Custom Protection Officer®
If there is a primary reason for Wackenhut's success at major government sites, it is the care we take to screen and select the best possible candidates for each position. Since its inception, The Wackenhut Corporation has provided the most highly qualified Security Officers available in the private sector to major government installations with important defense or related responsibilities.
The Custom Protection Officer® Division
The Custom Protection Officer® Division, established in 1989, seeks out and recruits men and women with criminal justice degrees, or background and experience in law enforcement and/or elite military units. They are subjected to a rigorous background check prior to employment and given training that goes well beyond industry standards.
The result: The Custom Protection Officer® - carefully selected, smartly attired and well trained. Members of a quality security force whose qualifications substantially exceed traditional commercial guard services.
The Elite of the Security Industry
The higher quality of security performance by our Custom Protection Officer® personnel begins with strict standards in the hiring and selection process. As applicants, CPOs are held to higher qualification standards than traditional Security Officers. Through extensive testing and screening, persons are selected who demonstrate intelligence, interest and motivation. Of particular importance is the ability to operate under stressful situations and communicate well.
Basic Qualifications
An individuals must meet the following basic qualifications before applying for a position as a Custom Protection Officer®:
- Pass any State-required training or other qualifications for licensing
- Be at least 18 years old or minimum age required by your State
- Be able to work flexible schedules
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have reliable transportation
- Not use illegal drugs. You must be able to pass a drug test with negative results (except when undergoing documented medical treatment).
- Be able to pass an extensive background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications, and Department of Motor Vehicle and credit checks if applicable
- Pass a State licensing test if you will be driving a company-owned or client-provided vehicle
- Be able to provide, upon job offer, a DD214 discharge document with discharge status indicated, if you were in the military
- Be able to successfully complete all training required for the position
- Be able to operate a radio or telephone equipment and/or console monitors
- Demonstrate an ability to interact cordially and communicate with the public
- Law enforcement experience
- Service in the Elite Military Forces, Military Police or combat arms
- Graduate of Police/Corrections Academy
- Criminal Justice Degree, Associate or higher
- Career Military
Pass the following, post-offer:
- MMPI - Psychological testing
- Physical Exams, if armed or required by client contract
Background Investigation
After determining that an applicant is tentatively qualified for employment, Wackenhut then conducts a background investigation which includes the following:
- Past employment verification
- Reference check
- Motor vehicle check
- Credit check
- Criminal records check
- Drug test
- Psychological evaluation
- Physical exam
Custom Protection Officer® Training
Everyone in The Wackenhut Corporation receives basic training in security procedures. Basic training, however, is not sufficient for the superior cadre of security personnel who wear the CPO uniform. In spite of the fact that Custom Protection Officer® personnel are hired with substantial background experience and training, it is important to point out that The Wackenhut Corporation also administers a comprehensive forty (40) hour new-hire training program, as well as sixteen (16) hours of annual in-service training. An additional forty (40) hour weapons training program is provided to armed personnel, resulting in an eighty (80) hour training program.
Many contract security companies are putting themselves, their clients and their security personnel at risk through the practice of arming less than qualified personnel. Wackenhut strongly opposes this practice. Only those personnel who are properly trained in firearms safety, "use of force" principles, and certified with the required weapons are assigned to armed posts at Wackenhut sites.
Custom Protection Officer®