In the heart of South Africa’s private security sector, the number of security officers surpasses that of the police force by a staggering 4 to 1. In 2022, according to figures from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), there were almost 2.7 million registered security guards, compared to the 140,048 on SAPS’ books.
Every day, countless households place their trust in private security officers to shield them from an array of criminal threats. With this responsibility comes the imperative for officers to be well-versed in the latest security threats, legal and ethical requirements, tactical skills, and conflict resolution.
The challenge, however, lies in providing comprehensive training to security personnel spread across the nation. Physical, in-person training becomes not just logistically challenging but also economically burdensome. Here, the emergence of eLearning has been a game-changer. Guards can now access crucial training materials without leaving their base cities, eliminating the need for expensive workshops and accommodation costs.
In the private security industry, the use of eLearning has proven to be advantageous due to its on-demand nature. In a profession where security personnel can be called upon at any moment, having courses available 24/7 allows them to engage in training during downtime, ensuring continuous skill enhancement.
The success of eLearning isn’t confined to the trainees alone. The learning management system provides instructors with tools to track progress and offer assessments, ensuring uniformity in training goals across the board.
In evaluating the effectiveness of eLearning programs, various aspects are considered, from performance metrics to feedback and incident reports. The impact, as witnessed, ranges from a few months to a few years, with immediate benefits including cost savings, scalability, and improved tracking.
The journey with eLearning in the realm of South Africa’s security training underscores not just a technological shift but a commitment to innovation, ensuring security forces are equipped to meet the evolving challenges head-on.
