What should PSOs know about their surroundings?

Understanding the surroundings is crucial for Protective Security Officers (PSOs), as it directly influences their ability to maintain safety and react appropriately in various situations. Being familiar with facility layouts, emergency exits, and evacuation routes enables PSOs to navigate the area efficiently during emergencies or when responding to incidents.

This knowledge allows them to direct staff and visitors to safe locations quickly, minimizing panic and ensuring that everyone can evacuate safely and efficiently if necessary. In addition, understanding the layout helps PSOs to identify potential vulnerabilities or threats to security, such as areas that may not be monitored effectively.

Focusing exclusively on memorizing documents or personal details about every employee does not contribute to the overarching goal of maintaining security and safety of the facility as these activities do not enhance situational awareness or response capabilities. Similarly, concentrating only on high-security areas neglects the importance of overall awareness of the entire facility, which is key for effective security operations.