In this course, candidates will learn the essential functions of becoming a Protective Security Officer (PSO). Protective Security Officers are the front line of the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Services mission to protect federal facilities, tenants and visitors. PSOs are the most visible security presence and the first public contact with security most individuals have upon entering a Federal building.
Who/What is Federal Protective Services?
- The mission of the Federal Protective Service is to protect Federal facilities and those who occupy them.
- FPS is a subcomponent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD). NPPD’s vision is a safe, secure and resilient infrastructure where the American way of life can thrive. NPPD’s mission is to lead the national effort to protect and enhance the resilience of the nation’s physical and cyber infrastructure.
What is the PSO Program?
- The PSO program is critical to FPS in ensuring the safety and security of Federal facilities and offices located throughout the United States.
- You are given a number of important responsibilities that include but are not limited to: facility access control; identification of criminal and suspicious activity, detection of prohibited and other hazardous items or situations; emergency response and evacuation assistance.
- PSOs are employees of Meritus, an independent contractor to DHS-FPS. PSOs represent FPS on a day to day basis and has a crucial role in FPS’ mission and operations.
Curriculum
- 1 Section
- 16 Lessons
- 1 Week
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Course OutlineProspective PSO candidates are taught on the following categories: Crimes, Law, Legal Authority; Uniform and Appearance; Conduct and Standards; Safety; PSO Post Duties; Special Situations; Crime Scene Prevention; Report Writing; Occupant Emergency Planning; PSO Use of Force; Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Hazardous Materials; Active Threat(s); Crisis Intervention; Vehicle Inspections; Defensive Tactics; Escorting; Weapons Retention; and Handcuffing.17
- 1.1Lesson 1: Crimes, Law, and Legal Authority4 Hours
- 1.3Lesson 1: Quiz 15 Minutes2 Questions
- 1.4Lesson 2: PSO Use of Force2 Hours
- 1.5Lesson 3: PSO Post Duties2 Hours
- 1.6Lesson 4: Uniform Appearance and Conduct Standards2 Hours
- 1.7Lesson 5: Crime Scene Protection30 Minutes
- 1.8Lesson 6: Telephone and Radio Communication1 Hour
- 1.9Lesson 7: Safety and Fire Prevention1 Hour
- 1.10Lesson 8: Report Writing, Notes, and Required FPS Forms3 Hours
- 1.11Lesson 9: Occupant Emergency Plan/Emergency Situations – Part 12 Hours
- 1.12Lesson 9: Occupant Emergency Plan/Emergency Situations – Part 22 Hours
- 1.13Lesson 10: Special Situations30 Minutes
- 1.14Lesson 11: Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Hazardous Material1 Hour
- 1.15Lesson 12: Active Threat1 Hour
- 1.16Lesson 13: Crisis Intervention Communication and Management2 Hours
- 1.17Lesson 14: Vehicle Inspections2 Hours
- 1.18Lesson 15: Screening Entry Control2 Hours
