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Security Training

The Mayor's Department of Family and Support  Services (DFSS) has funded Pyramid to conduct Project Protect, a special training program for the security industry. Specifically, Project Protect is designed to help dislocated workers and low-income Chicago residents access jobs in the security industry.  The program develops the skills that security officers must have.  It also provides a new source of qualified applicants who have been pre-screened, can pass a drug test and criminal background check, and who have their Permanent Employee Registration Cards (PERC). Successful completers of Project Protect also achieve certificates in the following areas:
  • Security
  • Customer Service
  • Basic and  Employability Skills
  • Computer Literacy

Picture of the first class to graduate from Project Protect

Project Protect Graduation 2010

The first class to graduate from Project Protect had seven graduates who earned their Certificate and PERC Card. The graduates have all obtained full time jobs and are currently working in the area for which they were trained. 

Technical Component 

Security Skills

  • Terminology and Basic Equipment
  • Asset Protection
  • Patrols and Fixed Posts
  • Emergency Situations
  • Fire Protection and Life Safety
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Criminal Law and Criminal Liability
  • Civil Law and Civil Liability
  • Investigations
  • Arrest and Detainment
  • Ethics and Professional Conduct 

Customer Service Skills

  • Public Relations Overview
  • Problem Solving
  • Providing Assistance
  • Checking Perceptions
  • Process Observations
  • Conducting Face-to-Face Interactions
  • Conducting Telephone Conversations
  • Managing Difficult Interactions
  • Using Non-Agressive Techniques
  • Handling Hostile Individuals

Communication Skills

  • Verbal and Non-Verbal Communications
  • Describing Incidents Orally and in Writing
  • Report Writing
  • Interviewing Witnesses, Victims, and Suspects
  • Giving Testimony

Career Component

  • Career Opportunities
  • Goal Setting and Career Plans
  • Application and Resumes
  • Interviewing Techniques

Picture of student with Project Protect diploma

Picture of student with Project Protect diploma

Two Program Tracks

Track One: for those with High School diplomas or GED.  It provides up to 360 hours of Security Training

Track Two: for individuals who need a High School diploma.  This track provides up to 600 hours of instruction with successful completers recieving a High School diploma, plus technical skills certificates

Admission Criteria

  • Committed to a career in Security
  • WIA 1A or 1D eligible
  • Minimum 8.0 on TABE Test
  • Pass the Ability To Benefit Test
  • Meet industry requirements
    • Drug Screening
    • Background Check (no felonies)
  • Not registered with any other federally funded program
  • Meet PERC Card requirements
    • No student loan deficiencies
    • Current with child support
  • Must be able to attend day classes Monday through Friday

Training Outline
  • Project Protect is a five week intensive program organzied into three components.
  • Components and their topics follow.

 
Foundation Component

Basic and Employability Skills
  • English and Math Review
  • Models for Written Communication
  • Keying and Menu Driven Software
  • Word Processing for Security Reports
  • Projecting a Professional Image
  • Getting Along at Work
  • Implementing Security Standards