Selecting a Training Provider
We have browsed many industry forums on the internet and every so often see the question, There are so many surveillance training providers out there, so how do I choose the right one?' Hopefully this page will help you decide as you research the internet.
Some Statistics
In 1996, ISS Training Ltd (formerly Intel Security Services) started providing surveillance training in the UK, they were the only company offering this sole type of training. By 2000, there were four others, all of which were close protection companies also teaching surveillance as an additional subject.
Now in 2008 there are some 32 companies claiming to offer surveillance training in the UK, 14 of which only started up in 2007. We have perfected our training over the past 11 years so the student gains the most benefit from the training. The courses are reviewed periodically as part of our quality assurance programme. ISS Training are the first company in the UK to offer BTEC Awards and Certificates for surveillance training.
You have probably already looked at some other companies. Some are excellent and extremely good at what they do best such as their primary subject of close protection training but it is not always the case about surveillance training. If you contact any company, be sure to ask them the following questions. If you contact us, we will give you the answers.
Questions to Ask
- How long has your company been teaching surveillance?
- How long has the company been running?
- Do your instructors carry out surveillance as well as teach it?
- Can you see a detailed copy of the course training programme? (you can download ours from this site).
- Do you have full insurance?
- Do the students use fully covert radios? (don't accept curly earpieces, Walkman style earpieces or mobile phones).
- Do you carry out full mobile exercises or is it just foot or classroom based?
- Are your vehicles regularly inspected, serviced and insured?
- Do you offer nationally recognised qualifications, awards or certificates?
- What are the costs?
- Do you have quality assurance to at least British Standards Institute? (BSI Kite Mark).
- Does your training certificate have credibility and weight?
- Are you a member of a trade body that vets its membership?
Please Treat With Caution
Treat these advertising terms and phrases with caution:
- 'Free Accommodation'. The cost will be in there somewhere, it is not too difficult to do the maths.
- 'Discounted costs or grants'. The company is possibly struggling to get 'bums on seats'.
- 'Feel free to bring your own camera'. The company does not provide enough equipment.
- 'SIA Registered' or 'SIA Approved Supplier'. This has nothing to do with surveillance training, only wheel clamping, door supervision and close protection. Some companies use this to suggest that their surveillance training is approved by the SIA. This is illegal and should be reported.
- 'Edexcel Approved'. Ensure that their surveillance training is approved and accredited by Edexcel, otherwise you may be misled by those who are Edexcel approved for close protection training only, surveillance training is not.
- 'We can offer you surveillance work after the course'. Please treat with extreme caution. Many people have a natural aptitude for his type of work, some do not but they will not find out until they have finished the course. Do you think that a training company will risk its reputation by recommending someone from their course to a potential employer, (or use them themselves) if that student does not have the aptitude for it?
- Be cautious of student 'testimonials' on websites. Anyone can write anything.
Final Note
Remember what it says on our home page..
It is us, that others try to emulate..