(817) 737-4394 info@dfwmta.com

DFW Metroplex Training Academy

(817) 737-4394

Recertification of Level III
The Commissioned Security Officer - 2 Years

If your license has expired for one year or more you must start all over from the beginning. You must retake the Level II and III Classes. If you are unsure please call me.

Rules and Regulations

An application for a commission security officer’s license must:

  1. Be 18 years of age or older
  2. Not be convicted in any jurisdiction of a Class B Misdemeanor for which the fifth anniversary of the date of conviction has not occurred before the date of application unless a full pardon has been granted for reasons relating to a wrongful conviction.
  3. Not be convicted in any jurisdiction of a Class A Misdemeanor for which the 10th anniversary of the date of conviction has not occurred, unless a full pardon has been granted for reasons relating to a wrongful conviction.
  4. Not be convicted in any jurisdiction of two or more felony offenses or of a single felony for which the 20th anniversary of the date of conviction has not occurred before the date of application, unless a full pardon has been granted for the reasons relating to a wrongful conviction.
  5. Not have charges pending in any jurisdiction of a Felony, Class A or Class B Misdemeanor.
  6. Not be a fugitive from justice for a Felony, Class A or B Misdemeanor.
  7. Not currently restricted under a Court Protective Order or Restraining Order affecting a spousal relationship.
  8. Not been declared by any court of competent jurisdiction incompetent by reason of mental defect or disease and has not been restored to competency.
  9. Not be a chemically dependent person (suffering from habitual drunkenness or from narcotics addiction or dependence)
  10. Not be dishonorably discharged from the United States Services, discharged from the United States Services under other than honorable conditions determined by the board to be prohibitive.
  11. Not be required to register in this or any other state as a sex offender.
  12. Not be disqualified by state or federal law from owning or possessing a firearm.
  13. Be capable of exercising sound judgment in the proper use and storage of a handgun.

Note: The Board has final decision and discretion concerning all qualifications.

Uniform Requirements

An Officer shall display on the outermost garment the name of the company under whom the officer is employed; the word Security; and at least the last name of the officer. You cannot have the Seal of the State of Texas or The Seal of The Texas Department of Public Safety on you uniform.

Effective September 1, 2003

A commissioned security officer must have received training on the use of a chemical dispensing device, before he/she can carry on his/her person. (includes pepper spray)

Who Must Register

If the person in the course of employment:

  1. Comes into contact with the public,
  2. Wears
    1. Uniform commonly associated with security personnel or law enforcement,
    2. Any type of badge commonly associated with security personnel or law enforcement,
    3. A patch or apparel contain the work security or a substantially similar word that is intended to or is likely to create the impression that the individual is performing security services and:
  3. Performs duty as a security personnel person described by Section 1702.108 or 1702.222.

Levels of Training

Level One: HAS BEEN DELETED
Level Two: must be taken by Non-Commissioned, Commissioned, and Personal Protection Officer
Level Three: must be taken by Commissioned and Personal Protection Officer
Level Four: Personal Protection Officer

Pocket Cards

  1. Cards are issued after application is made, by a licensed security company, to the Commission and all requirements are met.
  2. Pocket Cards are the property of the State of Texas. Cards are issued to you through the State of Texas, and do not have to be returned to an employer upon leaving, unless the State (Commission) requests the card to be returned. (This will be in the form of a letter or an investigator in person.)
  3. Cards must be carried while on duty. This is your license to carry a firearm. Without it you could be charged with Unlawfully Carrying of a Firearm, a Class A Misdemeanor. Which could revoke you license.
  4. Cards must not be altered or misused. If there is an error on your card contact the state to get a new one issued and they will inform you as to what to do with the card in your possession.
  5. Cards must be presented to Commission investigators upon request. If you are in your uniform carrying a firearm, you must show your commission card. The fine amount for Failure to present pocket card upon request is $100.00(one hundred dollars).

A Commissioned Officer can only work for a company that is licensed by the State. An Officer cannot work for any company or person who is not licensed by the State.

Security and the CHL/LTC

  1. A CHL/LTC is not valid when providing any service that would require a Security Officer Commission or Personal Protection Authorization.
  2. Your weapon as a Security Officer must be in plain view. You may not carry a Concealed Weapon when in a security uniform even if you have a CHL/LTC. (The two licenses are like oil and water, they do not mix.)

