Intense training precedes quick response

Security firms emphasise offensive, defensive driving

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

This is the fourth article in Automotives' series on drivers responsible for responding to emergency situations.

Private security company officers are charged with providing quick response to crises and regular patrols to deter threats. But before they are ready to hit the streets, the drivers have to successfully complete a number of training challenges.

Both Guardsman Alarms and KingAlarm said they have assigned drivers who are always ready to respond to emergencies. John P Azar, managing director of KingAlarm, said "All security officers are not permitted to drive vehicles, even if they are holders of valid driver's licences". He explained that drivers are exposed to a series of training sessions which they must successfully complete before they can drive a quick-response vehicle.

KingAlarm selects its driver candidates "after psychological assessment and clearly based on their driving ability, seniority and decision-making skills under pressure and how they perform in the defensive driving courses".

Daniel Lowe, operations manager of Guardsman Alarms, explained that security officers interested in driving must first have a valid driver's licence. According to Lowe, officers must "Then pass a series of tests administered by a senior operations supervisor to demonstrate his/her ability to drive both defensively and offensively".

Differentiating between the two, Lowe said "offensive driving is like chasing a vehicle that as been reported stolen. Offensive maneuvers would involve boxing the vehicle in to prevent the unlawful occupants from escaping". He also hinted that the location and recovery of stolen vehicles is made easier using the GPS tracker system offered by Guardsman Alarms. Defensive driving, on the other hand, would include teaching drivers how to position their vehicle so they can take cover if under attack.

Similary, Azar said security officers are exposed to different techniques "prior to being permitted to operate our vehicles. Drivers would undergo an assessment followed by a five-day advanced driving course covering, amongst other things, defensive driving techniques".

Motorcyclists also have to undergo a series of tests before they are deemed competent. Azar emphasised that "the training for our bike riders is obviously far different to the drivers of motor cars, but no less intense. Again, emphasis is placed on moving speedily whilst ensuring that the safety and rights of other road users are never compromised. Clearly the safety of our officers in carrying out their duties is also a primary consideration in formulating and customising our training courses".

Casual observation of quick-response teams not in emergency mode may give the misconception that the officers are enjoying a relaxed day. However, according to the experts, that is far from the truth. Both Lowe and Azar explained that quick-response teams have several duties which they execute on a typical day.

Azar said "a typical day in the life of our armed response officers is summed up in one word - unpredictable. Each alarm signal received brings its own challenges and this is neutralised by training, training and then even more training. Our officers face danger each and every day in the carrying out of their duties and safeguarding our customers, and they do so with courage and commitment each and every day".

Lowe said "A typical day for a response officer, apart from executing emergency dispatches, involves carrying out courtesy visits and making security checks of our clients' locations to bring them the peace of mind they have come to expect."