IFPO CPO cheat sheet

Adult learning (andragogy) principle: adults retain more when content is problem-centered and immediately applicable; lecture-only delivery produces lower retention than demonstration plus supervised practice.

Four-step instructional sequence for a physical skill: explain, demonstrate, have the learner perform under observation, then correct and re-demonstrate until the standard is met.

Knowledge vs. performance objectives: a knowledge objective uses verbs such as identify or state; a performance objective uses observable verbs such as demonstrate or conduct, plus a stated condition and standard.

Lesson-plan components: objective, prerequisites, time allocation, content outline, method and media, evaluation method, and reference list.

Evaluation levels: reaction (learner opinion), learning (test score), behavior (on-the-job performance), and results (incident or loss metrics).

Legal-liability rule: training records that show date, content, instructor, and demonstrated competence are the primary defense in a negligent-training claim; undocumented training is treated as not delivered.

Mentoring differs from instruction: mentoring is long-term, developmental, and career-oriented; instruction is short-term and task- or standard-oriented.

Refresher interval rule: high-risk, low-frequency skills (firearms, defensive tactics, CPR) decay fastest and need shorter re-qualification cycles than frequently used procedural skills.

Feedback rule: corrective feedback is most effective when specific, immediate, and behavior-focused rather than trait-focused.

Risk formula: Risk = Threat x Vulnerability x Consequence; reducing any one factor reduces overall risk.

Layered defense (defense in depth): perimeter, building envelope, interior, and asset level; each layer assumes the previous one has been breached.

Deterrence vs. detection vs. response: deterrence aims to prevent the attempt, detection identifies it, response intervenes; a control that only detects does not deter.

CCTV retention rule: retention period is set by legal, investigative, and insurance requirements, not by storage convenience; verify time-sync across recorders for evidentiary use.

Access control principle: least privilege and need-to-know; credentials are revoked on separation the same day, and a lost credential is treated as a compromise.

Asset classification: tangible (people, property, information, reputation) and intangible; information assets are protected by confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) criteria.

Incident command for security events: establish command, secure the scene, preserve evidence, document chain of custody, then hand off to the investigating authority.

Guard-force staffing rule: post coverage equals required posts times hours times relief factor (typically 1.15-1.25) to cover leave, training, and absence.

Fire and life-safety priority: life safety, then incident stabilization, then property conservation.

Span-of-control rule: a supervisor's effective span is roughly 6-10 direct reports for routine posts, fewer for complex or high-risk assignments.

Progressive discipline sequence: verbal counseling, written warning, suspension, termination; each step documented and applied consistently to avoid disparate-treatment claims.

Performance standard rule: standards must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound; vague standards cannot be enforced or defended.

Budget logic: security cost is justified by risk reduction and loss avoidance, not by headcount; present cost per post-hour and loss-reduction metrics.

Post orders vs. general orders: post orders are site-specific and authoritative at the post; general orders apply organization-wide.

Key performance indicators for a security program: reportable incidents per 1,000 hours, response time, training completion rate, post-coverage rate, and audit findings closed on time.

Change management: any change to post orders, technology, or staffing requires a risk assessment, communication plan, training, and a defined effective date.

Supervisor's legal exposure: failure to document, failure to train, and failure to correct a known hazard are the most common bases for supervisory liability.

Succession and mentoring: cross-training and documented competencies reduce single-point-of-failure risk in the guard force.