Powers of the Commission

  1. When a Complaint is filed with the Board it can be against either an individual or a company. The Commission then begins their investigation.
  2. Commission investigators can be licensed as Peace Officers.
  3. The investigator may take Sworn Statements if needed.
  4. If during the investigation, the complaint is found to be valid, a court may convene to hear the charge(s) against the individual or company.
  5. Subpoenas may be issued to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of pertinent books, accounts, records and documents.

Actions the Commission May Take Against Violators

  1. Reprimand: Written reprimand will be in your file at the State. Violator may still be allowed to continue working if the company so desires.
  2. Probation: Violators may still be allowed to continue working if the company so desires. He/She will be placed on probation for a period of time. No further violations can occur.
  3. Suspension and/or a Fine: Fines will be paid in an allotted period of time. Suspension is a temporary revocation of a license. Violators may not work during this time. Sometimes a fine may be given In-Lieu of a suspension. May be required to report regularly to the department on matters that are the basis of the suspension; May limit the practice to the areas prescribed by the department; or May continue to or review professional education until the person attains a degree skill satisfactory to the department in those areas that are the basis of the probation.
  4. Revocation: Loss of all rights and licenses. All work ceases.

Public Perception

  1. Integrity: Honest and above reproach. Do what is right not simply convenient. No one can take away your integrity, but you can throw it away.
  2. Ethics: You must never give or receive preferential treatment of benefits to others. Your Ethics and Integrity say everything about you.
  3. Knowledge: Know your duties. If you do not know ask you supervisor.
  4. Politeness: Be courteous. You will gain respect and cooperation by being polite.
  5. Even Temperament: Be calm and stable, anger can escalate a problem. Do not take it personally.
  6. Impartiality: Do not take sides. Be neutral. Listen to both sides of the story.
  7. Alertness: Notice small changes; deviations from the norm; small things may add up to something important.
  8. Good Judgment: Good judgment comes with knowledge and experience. When in doubt call your supervisor.
  9. Confidence: Faith in your abilities, which comes from knowledge of your job.
  10. Physical Fitness: Ability to react quickly and do the job that is necessary.
  11. Tactfulness: Ability to deal with others without offending them. Communicate with authority without seaming superior.
  12. Self Control: Act professionally; control your emotions, anger, frustrations, nervousness and fear. Never use profane or obscene language.
  13. Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive outlook; if you are unhappy about something at home/work do not display it on the job.
  14. Approachable Manner: Make eye contact with a smile; greet people cordially; acknowledge their presence with a nod. If you can win peoples trust, you will be able to do your job much more effectively.

The best image for a Security Officer to project is to be friendly; but not on a close personal relationship with the client. A close relationship may make it difficult when it comes time to conduct an investigation. Close relationships can also lead to charges of sexual harassment.

A poorly maintained uniform and appearance can cause people to doubt an officer’s ability and professionalism.

Most people base their opinions on their perceptions rather than reality. Standing with your hand on your gun butt is not the image people want to see. It shows an officer who is paranoid and afraid.

Accidents

You should NOT attempt to treat any injury unless you have the medical training to handle that type of situation. Remain Calm/Call 911. Keep the victim calm and do not move him or her unless absolutely necessary because of a dangerous situation.

Reports

  1. Eight essential elements of the Security Officer’s report:
    1. Accurate
    2. Complete
    3. Concise
    4. Clear
    5. Legible
    6. Grammatically Correct
    7. Objective (No Opinions)
    8. Correct Spelling
  2. Two types of reports used by officers are Pre-printed and Narrative.
  3. Reports should be written in the first person style.
  4. Reports should be written in everyday language.

The Crime Scene

  1. The role of the Security Officer is to protect and safeguard persons and property, the role of the Security Officer must be adapted to the crime scene encountered. The Security Officer should Maintain the Integrity of the Evidence.
    1. Failure to preserve evidence or protect a crime scene might result in:
      1. Failure to identify suspects.
      2. Inability to admit evidence in a criminal proceedings.
      3. Lack of confidence in the Security Officer’s abilities by management, property owners, or the public.
  2. The Security Officer should not touch, pick up or move any evidence.
  3. First and foremost, protection of self and others from further harm, including providing first aid.
  4. Second securing of the area to prevent destruction of evidence.
  5. Whenever possible, entry in to the scene should be avoided.
  6. It is the responsibility of law enforcement to collect evidence.
  7. Tape, rope, cones, vehicles, securing gates or fences, shutting or locking doors can be used to help secure the scene.

