Qualifications of security guards in nuclear facility security

In my thesis, I examine the qualifications of security guards responsible for the protection of nuclear facilities. Nuclear facilities represent critical infrastructure, making their security essential to national safety.

The thesis first outlines the applicable legal frameworks governing the security of nuclear facilities in Slovenia, as well as international guidelines and standards for nuclear facility protection.

Given the sensitivity of nuclear facilities and the high level of risk they pose, security personnel must meet the highest standards of professionalism, knowledge, and psychophysical preparedness.

Security guards must be able to respond swiftly and effectively to various potential threats, including terrorist attacks, sabotage, and other security incidents that could jeopardize the operation of a nuclear facility and public safety. Accordingly, in this thesis, I examine in detail the role of continuous professional training for physical security personnel and the enhancement of their knowledge.

Special emphasis is placed on the requirements for training security personnel, which include theoretical and practical education, periodic knowledge assessments, and ongoing skill development. The research analyzes professional training programs mandated by Slovenian and international regulations, as well as the specific differences between the training of nuclear facility security guards and those in other sectors.

The main objective of this thesis is to explore how security guards are trained for work in a nuclear facility environment and what competencies they must acquire to effectively perform their duties. I also aim to determine whether security guards in Slovenia meet the required qualification standards for nuclear facility security, how frequently periodic training is conducted, and what it entails.

Additionally, I seek to examine whether the scope of training for nuclear facility security guards significantly differs from the training of security personnel in other private security services.