August, 2005 • MarineNews 35
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Training versus seminars
There is a distinct difference between
training and seminars. Don't confuse the
two. By definition, the dictionary says
that a seminar is "a meeting for an
exchange of ideas; a conference" while
training is "to make proficient with spe-
cialized instruction and practice." Semi-
nars are generally short, cover a very
small amount of information, are not well
documented, and may use instructors that
while very knowledgeable, may be inex-
perienced as an instructor. Training, by
definition, involves proficiency. Profi-
ciency doesn't happen quickly. A good
training program takes time. There is a
place for seminars, they can be an excel-
lent source of information, but don't con-
fuse or substitute seminars for training.
Hidden agenda
Some organizations use training as a
sales tool. Often this training is free. I
have seen some very good training come
from this version of training, but keep in
mind the true reason behind the training.
Years ago, security guard companies
would provide free security surveys and
audits. Almost every survey conducted
by a guard company resulted in the report-
ed need for security guards. Training can
be the same way. Systems and equipment
that the student is exposed to are conve-
niently offered for sale by the trainer.
Again, this type of training can serve a
specific need, but be aware that this type
of training is often narrow in scope, and
may exclude competitors and other valu-
able points of view.
One choice for training is LSI. While
no level of security can prevent all crimes,
good security training helps the security
professional to recognize and correct any
security problem before they becomes an
issue.
LSI operates a 24,000 sq. ft. training
facility in the United States. Started in
1955, LSI trains government and com-
mercial Security Specialists.
The current staff includes experienced
Instructors with backgrounds in organiza-
tions such as the FBI, Secret Service,
Postal Inspection, General Services
Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and the
National Security Agency. Several LSI
Instructors have backgrounds in the Fed-
eral Government plus additional experi-
ence with Fortune 500 companies. The
staff includes several former Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
Instructors.
LSI has a partnership with the Interna-
tional Cargo Security Council (ICSC) to
provide Supply Chain Security Training.
LSI offers a series of security classes,
including topics such as Perimeter Securi-
ty, Access Control, Closed Circuit Televi-
sion Systems and related security topics.
A Supply Chain Security specific class is
offered as well. Courses include specific
classes on specialized topics such as con-
tainer seals.
LSI also conducts training programs on
the road throughout the United States and
Internationally. LSI has recently held
classes for students in Canada, Europe,
the Middle East and Asia. International
students have recently traveled to LSI's
training facility from Europe and South
America to attend training programs.
Information and training schedules are
available at www.LSIeducation.com
What to look for.
When looking for training, ask these
simple questions:
1. Does this training meet a need you
have?
2. Is the training consistent and well
documented?
3. Are the Instructors credible? What is
their professional and educational back-
ground?
4. Is it training, or is it a seminar?
5. Does the training lead to a certifica-
tion? Who certifies the training? It is
self-certification?
6. Does the training organization provide
services and/or products, and does that
conflict with the training?
Ask these simple questions. This will
help you decide if this training is right for
you.
About the author
Jeff Dingle is the assistant director of
special projects for LSI, a United States
based Anti-terrorism, Homeland Security
and Physical Security Training company.
He has held security specialist and
Instructor positions with the Federal Gov-
ernment, and has managed security oper-
ations for a former United States Presi-
dent and a Fortune 15 company. He is a
Certified Protection Professional. He can
be reached at JeffDingle@LSIeduca-
tion.com
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Security Room
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TRAINING & EDUCATION
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