Gun Safety

  1. Always point the Muzzle in a safe direction. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
  2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
  3. Keep the action open and the gun unloaded until ready to use.
  4. Know how the gun operates.
  5. The device, which holds the cartridges for an automatic pistol, is called a Magazine.
  6. Never holster a cocked revolver.
  7. Be sure your gun and ammunition are compatible.
  8. Carry only one gauge/caliber of ammunition when shooting.
  9. Be sure of your Target and what is beyond
  10. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate
  11. Do not mix alcohol or drugs with shooting
  12. Be aware that circumstances may require additional rules unique to a particular situation.

The device which holds the cartridges for a semi-auto pistol is called a magazine.
Do Not over oil your gun after cleaning, more is not better.
Warning Shots should not be fired because you do not know where the bullet will strike.
You are Responsible for Gun Safety. Be aware of additional rules of the range you are going to: Such as upon entering the gun range you must sign in and ALL GUNS MUST BE UNLOADED.

50 Round Course

You Must attain a Minimum Score of 70% Accuracy.
175 out of a possible 250.

Range Procedures

  1. Take your position on the Firing Line.
  2. Wait for instructions from the Range Officer.
  3. Let the instructor know when there are any malfunctions, or misfires by raising your other hand and Keeping the Barrel pointed Down Range.

Commands

  1. Load the number of rounds are instructed to load
  2. The instructor will inform you how many rounds to shoot each time. (Please wait for the command to fire)
  3. Ready. (Handgun is up and pointed at the target, ready to fire.)
  4. Fire. (Shoot only the number of rounds instructed to fire.)

Children and Firearms

Penal Code 46.13 Making a Firearm Accessible to a Child. If a child, a person younger than 17 years of age, gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm and is injured or killed with the firearm, the responsible party can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor.

It is UNLAWFUL and PUNISHABLE for a commission security officer to carry a firearm UNLESS

  1. YOU HAVE RECEIVED you license from the State
  2. He is engaged in the performance of his duties as a security officer or is engaged in traveling to or from his place of assignment.
  3. He wears a distinctive uniform indicating that he is a security officer, and
  4. The firearm is in plain view.

Firearms

The most common shotgun action used by security and law enforcement is the pump action. The most common gauge is the 12 gauge.

In a public Restroom:

  1. Do not lay a firearm down where anyone can pick it up. If you need to lay it on the ground, pick a stall that has a wall on one side.
  2. Do not lay it down where it can fall.
  3. Do not hang it by the trigger guard.

Cleaning

  1. After every Firing, or
  2. AT LEAST Semi-Annually.

Always be sure the firearm is empty and unloaded prior to cleaning.

Fundamentals of Marksmanship

  1. Grip:
  2. Stance: (3 Types)
    • Weaver
    • Isosceles
    • Modified
  3. Sight Alignment (Focus should be on the front sight at all times and align center mass. When looking through the rear sight, if the front sight is higher than the rear sight, the bullet will strike the target higher than the center.
  4. Sight Picture
  5. Breathing / Breath Control
  6. Trigger Control (Proper control means you gentle press the trigger.)
  7. Follow Through

Powers of Arrest

Your powers are that of a private citizen. You have none of the exclusive powers delegated to peace officers. You do not have to read them their rights but you do need to tell the individual they are under arrest and the reason why.

Authority to Arrest

Code of Criminal Procedure. Article 14.01a
A Peace Officer or any other person may, without a warrant, arrest an offender when the Offense is committed within his presence or within his view, if the offense is one classed as a felony or as an offense against the public peace.
So an offense that you see and it be classed as:

  1. A Felony or
  2. Breach against the public peace (Title 9 Chapter 42)

Code of Criminal Procedure. Article 18.16. Preventing Consequences of Theft
Any person has a right to prevent the consequences of theft by seizing any personal property that has been stolen and bringing it, with the person suspected of committing the theft, if that person can be taken, before a magistrate for examination, or delivering the property and the person suspected of committing the theft to a peace officer for that purpose. This covers shop lifting and other theft offenses.

Penal Code. Section 30.05 Criminal Trespass.
A person commits an offense if the person enters or remains on or in property of another, including residential land, agricultural land, a recreational vehicle park, a building, or an aircraft or other vehicle, without effective consent and the person:

  1. Had notice that the entry was forbidden, such as a sign; or
  2. Received notice verbally and failed to depart.

A Property owner, manager or a person with apparent authority to act for the owner (Security Officer) may provide notice that entry into the property is forbidden.

