Certified Protection Officer

Looking for a career where you are always in demand? Certified Protection Officers (CPOs) enjoy ample employment opportunities and long-term job security. In this course, offered by Smart Horizons Career Online High School, you will master the skills you need to obtain certification as a protection officer and gain employment in this popular field. As you prepare for your career as a protection officer or security guard, you will learn about report writing, physical security, emergency procedures, workplace violence, traffic control, fire prevention, use of force, and operational risk management. The course is conducted entirely online and gives you the opportunity to learn at your own pace. Throughout, you will have the support of an experienced, enthusiastic teacher who is committed to your success.

When you complete the course, you will earn a self-study Certified Protection Officer (CPO) certificate that meets the academic requirements for obtaining the CPO credential. Get started today, and prepare yourself to enter this exciting career field!

I.    Introduction
    A. Introduction
    B. Protection Office Code of Ethics

II.    Foundations
    A. Concepts and Theories of Asset Protection
    B. The Evolution of Asset Protection and Security
    C. Role of the Professional Protection Officer
    D. The Protection Officer as a Leader
    E. Career Planning for Protection Professionals

III.    Communications
    A. Effective Communications
    B. Security Awareness
    C. Central Alarm Stations and Dispatch Operations

IV.    Protection Officer Functions
    A. Automation in Protection Operations
    B. Patrol Principles
    C. Traffic Control
    D. Crowd Management and Special Event Planning

V.    Crime Prevention and Physical Security
    A. Environmental Crime Control
    B. Physical Security Concepts and Applications
    C. Alarm System Fundamentals
    D. Access Control
    E. Detection Technology

VI.    Safety Fire Protection
    A. Fire Prevention, Detection, and Response
    B. Occupational Safety and Health and the Protection Officer
    C. An All Hazards Approach to Hazardous Materials

VII.    Information Protection
    A. Information Security and Counterintelligence

VIII.    Deviance, Crime, and Violence
    A. Workplace Crime and Deviance
    B. Substance Abuse
    C. Workplace Violence
    D. Crisis Intervention
    E. Strikes, Lockouts, and Labor Relations

IX.    Risk and Threat Management
    A. Security Risk Management
    B. Emergency Planning
    C. Terrorism
    D. Antiterrorism and VIP Protection

X.    Investigations
    A. Investigations:  Concepts and Practices for Security Professionals
    B. Crime and Incident Scene Procedures
    C. Interviewing and Statements
    D. Foundations for Surveillance
    E. Report Writing and Field Notes

XI.    Legal Aspects of Security
    A. Legal Aspects of Security

XII.    Officer Safety and Use of Force
    A. Use of Force
    B. Defensive Tactics and Officer Safety
    C. Industrial Hazards, Safety, and the Security Patrol Officer
    D. Apprehension and Detention Procedures

XIII.    Relations With Others
    A. Human Relations in a Global Environment
    B. Public Relations
    C. Community Relations:  Making Strategy Come Alive
    D. Networking and the Liaison Function
    E. Ethics and Professionalism

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac device.
• You must have speakers or headphones.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows XP or later.
• Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Prerequisites:

A high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite for this course. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, we recommend the High School Diploma With Certified Protection Officer Training course.

1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?

Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.

2. How long does it take to complete a program?

All of our programs are self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start them when you want and finish them at your own pace. You will be given six (6) months to complete the program; however, since the course work is self-paced, you may be able to complete it in less time.

3. Do I have to buy additional materials?

No additional materials are required for this program.

4. Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.

5. What happens when I complete the program?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.

6. Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We don't provide direct job placement services, but our facilitators and career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Facilitators will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

7. Who will be my instructor?

Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

8. What software or hardware do I need in order to take online programs and what are the system requirements?

In order to take our online programs, you must have access to a computer and the Internet. You can access the program contents from any Web-enabled computer. You don't have to use the same computer to log-in to the program every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

9. Can I use a Mac?

Yes, you can use a Mac for this program.

10. How can I get more information about the program?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button toward the top of the page). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the "Contact Us" form to the right. You may also call us at 1-855-520-6806. We will answer your questions promptly.

11. When can I start the program?

Our programs are all open enrollment. You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.

Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.

12. How much time will I need to dedicate to my course work?

We recommend that you dedicate 6-10 hours per week to your coursework.

13. When can I work on my courses?

Courses are self-paced and taught in an online learning environment available to all students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

14. What if I need help with my coursework?

An instructor will be available through email or phone. If you leave a message for the instructor, the instructor will respond to you within 24 business hours.

15.  What if I don't have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?

The time allotted to complete your program has been calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don't worry too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort, you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee will be charged for an extension.