New Supervisor, New Training, New Questions

[guardguy]

My security company just handed out a few promotions, and the new supervisor wants us all to get a baton certification, an OC certification, and if we don't already have it, a handcuff certification. I already have the handcuff cert. and in a previous post I mentioned wanting the OC cert. but the old supervisor was against it. Now I have never heard of the baton certification before as being part of security work. A quick google search led me to several stories of security guards defending themselves with batons, and a local place that can give the certification course for only a $100, but I'd like some insight from a few real cops officers before I decide on whether or not to take the baton course as a rent-a-cop. I personally don't think I'll need anything other than OC, but this is what I'm told to do so any advice would be great. Thanks.

PS: Since the laws regarding this are probably at a state level, I'm in NY

[Piggy]

Anything you carry on your belt, you need to be trained with it. If not, you are opening yourself up to all sorts of liability. It's only going to take one guard to use a baton, injure someone, and you'll be having your going out of business sale.

Not only do they need initial training, but you need constant training. I would suggest at least quarterly, if not monthly, you practice with a certified trainer.

[MP_Steve]

When I worked in private security, I was issued everything short of a firearm, to include OC, stun-gun, and hand irons.

Never once was I given any use-of-force training in a practical scenerio, everything written looked like it was copied off the internet.

The owner stated that he was some kind of marital artist who said that since I've completed "company approved training" it wouldn't be an issue. I never saw an instructor certificate, nor was I issued anything that would lead me to believe they're going to cover my a$$.

Only now do I realize how much of a liability it would have been for me personally if I had been involved in an on-duty incident.

[DeltaV]

If your company wants you to get the certifications, they need to pay for them and send you to the courses. You shouldn't be expected to pay for the courses yourself. Your supervisor's supervisor should be made aware of what your new supervisor wants, as I'm sure that there's some company policy in reference to what you're allowed to carry.

[guardguy]

If your company wants you to get the certifications, they need to pay for them and send you to the courses. You shouldn't be expected to pay for the courses yourself. Your supervisor's supervisor should be made aware of what your new supervisor wants, as I'm sure that there's some company policy in reference to what you're allowed to carry.

After speaking with the head of the company, he said to get the certifications if the supervisor wants them, and when I fax the certificates to the office, I will be reimbursed for the course. The instructor I spoke to said each course covers use of force, liability issues, and physical training. I'd probably still wind up calling the local PD instead of interfering personally, because an 8 hour course on each item is nowhere near the amount of time someone would spend at a police academy. I normally keep my uniform and my belt (currently only has handcuffs, and a mini maglite) in my car in case I get called to cover a shift while I'm out, but if a baton is going to be added, I'd rather keep that at home when I'm not at work. I only have one more question: If I leave my security job, and I did get the baton certification, how should I dispose of the baton legally, and properly? Thanks.