System Guides

ISO 18788 Clause 7.2.3 outlines the requirements for training and competence evaluation within the Security Operations Management System (SOMS). This clause emphasizes the importance of providing competence-based training and evaluating proficiency levels for all personnel working on behalf of the organization. Here's an explanation of the key elements of this clause:

Clause 7.2.3 - Training and Competence Evaluation:

1. Competence-Based Training: The organization is responsible for providing training programs that are based on demonstrated competence. Training should focus on ensuring that individuals possess the required skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively.

2. Measurement of Proficiency: The organization must establish a means to measure the degree of proficiency or competency levels of personnel. This evaluation ensures that individuals can demonstrate the level of competence required for their roles.

3. Core Values and Human Rights: Training should instill an understanding that respect for human rights is an integral part of the organization's core values and governance. This emphasizes the ethical and legal aspects of security operations.

4. Weapons Training: Personnel authorized to carry lethal, less lethal, or non-lethal weapons in the performance of their duties should receive comprehensive training. This includes initial and regular classroom, physical, mechanical, and live-fire training and evaluation.

5. Recurrence Training: The organization should provide recurrence training for weapons and the use of force as required by applicable laws, contractual obligations, or the organization's identified competency levels. This training may be conducted more frequently to ensure that individuals maintain their required level of competency.

6. Periodic Refresher Training: The organization should identify other competencies that require periodic refresher training to maintain the required level of performance or to incorporate new requirements. This ensures that personnel stay up-to-date with evolving standards and practices.

7. Conformity with SOMS Policy and Procedures: Training should emphasize the importance of adhering to the SOMS policy and procedures. Personnel should understand the potential consequences of deviating from specified procedures and the impact on security operations.

In summary, Clause 7.2.3 underscores the need for competence-based training, ongoing evaluation, and the reinforcement of core values and human rights principles within security operations. The organization should provide comprehensive training, assess proficiency, and ensure that personnel can effectively perform their roles while conforming to SOMS policies and procedures.

ISO 18788 Clause 7.4.2 focuses on operational communications within the Security Operations Management System (SOMS). Effective communication is crucial for sharing information about security team activities, threat information, incident reporting, and requesting assistance when needed. Here's a breakdown of the key elements of this clause:

Clause 7.4.2 - Operational Communications:

1. Communication Procedures: The organization is required to develop communication procedures that facilitate the sharing of critical information. This includes details about security team activities, their current location, operational and logistic status, relevant threat information, and incident reporting.

2. Recipients of Information: Information sharing should extend to various stakeholders, including company management, clients, other private security teams, and relevant civil or military authorities. These procedures should specify how and when information is shared.

3. Requesting Assistance: The procedures should also cover the process for requesting immediate assistance from military or civil authorities, other security teams, and emergency medical support. Clear protocols ensure a swift response in case of emergencies.

4. Language and Understanding: It is essential that both spoken and written communications can be received and understood by all levels and operators within the organization. This includes ensuring that internal and external stakeholders can comprehend the communications.

5. Communication with Protected Parties: Security teams should be capable of communicating security-related information to the party they are protecting in a manner that the protected party can understand. This emphasizes the importance of effective communication with those under protection.

In summary, Clause 7.4.2 emphasizes the need for well-defined communication procedures within the SOMS. These procedures should enable effective information sharing, request for assistance, and communication with various stakeholders, all while ensuring that language and means of communication are understood by those involved. This ensures efficient and coordinated security operations and responses to potential threats or incidents.