Something that protective services officers should strive to avoid in 2013 is complacency. Often PSOs stand at their posts for between eight and 12 hours a day. They may become tired and weary from that workday, and once they get home, they want to relax and sleep. They then have to get up and repeat what they did the day before. This can seem at times monotonous, boring, and uninspiring. However, the task at hand is critical and requires sharpness, focus, and energy.
Often, I’ve found that PSOs are not making time to take care of themselves physically. So it’s very important to incorporate a physical exercise routine on a daily basis, or at least every other day, for up to 30 minutes a day. This can involve stretching, doing some light calisthenics, and doing some cardiovascular exercise. This will not only improve your overall health but ensure your readiness if you do have to snap into action when you’re standing on post.
To avoid complacency and to avoid losing that edge, which is critical in performing a quality job, PSOs need to stay physically fit and on top of their game.
Christopher Perez is the Director of Training for the Protective Services Training Academy (PSTA). He is an acclaimed industry expert on protective service officer performance, training, and career development.
He has been involved in law enforcement and security training for over 20 years. Before joining the PSTA in late 2012, Chris worked for G4S Government Solutions as the Chief Instructor for the Northern Capital Region (NCR) and Protective Services Watch Commander at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. With previous experience as both a municipal law enforcement officer trainer and United States Marine Corps Security Force instructor, Chris has dedicated many years to the development of curriculum and training standards used throughout the professional protective service and law enforcement communities.
Chris is an instructor at heart; never missing an opportunity to spend time in the classroom or shooting range. From civilian-focused, NRA basic firearms training and Federal Protective Service Officer Defensive Tactics instruction, to CPR/AED/First Aid Certification courses and Department of Criminal Justice Commission training, Chris regularly exercises his ability to teach (and learn) in nearly every discipline offered at PSTA. Often regarded as an over-zealous “perfectionist” by his peers and associates, Chris adamantly maintains the belief that confidence and proficiency can only be obtained through persistent dedication to quality training.
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