Penal Code. Section 31.03 Theft.
A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.

Penal Code. Section 29.02 Robbery.
A person commits an offense if in the course of committing theft as defined in Chapter 31 and with intent to obtain or maintain control of the property, he:

  1. Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
  2. Intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.

The primary difference between robbery and theft is the use of force or attempted use of force.

Penal Code. Section 29.03 Aggravated Robbery.
A person commits an offense if he commits robbery as defined in Section 29.02, and he:

  1. Causes serious bodily injury to another;
  2. Uses or exhibits a deadly weapon; or
  3. Causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death; or
  4. if the other person is:
    1. 65 years of age or older; or
    2. A disabled person.

Use of Force Continuum

  1. Professional Presence: The lowest level on the Use of Force Continuum. The Security Officer’s bearing, demeanor, posture, and appearance.
  2. Verbal Command: Use of your voice to control the situation. The Security Officers’ must be able to communicate skillfully under pressure.
  3. Empty Hand Controls
    1. Lowest level of physical force (soft techniques); Escort holds; Come-a-long holds;
    2. Pressure Point Control Tactics
      1. Mandibular Angle
      2. Infra-orbital (near the upper lip and nose)
    3. Empty or Open Hand Strikes
    4. Take Downs
    5. Kicks
      1. Front and Side Leg
  4. Intermediate Weapons and Hard Hands
    1. May cause incapacitating injury
    2. Soft (OC and Tear Gas)
    3. Hard Hands (Stun Gun, ASP and PR-24)
  5. Deadly Force
    1. The Security Officer must always use the Lowest Force Option available in any circumstance. Deadly Force is the Last Option/Resort.

Dynamic Resistance Response Model (DRM)

For each of the four suspect categories, Officers have all of the tools in the preceding categories available. In each instance, Officers constantly should give commands to the suspect when doing so does not jeopardize safety.

  1. Four suspect categories
    1. Not Resistant (Complaint) - Suspects who do not resist, but follows all your commands.
    2. Non-Threatening Resistance – A suspect falls to follow commands and his actions are neutral or defensive, and the officer does not feel threatened by his actions.
    3. Threatening Resistance – A suspect takes offensive action and to defend himself, the officer must respond with appropriate force to stop, eliminate, or control the threat.
    4. Deadly Resistant – A deadly resistant suspect will seriously injure or kill the officer or another person if immediate action is not taken to stop the threat.

Defensive Tactics

  1. The ABC’s of Defensive Tactics stand for: Awareness, Barrier, and Counter.
    1. Awareness: Attention to dangers present amid surroundings.
    2. Barrier: Hand and Body positioning to counteract aggressive action.
    3. Counter: Application of technique to avoid harm or present aggression.
  2. Remember that distance is Insurance.
    1. Keep distance between you and your suspect.
    2. The most important thing for a successful strike is accuracy.
      1. Form, Speed, and Power all mean nothing without accuracy.
  3. A Security Officers goal in dealing with people is to gain voluntary compliance, so as to reduce the need to escalate force.
  4. Distance is considered to be insurance when talking about officer safety.
  5. The use of unarmed defensive tactics might be considered deadly force depending upon the technique or tactic applied.
  6. The center mass of the body, the center mass of the leg, and the center mass of the arm are considered tactical control targets.
  7. You can increase or decrease the chances of being chosen as a victim of a violent criminal attack by the way we walk, move and carry ourselves.
  8. Augmenting or additional weapons can include ballpoint pens, scissors or a fork, anything that can be used as a weapon.
  9. Remember even a palm heel strike to the nose may kill a suspect.
  10. Handcuffs are a temporary restraining device.
  11. Always look for a good cover to protect yourself from gunfire. (Such as a concrete column)

Baton

The use of a baton is in response to threatening resistance. The physical use of the baton is intended to stop the assaultive actions of an attacker. Once those actions cease, the Security Officer must recognize and utilize an appropriate force option that may become necessary.

  1. The center mass of the leg and the center mass of the arm are targets used by the baton.
  2. The Common Peroneal Strike is a strike to the side of the leg.
  3. The striking area of an expanded baton consists of the last three inches and the tip.

