations. Individuals who perform poorly on their second attempt are discharged. Test scores are recorded in each employee’s file. A brief description of the training modules is provided below:

Introduction to Security
This training module promotes motivation and dedication for security guards. It highlights and explains the rationale of most issues that confront guard services on a regular basis. Its main objective is to decrease turnover and create a mind set that will produce a highly motivated employee. The following is a list of the topics covered:

  • Why security officers are necessary
  • How security officers fit into the company profile
  • How to act as a deterrent
  • What a security officer’s purpose is
  • What a customers assets are and why it is necessary to protect them
  • How to reduce liability for their company
  • The various security functions they may be assigned to such as foot patrol, mobile patrol, desk duties, gate control, etc.
  • The difference between in-house security and contract guard company service
  • Legal authority limits
  • Difference between felonies and misdemeanors
  • How to maintain a good attitude
  • Why courtesy and honesty must be maintained at all times
  • The observe and report requirements
  • Time and attendance

Patrolling I & II
Patrolling is the heart of a security guard’s duties. There are many variations and duties involved in patrolling, so this is a two-session module designed to cover as many topics as possible. These sessions cover most of the major concerns that security guards face while patrolling. The following is a list of the topics covered:

  • The purpose of patrolling
  • Alarm systems
  • How to spot safety hazards
  • How to report incidents and situations
  • When to make a report
  • Protecting the customer’s assets
  • Patrolling techniques and avoiding patterns
  • Patrolling with guard tour systems

Report Writing
Report writing is an essential responsibility for all security guards. It is also the most detail oriented. This training session explains the purpose of report writing and offers step-by-step instruction. This training module includes but is not limited to:

  • The purpose of report writing
  • Accountability in reports
  • Daily log, incident reports, and more
  • Making a report narration
  • The who, what, where, when and why of report writing
  • Understanding military time
  • Keeping reports clear, concise and complete
  • Setting up and using a notebook
  • Making copies of reports
  • Reports and litigations
  • Reports reducing liability
  • Reporting malfunctions on posts
  • Reporting defective company equipment
  • Reading reports

Uniforms & Equipment
This module illustrates how to take care of a security uniform and properly use company equipment. This training session is designed to motivate security guards to wear their uniform correctly and prevent equipment damage or loss. This training module includes but is not limited to:

  • Purpose of the uniform
  • Making a good appearance
  • How to make a lasting impression
  • Taking care of the uniform
  • Summer and Winter Dress
  • Proper fit of the uniform
  • Proper use of a company radio
  • Handcuff usage
  • Key control
  • ASP baton

Firearms Safety
The firearms safety training session stresses the importance of properly handling weaponry. This module includes caring for hand held weapons, range firing, what a security guard’s responsibility is to the public, and principles of handgun safety. This training module includes but is not limited to:

  • Understanding handgun mechanics
  • Cartridge safety
  • Sight alignment
  • Loading and unloading
  • Firearm safety rules
  • Muzzle control
  • Dry firing
  • Eye and Ear safety
  • Range rules and etiquette
  • Cleaning weapons
  • Gun locks, lock boxes, and safes

Security Site and Work Environment Training

After completing the basic class room training modules, security guards proceed to more advanced training and development sessions. This second phase of the training and development program begins with a review of the Security Site Operation Plan; which details the requirements of the operation they will be assigned to secure. The Security Site Operation Plan for every location is updated semi-annually.

Our security guards are not left unsupervised until they have demonstrated the ability to handle the unique demands of the particular site. Code 3 Security has set a minimum of six to eight hours of initial work environment training under the supervision of a seasoned supervisor.

Security Site Operation Plan
This document is prepared by Code 3 Security’s Support Specialists prior to the start of requested service. Upon the review and acceptance by the client’s management staff; this document is provided to the assigned on-site security staff. Depending on the complexity of the assignment, this report may be up to 30 pages in length and is subject to updates twice a year.

The Security Site Operation Plan defines Code 3 Security’s role at your particular security site. Our security guard’s responsibilities are outlined in great detail to minimize ambiguity. In addition to standard instructions, step-by-step emergency procedures are provided (e.g. Actions to take in the event of an on-site fire). This report is structured to allow the staff quick access to procedural information.

Familiarity of the Security Site Operation Plan is a pivotal responsibility of each security guard. The Security Site Operation Plan is a tool used to train new employees, and on-going work environment training for experienced individuals. This document is the foundation for security site training and development at your site. The security guard’s knowledge of this report is tested at each inspection until full command of the material is demonstrated by the employee.

Work Environment Training

Security guards are required to complete two work environment training sessions every month. These training sessions are conducted on-site by supervisors, and are designed to create a greater understanding of the specific requirements of the assignment. Supervisors choose training sessions from the Training & Development Program Manual. Sessions in the Training & Development Program Manual include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Public Relations
  • Fire Prevention
  • Communications
  • Access & Key Control
  • Legal Issues
  • Loss Prevention

Career Path Development

From the inception of the company, conscious decisions have been made to raise the “status quo” in the security services industry. In order to achieve total quality through excellent service, we look to employ and retain only the best security service personnel. In an effort to employ and retain the very best security guards, Code 3 Security combines high-paying salaries with opportunities for career advancement. We believe that this approach is essential to retaining top quality personnel long-term.

All Code 3 Security supervisors started their career with the company as security guards. Many of these individuals have advanced into management positions and have achieved tremendous professional success. Our security guards can look at these proven success stories as examples of what hard work, education and determination can achieve. Code 3 Security is firmly committed to promoting from with-in. We believe that this is an excellent way to preserve our company’s culture of quality throughout.

Tuition Reimbursement Program
At Code 3 Security, we believe that there is a unique opportunity for every employee with-in our organization. This unique opportunity is a career path that offers personal fulfillment and demands professional growth. For the mutual benefit of our employees, our clients and our organization; we are committed to providing our people with the tools and leadership necessary for success.

To develop the potential of every individual we employ, Code 3 Security encourages security guards to take advantage of the Tuition Reimbursement Program. This continuous education process enables guards the opportunity to advance up the “company career ladder” into various management layers.

The Tuition Reimbursement Program is offered to all full-time employees after completing the initial training phase and 90 days of service. The program offers 75% reimbursement up to $1,000 per year for the cost of continued education. These funds may be applied to the cost of tuition, books, registration fees and required laboratory fees for approved courses in which a grade of A, B, or C is obtained.

Security & Protection University Program
All Code 3 Security supervisors are required to attend the company’s Security & Protection University Program. This program is a one week training and development course designed to assist managers in fulfilling their duties. Some of the topics the program focuses on are as follows:

  • Management techniques
  • Coaching and mentoring skills
  • Crisis management
  • Client retention
  • Advanced security management
  • Security procedures
  • Interpersonal relations
  • Employee development

Contact Us:

Code 3 Security & Protection Services, Inc.
3273 Pine Orchard Lane Suite D
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Phone: 410-203-1150 Fax: 410-203-1159
Email: wcook@code3securityservices.com