Last Updated on April 23, 2025

Enhance your career with our free online security officer training course. This beginner-friendly program covers essential topics like patrolling, emergency response, and access control—perfect for anyone looking to become a certified security officer without spending.

This security guard training course is meticulously designed to provide newly hired guards with a strong foundation in handling safety and security matters before advancing to state or federal-level training.

Whether you’re seeking to upgrade your skills through an in-person class or an online security guard course, this guide covers the core knowledge required to begin a career in private or public security.

Security personnel in developed and developing nations perform similar roles—protecting people, property, and information.

This globally recognized security guard course addresses key procedures, duties, and emergency responses, differing only slightly in legal and regulatory content based on the country.

🔥 FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

1. The Fire Tetrahedron

Fire cannot exist without these four essential elements:

• Fuel
• Heat
• Oxygen
• Chemical Chain Reaction

2. Categories of Fire

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles (wood, cloth)
• Class B: Flammable liquids
• Class C: Flammable gases
• Class D: Combustible metals
• Class E: Electrical fires

3. Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Water
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• Dry Powder
• Foam

4. Fire Alarm Systems

• Local
• Central Station
• Remote System
• Periphery

5. Types of Fire Detectors

• Heat Detector
• Smoke Detector
• Flame Detector
• Water Flow Detector

6. Sprinkler Systems

• Wet Pipe
• Dry Pipe
• Pre-action
• Deluge

7. Fire Duties of a Security Guard

In the event of a fire, your security guard’s responsibility is to ensure the safe evacuation of everyone from the premises.

👮‍♂️ PROFESSIONALISM & ETHICS IN SECURITY

8. Security Guard Professionalism

“A professional does their best, even on their worst days.”

9. Uniform and Appearance

Security standards fall into:

• Clothing
• Grooming
• Equipment

10. Ethics in Security Guard Training

Ethics means knowing right from wrong and performing duties morally and responsibly.

11. Why Ethics Matter

• Builds public trust
• Maintains integrity
• Prevents misconduct
• Supports legal protection

🏃‍♂️ PATROLLING TECHNIQUES

12. Purpose of Patrol

• Protect people
• Protect property
• Protect information

13. Patrol Senses

Use all senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch.

14. Patrol Responsibilities

• Secure the area
• Turn off unnecessary equipment
• Identify unusual conditions
• Document everything

15. Types of Patrol

• Foot
• Bicycle
• Vehicle
• Visual (CCTV)

16. Patrol Methods

• Random
• Directed
• Control Area
• Proactive/Reactive

📖 REPORT WRITING & RECORD-KEEPING

17. When to Write Reports

• Immediately after the events
• When required by policy
• Following an arrest

18. Report Structure

• Introduction
• Body
• Summary

19. Use 5Ws & 1H

• Who, What, Where, When, Why, How

20. Types of Reports

• Administrative (internal use)
• Operational (field-related issues)

🕵️‍♂️ EVIDENCE HANDLING

21. Forms of Evidence

• Verbal (court testimony)
• Documentary (reports, tickets)
• Real (physical objects)

22. Best Evidence Rule

Always present original evidence when available.

23. Court Testimony Tips

• Be honest
• Speak clearly
• Remain professional
• Know your notes

🚨 ALARM SYSTEMS

24. Alarm Types

• Intrusion
• Fire
• Distress

25. Alarm Response

• Identify alarms
• Notify the proper channels
• Look for forced entry
• Investigate cautiously

🔐 ACCESS CONTROL

26. What is Access Control?

Controlling the movement of people, vehicles, materials, and information.

27. Why It Matters

• Prevent unauthorized access
• Protect assets
• Control information flow

28. Methods of Access Control

• Physical systems
• Personnel (guards)
• ID checks and searches

💣 BOMB THREATS & EXPLOSIVE DEVICES

29. Responding to Bomb Threats

• Stay calm
• Collect details
• Notify authorities
• Evacuate carefully

30. Bomb Search Methods

• Grid
• Concentric circles
• Lines
• Bottom to top

👥 CROWD CONTROL & CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

31. Duties in Labor Disputes

• Maintain order
• Protect assets
• Remain neutral

32. Types of Crowd

• Casual
• Cohesive
• Aggressive

🌍 HAZARD MANAGEMENT

33. Manmade Hazards

• Bomb threats
• Fires
• Civil disturbances

34. Natural Hazards

• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Windstorms

🧾 LAW & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

35. What is Law?

A set of rules that govern society and are enforced by authorities.

