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Chapter Nine: Basic Personnel Security—Procedures and Policy

The protection of basic facilities, personnel, and resources is critical to the security of the whole system. Every security manager and all

of the employees of any facility must constantly be aware of the situation playing out around them on a daily basis. Anything unusual or suspicious must be reported and

employees must be encouraged to do so. Sophisticated and technologically advanced

programs, as unique and useful as they are, still need to be based on basic security physical and

procedural efforts.

Patrol Officers/ Patrolling

The three basic lines of physical defense for transportation facilities are the perimeter of the facility, the terminal and collateral buildings, both interior and exterior, as well as

supporting complexes such as wharfs, loading docks, railway switching yards, runways, taxiways, and the surrounding areas. The degree of security required will determine exactly just how

sophisticated these three options and areas need to be. The security patrol officer is the backbone of any transportation security scheme. Unless he or she is adequately trained in

duties, as well as the sophisticated equipment associated with those duties, substantial loss prevention will not occur.

Criminals and terrorists are affected, not just by the actual security policies, procedures and equipment in place, but by

the appearance of their effectiveness.

Vehicle Searches—Internal and External

Security personnel specifically must be aware of proper procedures for searching vehicles and exercise

alertness at all times when conducting a search. However, all employees should be constantly observant

and can benefit from an orientation to sound search techniques. Place vehicles in a garage whenever

possible, securely. Basically: Check every vehicle every time it is approached. Do not touch it. Check the

interior, as well as the exterior, for anything that has changed. Keep something available to kneel or lie on as you make your checks. Keep a good flashlight (torch)

and a supply of batteries to help check at night. If anything suspicious is observed—do not touch it—alert

the appropriate authorities immediately. Always be cautious.

Hiring

Hiring is actually the most critical element in establishing a good security program. All

references should be checked and all educational qualifications should be confirmed.

Candidates should also sign a document swearing to the fact that they have never been

convicted of a felony. As confirmation of the truth of that statement, criminal background

and history checks should be conducted through local, state, federal, and international

authorities where suitable. It is also recommended that psychological examinations

be utilized.

Additionally, it is very important that human resources administer tests certifying each candidate possesses adequate communication skills to include

the basic ability to communicate verbally and in writing in an appropriate language prior to hiring. Previous employment history should be verified as

well as actual contact made with all listed references. Lastly, pre-employment and regular drug screening procedures need to be a mainstay of the program.

These basic hiring criteria are even more critical if the security officers are to be armed during the course of employment. All initial hires should be advised of a

discretionary probationary period during which they can be dismissed for any reason.

Indoctrination

Standards of minimum acceptable conduct must be supplied to the employee and they

should sign a document indicating they understand those standards. The employees

should also be made aware of the uniqueness of working within the transportation system

environment and the potential consequences of a lapse in security. Other standard

orientation subjects should include thorough instruction in procedures and policies,

emergency response techniques, report writing, legal authority, and familiarity with

equipment usage.

Training

Employee training should always contain immediate advisement of the objectives of the training. Employees should know what body of knowledge

they are expected to retain upon completion of the training. Training which does not conclude with a test

often leads to a lax attitude toward the training. The ultimate goal of training is higher job performance on the job.

Quality Assurance

After a training program is in place, it is necessary to add a quality control element to the

process. The training program’s effectiveness needs to be monitored and if gaps are

discovered they need to be filled.

Security Manager Training

Comprehensive security manager training results in improved staff

relationships and provides a venue where staff with promotion potential can be evaluated. General knowledge

of the following is also a basic minimum requirement: Perimeter

control methods and systems, appropriate lighting, locks, seals, logs, investigations, and law enforcement

liaison.

Executive Protection

http://industry-icon.com/blog/2012/10/04/icon-executive-protection-january-2013-training/

The security staff should evaluate who needs to be protected, from whom or what, when and where do they need to be protected, and also

reevaluate regularly why they need protection. Potential threats include kidnapping from

terrorists or organized crime to acquire sensitive information or force them to assist in

gaining access to a facility, and outright assassination by terrorists simply because of

their position. Executive protection is the application of protective measures to reduce

risk and avoid threats not only to the executives but to their families.

Conclusion

The basics of any security program must begin with the attitude of management. If management is concerned, so will the

rest of the employees and associated personnel.

Case Study: Draft appropriate questions to ask a prospective security officer during the hiring process.

Discussion Questions and Exercises

1. Create a checklist establishing good hiring procedures.2. What are the attributes of good patrol plan?3. What techniques should be applied in conducting a proper internal and external vehicle search? 4. How can a company best create a quality assurance plan for maintaining a professional security work force?5. Discuss the most important aspects of a personnel security plan.6. Draft a memo instructing senior executives on the necessity for an effective executive protection plan.