RiskXtraJune2019

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RISKXtra
Professional Development Paths for
Security Managers and Supervisors
development. This is accomplished – at least in
part – as a direct result of leading by example.
Whether it’s an
aspiring protection
officer or a university
student who’s
interested in a career
in the security
profession, we all
know there’s no
substitute for
experience. It should
be remembered,
though, that security
managers and
supervisors gain reallife
experiences as
well as a formal
education and
industry certifications
to help prepare them
for the journey on the
security career path,
as Lawrence Fennelly
and Marianna Perry
explain in detail
Across the last decade, there have been
many changes both nationally in the US
and on the international stage. The US
Department of Homeland Security was formed
to address the ever-growing threat of terrorism.
Organised retail crime, active shooter incidents,
identity theft and cyber crime along with
natural disasters continue to be major concerns
for today’s protection professionals.
Consequently, the education and training
provided in the security industry must meet
those threats. Supervisors and managers must
be well-versed in these topics and inspire their
subordinates to acquire more education, either
through a formal degree programme or via
industry certifications (or both), on-the-job
training and experience. They must emphasise
professional growth and development of the
individual security operative in order to
promote organisational development.
Organisational development occurs when
substantial numbers of the protection
organisation have undergone professional
development experiences. Programmes offered
by the International Foundation of Protection
Officers (IFPO) and our partner organisations
are examples of professional growth
experiences. Individual employers and colleges
may create their own formal degree
programmes and industry certifications.
Regardless of the career path, the security
supervisor is the conduit for professional
growth. He or she must embrace opportunities
for professional and organisational
Defining the supervisor
A security supervisor is someone who
represents higher authority. The person who
assesses situations and conditions to make onthe-spot
judgements without favour, prejudice
or fear. The person who’s a responder to any
and all situations. The individual who must
galvanise the efforts of many to attain stated
goals. The person who must assign tasks and
ensure compliance and constant quality
performance. The person who’s accountable
and, therefore, first in line to shoulder reaction,
both good and bad. Finally, the supervisor is
the person who must make decisions for
management based on his or her own
professional development.
What does it mean to be a supervisor? First
of all, a security supervisor may be called upon
to handle different types of conflicts in myriad
circumstances. Second, a security supervisor
will be required to meet the expectations of
management and/or the client in the daily
routine of security operations. The security
supervisor is the backbone of the organisation.
His/her scope of responsibility is rather unique.
A security manager designs and develops
security, safety and investigative programmes.
A manager works with budgets and other
resources (equipment, uniforms, technology
and software etc) to ensure that the protective
mission is achieved. A manager oversees
processes (procedures) that accomplish
organisational goals and objectives. A manager
is responsible for staff functions if there’s no
supervisory span of control over line
employees. This includes training, technical
support and auditing, etc.
Further, a manager should co-ordinate
activity rather than supervise it. A manager is
charged with policy formulation. A manager
oversees line supervisors such as shift leaders
and interacts with department heads as well as
members of upper management.
Professional development
Professional development is a critical concept.
It’s the pathway for supervisors to become
managers. By professional development, we’re
referring to the following key areas:
• Leadership and networking skills are critical
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