Recognising the Value of Good Training for Security Teams

For any society that wants to protect law and order, freedom, and business, security is a practical necessity rather than a theoretical ideal or a bureaucratic checkbox. The training of its employees is the cornerstone of any successful security system. The irreplaceable value of skilled human beings on the front lines is easily overlooked in an era dominated by media narratives, procedural compliance, and an increasing reliance on technology. However, history and everyday life both attest that no camera, algorithm, or regulation can replace morally upright, vigilant, and well-behaved professionals dedicated to their work.

The goal of good training is to create people who can evaluate risk, use discretion, and act decisively when reality unavoidably deviates from the plan, not to create passive protocol followers. Security operations are rarely static or predictable, whether they take place in public, commercial, or retail settings. From controlling tumultuous crowds to thwarting opportunists, handling emergencies, or negotiating the ambiguities of contemporary threats, both psychological and physical, each setting poses different difficulties. Only person’s that have been taught to think critically, adjust to changing circumstances, and behave morally are suitable for this role.

More than just technical know-how or regulatory awareness is imparted by effective training. It involves developing the virtues of integrity, alertness, and tactful assertiveness. Security guards need to be able to tell the difference between danger and annoyance, between real distress and manipulation, and between using too much force that could lead to animosity or legal issues. These assessments must be developed via demanding exercises, scenario-based instruction, candid criticism, and a culture that prioritises individual responsibility over mindless obedience.

Deliberate character development is essential to the formation of security teams. The most successful operators are those who act out of obligation rather than a desire for attention, who follow principles rather than whims, and who are prepared to engage in necessary conflict without actively seeking it. Ignoring these realities in training results in little more than uniformed bystanders who are likely to hesitate, be undecided, or compromise when it matters most. On the other hand, programmes that require meticulousness, unwavering honesty, and the courage to pose difficult questions, even if doing so causes short-term discomfort, raise the bar everywhere.

One-time induction and box-ticking recertification are not enough for this method. Lessons learned from actual events, reviews that candidly address errors, and the application of professional criticism as a tool for growth rather than humiliation are all components of true readiness. For people looking for solace or validation, security is not a job. It is a profession for people who find fulfilment in accountability, who can handle uncertainty without losing their composure, and who recognise that their behaviour sets the tone for everyone around them more than any camera or system.

The facts are clear, settings with well-led, professionally trained security teams have fewer incidents, lower losses, and more public and employee confidence. Good training directly lowers chaos, lowers risk, and discourages targeted and opportunistic threats. It stops the destructive trend towards mediocrity that so many organisations experience when they are lured in by low-cost labour or flimsy diversity initiatives. Ultimately, a security team's training directly affects how good they are. Ignoring it invites chaos, with consequences that no amount of paperwork can ever stop.

From the author.

The opinions and statements are those of Sam Wilks and do not necessarily represent whom Sam Consults or contracts to. Sam Wilks is a skilled and experienced Security and Risk Consultant with 3 decades of expertise in the fields of Real estate, Security, and the hospitality/gaming industry. Sam has trained over 1,000 entry level security personnel, taught defensive tactics, weapons training and handcuffs to policing personnel and the public. His knowledge and practical experience have made him a valuable asset to many organisations looking to enhance their security measures and provide a safe and secure environment for their clients and staff.