Benefits
Successful completion of this Static and Retail Security Programme can lead directly to employment within the security industry. The award satisfies the training requirements for licensing in the Security Guard (Static) sector as prescribed by the industry regulatory body, the Private Security Authority. This programme includes a comprehensive section on Retail Security.
Those wishing to work within the Door Security (Licensed Premises) or Event Security sectors require a different award and a separate license. The Door Security award is also available through the Security Institute Network of Trainers.
Development
Development of the programme was undertaken in consultation with the Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA), Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU), Security Institute Corporate Category (SII) and other key stakeholders. The security industry certification body the Security Institute, carried out national and international research including referencing the EU Komsi Project, the Private Security Authority, Security Industry Authority, British Home Office, Confederation of European Security Services and the Department of American Homeland Security.
Profile
This is a part time programme, which necessitates day release or evening-course environment participation. Directed or classroom learning is estimated at approximately 30 hours in total. Typical day release participation will involve candidate commitment of four days. Home study or self-directed learning is an essential feature of this part-time programme. The security industry certification body, the Security Institute, jointly certifies the programme.
Purpose
This is a single module programme. Therefore, the programme purpose, general aims and outcomes are also the module purpose, general aims and outcomes.
The purpose of this programme is to equip the candidate with the knowledge, skill and competence to work effectively under supervision as a security officer performing practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations safely and legally in a variety of settings within the static and retail security environments.
General Aims
On completion of this programme, the candidate will be able to:
- Understand what private security is, its role in society, its sectors and services, including typical guarding company structure and management, company quality service and customer care processes, recognising mandatory regulations and standards, in particular the functions and powers of the regulator.
- Understand the role and responsibilities of the security officer in a range of static and retail security working environments, indicating the characteristics of a professional by maintaining company, client and personal standards, understanding teamworking and developing as an individual.
- Understand the principles of prevention, identifying methods of preventing and reducing loss, including loss through crime, recognising a range of security technology and security hardware products and services which assist with loss and crime prevention.
- Identify those aspects of law relevant to the role of the security officer working in the static and retail security environments, explaining lawful responses to situations such as arrest and trespass, understanding relevant criminal, civil, safety and other codes which may impact on the role, including court processes.
- Apply skills and knowledge to legally, safely and effectively implement practical workplace tasks, describing how to carry out tasks as assigned, acting on initiative, identifying responses to changing and unfamiliar circumstances, including patrolling, controlling and monitoring access and egress, identifying and using appropriate equipment.
- Understand the specific duties and procedures within the retail security environment, including shopping centres, applying the additional skills and knowledge to deal effectively with loss and crime, including risks associated with cash movement.
- Identify what are emergency situations, responding to instructions and / or reacting appropriately to a range of emergency incidents, including fire, accidents, terrorist and other threats, working safely using appropriate emergency equipment, taking responsibility in situations where required, including evacuation, responding to an injured person and scene preservation, while working within the parameters of site and employer policy.
- Demonstrate a range of communication skills relevant to the role of the security officer on site, including interpersonal skills for effective interaction when dealing with others, and those additional skills beneficial when intervening in, or confronted with challenging situations, applying best practice reporting and recording procedures.
Content
- The Private Security Industry
- Customer Care
- Quality Service
- Industry Legislation and Regulation
- The Private Security Officer
- Teamwork Principles
- Loss Prevention and Crime Prevention
- Security Technology
- Security Hardware
- Civil Law and Security
- Criminal Law and Security
- Courts and the Courts System
- Safety, Health and Welfare Legislation
- Equality and Discrimination
- Data Protection
- Environmental Protection
- General Duties and Procedures
- Controlling and Monitoring Access
- Searching
- Patrolling
- Retail Security Procedures
- Emergencies and Emergency Procedures
- Fire and Fire Procedures
- Terrorist and Extremist Threats
- Documentation
- Recording and Reporting
- Communications
- Conflict Management
Entry Criteria
To access programmes leading to this award, candidates should have reached the standards of knowledge, skill and competence at Level 3 or Junior Certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications. Achievement of this may be through a formal qualification or relevant life and work experience. This means that entry is largely open to all adult candidates and there are no formal qualifications required to participate.
PSA Requirements
Candidates are advised that to work within the sector requires a license issued by the Private Security Authority. Licensing conditions prescribed by the Authority include applicants be of good character and are subject to a criminality check.
The Private Security Authority is the regulatory authority for the industry. They have also set criteria for entry onto a programme for the purpose of applying for a licence. These criteria include:
- You are asked to produce a passport or other evidence of identity
- You are asked to provide a utilities bill as evidence of address
- You must be over eighteen years of age
- You must be competent in the English language
There are requirements within the programme and ultimately within employment in the industry to have a working knowledge of the written and spoken English language. English need not be your first language. All prospective candidates will be facilitated to demonstrate their English language competence before the programme commences. The level of English demonstrated must be satisfactory to gain entry onto the course.
Self-Directed Study
Self-directed study is a very important feature of programme success. This is a 100-hour programme of which 30 hours are spent in a classroom environment. The entirety of the programme content will not be covered in this classroom setting. Study must take place away from that environment to achieve success.
Duration
The total duration of the programme is 100 hours. This is broken down as 70 hours self-directed learning or home study and 30 hours face to face classroom-based learning. It is a part time programme; classroom aspects can be delivered on a day release basis for example one day per week for four weeks or as an evening course. Self-directed learning involves 70 hours practice, study and research outside of the classroom. Delivery of the full programme involves a candidate commitment to both classroom attendance and self-directed learning.
Assessment Summary
There are two techniques used to assess the programme:
- A one-hour 50 question multi-choice written examination.
- The practical demonstration of three skills.
Supports
As this is a part time programme incorporating a substantial element of self- directed learning, a comprehensive 390-page, 100,000-word manual is available to all candidates. For more extensive research and study, access to the Security Institute library is also available.
Assessment samples and guidelines are provided for the written examination and skills demonstrations. Skills demonstrations practice sessions are an inherent part of programme delivery. A study guide sheet is also available.
Trainers and assessors are experienced in dealing with candidates who may feel restricted due to physical, learning or language challenges. Reasonable accommodation processes are in place. It is advisable that candidates discuss these issues with the Institute or an Institute trainer in advance of participation.
While not mandatory, access to, and competency in use of the Internet will benefit candidates. Trainers will provide additional resource references for those who do not have Internet capability.
Candidates may contact the Security Institute directly for any clarification or further information either by phone at 045 409222 or by e-mail at admin@sii.ie
Certification
Successful completion of this programme leads to three certificates:
- QQI Special Purpose Award in Security Guarding Skills at Level 4 (10 Credits)
- Security Institute of Ireland Certificate in Static Security
- Security Institute of Ireland Certificate in Retail Security
Registration
Please contact your local approved trainer for course registration.