instruction excellence
Ensuring our Employees’ Success with Award-Winning Training
Our success and positive reputation are a direct result of our employees' hard work. We’ve built a company with highly trained and motivated employees who understand the importance of their work and our committed to “Setting the Standard by Setting the Example.” Our culture is one of trust and respect, professional growth and pride in our work. That's why we prioritize learning and development. The result is award-winning training and one of the highest retention rates in the industry.
At Walden Security, our training is layered. Employees begin with foundational training in our company standards before receiving site-specific training. But the goal is simple: ensure our employees are equipped for success and have opportunities for growth. We achieve that through a combination of in-person and digital courses, all taught by our state-certified trainers.
training top recognition
Training magazine has recognized Walden Security as a Training APEX Award winner for eight consecutive years. In 2024, we received our highest ranking—23rd out of 105 companies across all industries. We also received the Outstanding Training Initiative recognition in 2021 for our virtual conversion of The Walden Way, conducted in response to the global pandemic.
Commercial Security Training
Prospective security officers begin their tenure at Walden Security with our award-winning Initial Security Officer Training (ISOT). Instructor-led by a state-certified Training Manager, ISOT provides a well-rounded foundation of the technical and soft skills required to succeed as a service-oriented security professional. In many states, ISOT is above-standard. Content varies based on state license requirements.
Once candidates successfully pass ISOT, they are hired and assigned to a post. They then complete customized digital On-the-Job Training (OJT), which covers site-specific requirements, procedures and expectations. We then layer in specialized training based on contract requirements for each site, such as First Aid/CPR/AED Certifications, Crisis Prevention, Defensive Driving and Active Intruder Response, all provided by our in-house, full-time Training Managers.
Federal Security Training
Walden Security made history with our Walden Security Training Academy—our training facility dedicated to advanced training for our Court Security Officers (CSOs). Founded in 2023, the Training Academy features a state-of-the-art classroom, a mock courtroom and X-ray screening machines.
Backed by a team of instructors with over 150 years of combined law enforcement experience, the Walden Security Training Academy raises the standard for training. The Training Academy is located at Walden Security’s corporate office in Chattanooga.
Corporate & Branch Training
Each corporate and branch employee begins their employment with The Walden Way, a three-day onboarding class at our corporate office in Chattanooga. It provides a comprehensive introduction to each department, process and operation—critical standardized training that supports our culture and ISO compliance.
Ongoing training continues throughout employees' employment. Through our Learning Management System, we offer over 6,000 online courses and provide financial assistance opportunities for employees who pursue professional certifications or are enrolled in a college-level or vocational course of study.
supporting our next generation’s education
Walden Security values the role of higher education in preparing our younger generation to be successful adults. With today’s increasing cost of education and the associated burden this often places on families, Walden Security helps offset those costs for our commercial service employees through our Employee Family Scholarship. To date, Walden Security has awarded more than $320,000 in Employee Family Scholarships.