Pressure Points

  1. Pressure points can be a useful tool for the Security Officer.
  2. The pressure point located near the upper lip and nose is called the Infra Orbital.
  3. Knowledge of where these nerves are is a must.
  4. The radial, median and ulna nerve is found in the arm.

Handcuffing

  1. Handcuffs are designed for temporary restrain only and are not foolproof.
  2. Always handcuff behind the back with palms facing outwards.
  3. We handcuff for:
    1. Security Officer Safety
    2. Prisoner Safety
    3. Public Safety
  4. Three Positons involving handcuffing are:
    1. Standing
    2. Kneeling
    3. Prone
  5. Good Supplements for Handcuffing are:
    1. Flexicuffs (plastic Handcuffs)
    2. Belt
    3. Tie
    4. Shoelaces
    5. Strips of Cloth

Definitions

Force: Anything less than Deadly Force.

Deadly Force: – Force that is intended or known by the actor to cause, or in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing, death or serious bodily injury.

Penal Code / Chapter 9

9.05. Reckless Injury of Innocent Third Person.
Even though an actor is justified under this chapter in threatening or using force or deadly force against another, if in doing so he also recklessly injures or kills an innocent third person, the justification afforded by this chapter is unavailable in a prosecution for the reckless injury or killing of the innocent third person.

Warning shots should never be fired because you do not know where the bullet will strike and you could be charge with reckless injury of an innocent third person.

9.06. Civil Remedies Unaffected.
The fact that conduct is justified under this chapter does not abolish or impair any remedy for the conduct that is available in a civil suit. (You may be criminally right, but civilly wrong.)

Self Defense:

  1. Force or deadly force is NOT justified in the response to verbal provocation alone.
  2. Deadly force is justified:
    1. If a reasonable person in the actors situation would not have retreated; and
    2. When and to the degree he reasonably believes that deadly force is immediately necessary;
    3. To protect himself against the others use or attempted use of unlawful deadly force; or
    4. To prevent the others imminent commission of aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery or aggravated robbery.

Defense of Third Person (Others):

  1. A person is justified in using force or deadly force to protect a third person if he himself is justified in using force or deadly force against the unlawful use of force or unlawful deadly force, he reasonably believes to be threatening the third person he seeks to protect; and
  2. The actor reasonably believes that his intervention is immediately necessary to protect the third person.

Protection of Life or Health:

  1. A person is justified in using force, but not deadly force; against another when and to the degree he reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to prevent the other from committing suicide or inflicting serious bodily injury to himself.
  2. A person is justified in using both force and deadly force against another when and to the degree he reasonably believes the force or deadly force is immediately necessary to preserve the others life in an emergency. (Example a paramedic using a defibulator (electricity) on another to save his life after a heart attack.)

Protection of ones own property:

  1. Lights, bells, whistles, sirens, and cameras may be used to protect property. However, you may not use any device that could cause or create a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily injury.

Deadly Force in protection of ones own property.

  1. It must be immediately necessary;
  2. To prevent the others imminent commission of arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, theft during the nighttime, or criminal mischief during the nighttime; and
  3. The land or property cannot be protected or recovered by any other means.

Protection of third persons property:

  1. The third person has requested his protection of the land or property;
  2. He has a legal duty to protect the third persons land or property; or
  3. The third person whose land or property he uses force or deadly force to protect is the actor’s spouse, parent, or child, resides with the actor, or is under the actors care.

The Totality of the Circumstances
You must consider all of the circumstances surrounding the situation before using deadly force, which may include number of suspects (multiple subjects), type of weapon you have and type of weapons and proximity of weapons to suspect, size of the suspect vs. the size of the officer, and the non-verbal cues from the suspect.

The minimum caliber of firearm that you may qualify with is either a 9mm Semi-automatic or 38 Revolver. You may qualify with larger, but not smaller.

A passing grade on the exam in 75%.

Now you need to call Mary Jane Bull for your test and qualification.

Cost for requalification is $70.00 and you will need 50 rounds of ammunition for your handgun. A handgun is available for your use for a $5.00 cleaning fee. (Please call if you need to use one of ours.) You may also requalify with the shotgun. There is a $10.00 fee for this qualification and you will need 6 rounds of 00 Buck for a 12 gauge (2 3/4"). (Please call to let us know if you need the shotgun qual.) Any other questions please do not hesitate to call. (817) 737-4394.