NCJ Number
97639
Journal
Security World Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1985) Pages: 72-77
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the history, operation, course content, and training methods of the Bell System Security Personnel Basic Training School established in 1962 by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T).
Abstract
Members of the company's corporate security organization founded the school after visiting other corporations, law enforcement and Federal Government security agencies, and training schools. The goal was to provide a uniform, comprehensive training school at a central location. The original curriculum was delivered through lectures supplemented by role playing with audiovisual playback. In 1980, the curriculum was modified and class sizes were reduced, on the advice of education experts, from an average of 25-30 to a maximum of 16. Instructors were required to participate in a training session. The curriculum was modified to emphasize six basic investigative skills: interviewing, taking investigative notes, taking statements, writing reports, collecting and preserving evidence, and testifying in court or at a labor arbitration. Criminal law and procedures, labor relations, and privacy issues in communications were also part of the curriculum. Separate courses were established for four previous curriculum components: network abuse control, message fraud control, computer security specialist training, and physical security devices and applications. Since the breakup of the company, the school continues to exist, operated by the seven regional companies and AT&T.