The State of California is setting an example for training the many security guards it employs through private companies. This effort should set a benchmark around the country. With the rise of terrorist attacks around the world, California is mandating that the licensed security guards who watch their critical infrastructure and important buildings receive four hours of anti-terrorism training.

All presently employed security guards, not just new recruits involved in initial training, will be trained through this program. The new training will include what to look for — persons dressed inappropriately for the season of the year, persons photographing facility or engaging in other suspicious activity ? and learning to identify potential terrorist weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and how to respond in the event of a terrorist attack. “This is basically 400,000 additional eyes and ears out there to observe suspicious activity,” compared to about 90,000 sworn law enforcement officers in California, said Gary Winuk, chief deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security for the State of California. “It’s all about seeing something that doesn’t look right,” he said.