This PDF presents 50 terms you should be familiar with. Although very brief and basic, they represent concepts you need to know. Further, we highly encourage you to build upon this template. Do your own research. Take the initiative to supplement these 50 items-- and make them your own. This is Volume 1-- so find a safe place for this, and future editions.

Yes. Someplace safe. And someplace where you can find them, when you need 'em...

Cole's War Stories is a collection of informal conversations regarding mentorship, security careers,  experiences, people and random musings.  In this episode, Cole recounts the advice he provided to a law enforcement officer seeking to transition into corporate security.

This lecture provides a brief "compare and contrast" between proprietary and contract security organizations. The instructor provides five comparative points between these two delivery models. In addition to "textbook" comparisons, Cole also provides commentary from his years of experience with both proprietary and contract security operations.

How do security managers integrate in-house guards with contract personnel? These hybrid organizations are more common than you might expect. In this case study, we apply this model to a large, corporate campus.

In this lecture, the instructor shares his insight from more than 40 years in various sectors of security. Points covered include:

• Factors impacting the security manager's compensation

• Type of industry and regulatory environment

• Career mobility "in-house"

• Chain of command: Who does security report to?

  Again, this lecture is based on the instructor's opinion and perspectives from a career in the business.  Learners and others are more than welcome to disagree with these observations.

Understanding the contract process is important for both the vendor and the client. In this lecture, Cole recommends creation of the RFP and SOW, before putting ink to a security services contract. Don't miss the downloadable RFP and SOW we've provided for your consideration.  Go ahead, print them out. Review them, as they will help put the video lectures into context.

We continue our look at the contract guard industry. Specifically, we discuss some of the challenges when working with a multi-tenant, diverse use property. The skills of a negotiator, diplomat, communicator and leader cannot be over-estimated. The instructor mentions it took 3 to 4 years to gain this insight.

Hopefully, by the end of this lecture, you'll have mastered this same material in less than 12 minutes.

This is our second case study. It describes how the hybrid security model is used at a "big box" retailer. Contract security officers, patrolling the adjacent parking lots can often support the loss prevention officers working inside the store. This lecture also mentions the growth of ORC-- and increased levels of violence  in U.S. retail.

This lecture introduces you to the topic of the Chief Security Officer (CSO). The instructor suggests this senior executive position can serve as a useful template for your career. Afterall, if you want to progress in your security career, why not mimic someone who has achieved the pinnacle of the profession?

Growing in popularity in the 1990s, the CSO marks the growing professionalism of our field. Today, the CSO takes his or her place with other "C-Level" leaders. It's a recognition that security has evolved into a critical business function. Whether physical or cyber, security plays s crucial role in the organization's success or failure. The role of CSO brings this home as it takes its place with the CFO, COO, CIO, and others on the senior leadership team.

This lecture introduces the topic of metrics and explains why they are considered the "language" of business. This is a general overview with a definition and examples of commonly used metrics such as Cash Flow and Net Profit. This lecture sets the table for subsequent lectures that specifically drill down to the private/corporate protective function.

This lecture covers the nature of "convergence" in the security profession. It discusses the similarities between physical and cyber security, as well as the benefits of including some level of cyber-security in your professional education. The resources section includes free courses that are appropriate for the security officer seeking to upgrade their skills with basic cyber-security awareness.

This lecture simulates an imaginary job interview. You are a candidate for a security manager's position. For the sake of time, we are limiting the interview to three questions. As you soon discover, they have nothing to do with security. Instead, they want to know your understanding of:

-- How business works.

-- How security, and you particularly, will contribute to the company's goals.

-- Repairing the damage and "trust issues" caused by the previous security leader.

This lecture introduces you to the exploratory (or informational) interview. This involves doing your own research and contacting local working professionals. Initially the instructor suggests reaching out to a variety of security operations. Examples could include:

1. Contract Guard Services (national, regional, and local)

2. Cash Logistics Firms (i.e. armored cars)

3. Retail Loss Prevention (primarily, big box chains)

4. Transportation (airlines, trucking, distribution centers, railroads)

5. Healthcare (primarily large hospitals, networks)

6. Hospitality (restaurants, bars, hotels,)

   
   

   The above list is certainly not all-inclusive. The student should think about the possibilities. These range from educational security, media, and convenience/budget store chains to major construction companies and firms specializing in "gated" communities.

   Finally, the Resources Section includes:

   • A sample letter for requesting an exploratory interview

   • Several lists of potential questions to ask during the interview.

This video brings you a few real-world stories from a career spanning 40-years. Yes, security can be a rewarding career, but it can also serve as a foot-hold and transition into a totally different direction.  The overall point is: A security officer is always on stage. People watch.  High performers get opportunities. Take a look...