ORANGE, NJ –- Starting in 2007, all security officers employed by licensed New Jersey security guard companies will be required to complete 24 hours of training conducted by a certified security officer instructor. It’s part of the new laws that will also require dual licensing for companies who perform both private detective work and security services.

Jack Milazzo, Director of Abbry Security, a subsidiary of The First Occupational Center of New Jersey (OCNJ), now stands ready to bring his staff and others into full compliance with the law, after recently completing State Police training to become a Certified Security Officer Instructor. Those considered by the state to become certified security officer instructors are mandated to have worked in law enforcement for at least 25 years.

“Since 9/11 the role of security officers has grown in leaps and bounds,” said Milazzo, an Edison resident and 30-year veteran of law enforcement at both the County and Federal levels as well as in the private sector. “The new law recognizes that vigilance is a top priority in the security field today, and the required course focuses on how security officers can best be on top of their game.”

The mandatory course of instruction required for security officer certification includes the following topics: homeland security//counter-terrorism; communication/emergency response; theft prevention; limits on the use of force; detention of suspects; ethics and personal conduct; first aid, and any other areas that the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police deems necessary in the interest of public safety. Under the new law, all security officers employed by New Jersey licensed security guard companies must complete the course, taught by a certified security officer instructor, within 30 days of application. Security officers must be recertified after two years.

“The State Police are now depending on security officers to be their eyes and ears,” Milazzo said.

Since 1954, OCNJ has used an entrepreneurial approach to training and securing jobs for New Jersey residents with the goal of helping workers transition from dependence to independence. Abbry Security, one of seven businesses operated by The First Occupational Center of New Jersey, provides armed and unarmed uniformed guards as well as a host of other security services including state-of-the-art electronic surveillance. Other companies the Center operates include Recycling, Building Services and Groundskeeping, Production and Printing Services, Building Trades, Micrographics, and the OCNJ Driving School.

Funding for the security officer certification course is available for eligible individuals. For more information about training to become a certified security officer, call Jack Milazzo at (973) 648-0604.