Security & Firearms Training Academy, North Highlands

The Objectives

Security & Firearms Training Academy (SAFTA) was founded in 2012 with the primary goal of elevating the area's security-officer training to the level of law-enforcement agencies. In addition, SAFTA wanted to strengthen concealed-carry training for civilians.

The Courses

Divided into three parts, SAFTA's 40-hour security-officer course meets the state's training requirements and can even be completed within one week. Although the academy focuses on educating security guards, it also offers classes that qualify California residents to apply for concealed-carry permits. In either case, SAFTA's training regimens include both physical exercises and an emphasis on the legal and moral aspects of using weapons for protection.

The Instructors

The careers of Patrick Alexander and Steve Caballero have placed them in roles ranging from expert witness to world-class athlete. Today, they serve as SAFTA's instructors, drawing on more than 70 collective years of experience in law enforcement, the Marine Corps, and private security. Together, the veterans lead security-guard trainings so rigorous that even CNN has aired segments featuring the duo.