Advanced security training available locally

By DAN HEATH
Staff Writer

May 04, 2008 04:00 am

— WEST CHAZY -- A local security instructor offers several advanced forms of security training.
Dana Poirier Sr. of DPR Training Service now offers the PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics) Defensive Tactics System. It is touted as the first subject control system developed through tactical, legal and medical research.
"I'm certified as one of their instructors. I am offering that training to security guards," he said. "This is one of the best courses out there."
Tactically, the training teaches how to handle the most common forms of resistance encountered. Medical research was done on every technique taught to educate students on such things as pain compliance and motor responses to normal and accelerated use.
Legally, the training provides a comprehensive use of force continuum that details the correct use of force for any level of resistance.
"If challenged in court, it is a proven technique that will stand up in court," Poirier said.
Training includes principles of controlling resistive behavior, weapon retention and disarming, handcuffing, joint locks and stimulus response training.
About a year ago, Poirier received certification from the New York State Office of Homeland Security to teach its Enhanced Security Guard Training Program. The 40-hour course includes content on criminal and civil law, terrorism indicators, anti-surveillance efforts, patrol techniques, weapons of mass destruction awareness and more.
The curriculum meets National Incident Management System requirements.
Around the same time, he attended the Smith and Wesson Law Enforcement Academy, where he became certified as a military and police instructor.
"I use that to teach tactical arrest and handcuffing techniques," Poirier said.
He is also certified as a Security Emergency Response Team instructor. Among the lessons are training in disaster preparedness, search and rescue techniques, first aid, CPR and disaster psychology.
Poirier also offers defensive driving courses, as he is a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Certified Defensive Driving Instructor. He said he used to provide driving instruction for rookie New York State Troopers.
It is a six-hour course sponsored by the Empire Safety Council, which wrote the course specifically for New York's driving laws and regulations.
Poirier has extensive experience in the field of security. He did security work at the Marine Corps 8th and I Barracks in Washington, D.C., from 1980 to 1983.
That was followed by a stint with New York State Department of Corrections from 1983 to 1985. Poirier then was a member of New York State Police Troop B from 1986 until he retired in 1996.
In 1998, he became a certified security and law enforcement teacher through the New York State Education Department. Poirier began offering security guard training about three years ago, after he became a New York State Department of Criminal Justice System Certified Security Guard Instructor as well as a Criminal Justice Advisory Board member.
While New York state has good standards to become a security guard, he said, they are minimal.
"Security people are often asked to do a similar type job, but they don't get the training a law enforcement officer gets," Poirier said.
While his office is in his home, the training takes place in Plattsburgh.
"I do all my training at the Holiday Inn. There's a schedule on my Web site for the entire year," Poirier said.
dheath@pressrepublican.com

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.