36. Basic Legal Concepts

• Rights & Privileges
• Obligations

37. Types of Crimes

• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Contraventions

📝 TENANT & LANDLORD RELATIONS

38. In Case of Disputes

• Record everything
• Notify police if needed
• Follow company policy

👮 ARREST & USE OF FORCE

39. 3 Legal Ways to Arrest

• With a warrant
• By observing the crime
• Through a credible witness

40. Use of Force Conditions

• Immediate threat
• Defense of property/person
• Serious crime prevention

41. Preparing for Your Shift

• Review previous incidents

• Inspect personal and shared equipment

• Understand current threats or updates

42. Security Briefings

• Attend roll call

• Receive site updates

• Coordinate with co-workers and supervisors

43. Effective Surveillance Techniques

• Use of mirrors and CCTV

• Positioning for line of sight

• Avoiding detection during surveillance

44. Observation & Reporting Skills

• Stay alert

• Record facts accurately

• Avoid assumptions in reports

45. Notetaking Techniques

• Write clear, brief notes

• Use consistent formats

• Update notes frequently

46. Emergency Evacuation Planning

• Know exit points

• Understand assigned roles

• Use headcounts and roll calls

47. Fire Drill Participation

• Follow procedures seriously

• Log participation and feedback

• Suggest improvements

48. Hazard Identification

• Recognize fire, chemical, electrical, and mechanical hazards

• Document and report potential dangers

49. Basic First Aid Awareness

• Control bleeding

• Perform CPR basics

• Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

50. Medical Emergency Response

• Call for help

• Provide reassurance

• Protect the scene

💻 TECHNOLOGY IN SECURITY

51. Introduction to Security Technologies

• Overview of alarms, cameras, and access cards
• Understand hardware basics

52. Using a Security Management System

• Logging shifts
• Monitoring alerts
• Reviewing logs

53. Time and Attendance Tracking

• Badge-in/badge-out systems
• Guard tour verification

54. Two-Way Radio Usage

• Codes and signals
• Clear communication techniques

55. Computer-Based Reporting Tools

• Digital incident forms
• Online incident logs
• Report backup protocols

🧠 BEHAVIOR & DECISION-MAKING

56. Situational Awareness

• Scan the surroundings continuously
• Anticipate actions and reactions

57. Critical Thinking in Emergencies

• Stay calm
• Analyze options
• Make quick decisions

58. De-escalation Techniques

• Verbal techniques to calm conflict
• Maintain distance
• Offer solutions

59. Handling Aggressive Individuals

• Do not argue
• Avoid physical contact
• Use authority calmly

60. Personal Safety Awareness

• Don’t take unnecessary risks
• Watch surroundings
• Keep backup informed

🗣 COMMUNICATION SKILLS

61. Professional Communication

• Use respectful language
• Stay calm under pressure

62. Body Language Awareness

• Stand confidently
• Use neutral gestures

63. Interacting with the Public

• Provide directions
• Answer questions
• Remain friendly but professional

64. Handling Complaints

• Listen fully
• Don’t take things personally
• Resolve within your scope

📚 LEGAL KNOWLEDGE & AUTHORITY

65. Understanding Local Laws

• Know the laws affecting private security
• Stay updated with changes

66. Citizen’s Arrest Procedures

• When it’s legally allowed
• Use minimal force

67. Security Guard’s Authority Limits

• Know what you can’t do
• Do not impersonate law enforcement

68. Evidence Collection and Chain of Custody

• Properly tag and secure evidence
• Record every handover

69. Privacy and Confidentiality

• Avoid gossip
• Secure reports and videos

🏢 BUILDING & ASSET SECURITY

70. Access Point Control

• Monitor entrances and exits
• Validate identity and authorization

71. Key and Lock Management

• Record key assignments
• Report missing keys

72. Security Lighting

• Check lighting schedules
• Report broken lights

73. Parking Lot Security

• Patrol lots
• Watch for vehicle damage or theft

74. Handling Deliveries

• Verify the delivery person’s identity
• Confirm documentation

🚚 VEHICLE & TRAFFIC CONTROL

75. Gatehouse Duties

• Log in/out of vehicles
• Verify permits

76. Vehicle Searches

• Get consent or authority
• Be professional and respectful

77. Directing Traffic

• Use hand signals and tools
• Wear high-visibility vests

🧨 THREAT AWARENESS & EMERGENCIES

78. Workplace Violence Awareness

• Spot warning signs
• Report early

79. Terrorism Awareness

• Recognize suspicious behavior
• Follow reporting protocols

80. Suspicious Packages

• Don’t touch it
• Evacuate and call authorities

📉 INCIDENT RESPONSE & INVESTIGATION

81. Incident Scene Protection

• Secure the perimeter
• Don’t disturb the evidence

82. Interviewing Witnesses

• Ask open-ended questions
• Take detailed notes

83. Conducting Preliminary Investigations

• Record the sequence of events
• Preserve all available evidence

🌐 SECURITY IN SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTS

84. Retail Security

• Watch for shoplifting
• Provide good customer service

85. Hospital Security

• Respond to medical codes
• Maintain calm environments

86. School Campus Security

• Know lockdown procedures
• Build trust with students

87. Industrial Site Security

• Monitor safety protocols
• Enforce PPE rules

⚖️ ETHICS & PUBLIC RELATIONS

88. Bias-Free Policing

• Treat all individuals equally
• Avoid stereotypes

89. Maintaining Professional Image

• Be punctual
• Maintain grooming standards

90. Handling Media Requests

• Refer to company policy
• Never speculate

🎓 CAREER DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING

91. Continuing Education

• Attend workshops
• Enroll in refresher security guard training

92. Online Security Guard Courses

• Flexible learning
• Meet regulatory renewal requirements

93. Certifications and Licenses

• Renew before expiration
• Meet physical and legal criteria

🧩 SPECIALIZED SECURITY OPERATIONS

94. VIP/Executive Protection

• Planning
• Close monitoring

95. Event Security

• Crowd flow
• Entry point checks

96. Disaster Response Team Roles

• Aid coordination
• Support first responders

💼 EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS & TEAMWORK

97. Following Company Policy

• Read the handbook
• Ask for clarification

98. Working with Law Enforcement

• Stay cooperative
• Share information responsibly

99. Supporting Fellow Guards

• Cover shifts
• Communicate clearly

100. Review and Evaluation

• Accept feedback
• Continuously improve

This completes the 100-topic free online security officer training, ideal for beginners or professionals seeking advancement via a security guard course online or in-person academy formats.

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