Basic Guarding Skills Course (4N1118)

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work under supervision as a security officer performing practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations in a variety of settings including static and the retail industry.

Course Accreditation
This course is accredited by QQI and successful candidates attain a QQI level 4 minor award in Basic Guarding Skills.

Course Programme
The course involves a combination of home and in-class study. Home study must be completed before 30 hours of class learning can take place. There are two examinations at the end of the course – one a theory exam, and the other a practical exam relating to the particular field of study.

Maximum number of participants: 15
Duration: 30 hours of in-class training & home study 
Certificate: For life, Licence with PSA to be renewed every 3 years

Objectives of the course
To provide the participants with the skills to work static and the retail industry.
To provide participants with the knowledge needed in regard to the law and legal aspects

Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

1. Explain the legislation, regulations and standards governing the provision of a private security service to include reference to the Private Security Services legislation, relevant national and international standards and the role of the Private Security Authority
2. Explain the role of private security services in relation to other agencies which deal with crime and loss prevention
3. Distinguish between legal codes and practices relating to the role of the security officer to include – criminal and civil law, rights of the individual, health and safety legislation, equality legislation and security
4. industry licensing requirements and relevant national and international standards
5. Explain the status of representatives of authorised bodies entering premises to include a member of An Garda Siochana, fire officer, health and safety inspector, representative of the security industry regulatory body
6. Contrast the role and responsibilities of a security officer employed directly by a client in-house and the provision of a contract security service
7. State the principal points of relevant national labor regulations
8. Explain a range of personal and professional qualities required of a security officer
9. Indicate relevant health and safety requirements, including dealing with fire, that impact on the duties and responsibilities of the security officer
10. Explain what is meant by loss and fraud prevention
11. Explain what is meant by the reasonable and necessary force
12. Outline appropriate on-site cash handling procedures
13. Carry out the duties and procedures required of a security officer
14. Respond appropriately to security incidents and emergencies
15. Use a variety of supporting security tools and equipment
16. Demonstrate appropriate procedures for dealing with a suspect
17. Demonstrate a range of procedures for loss prevention and identification
18. Demonstrate procedures for the preservation of a scene of a crime, the recording of incidents and liaison with appropriate agencies and organisations
19. Use appropriate communications skills and a range of customer service techniques in a variety of situations in the workplace.