“We have seen an understandable increase in the number of requests for security personnel and security advice as a result of the riots that have affected London and other parts of the country over the last few days,” stated Colin Moore, vice-chairman of the Trade Association’s Security Guarding Section.
“Customers are increasingly seeking reassurances that the security measures in place are effective, and are therefore reviewing all of their security to further enhance the protection of staff, premises and goods alike.”
Already a popular security measure to assist before, during and after attacks and intrusions, CCTV systems are also becoming an essential tool in the identification of the culprits of this week’s violence.
The police have made available thousands of images in connection to the events that have unfolded in London and other parts of the UK. Many individuals are already being questioned following their identification from the images released.
Pauline Norstrom, chairman of the BSIA’s CCTV Section, commented: “The widespread use of CCTV images to help identify the people responsible for the rioting underscores the vital role that surveillance plays in the fight against crime and disorder.”
Norstrom continued: “Thanks to the presence of this technology across our town and city centres, the police are able to review vital CCTV images to piece together specific incidents, identify the prime offenders and make high profile calls for public support in their enquiries.”
In conclusion, Norstrom commented: “At the BSIA, as an industry body we will continue to promote CCTV Best Practice by working with key parties, including the police, so that the full potential of this crime-fighting tool can be realised on the ground.”
Police and Public Services Section
Other BSIA Sections have also been working with the police throughout these difficult times. Robbie Calder, chairman of the BSIA’s Police and Public Services Section (which represents private security companies with particular expertise in supporting the public sector) said: “The private security industry is always keen to provide the police and emergency services with the support they require to deal with serious events such as the ones that have occurred in London and across the country this week.”
Calder went on to say: “So far, some members of the Police and Public Services Section have provided local intelligence to the police from patrol activities in some of the affected areas and assisting with the monitoring and reviewing of CCTV footage, allowing police to focus on front line duties. Others have held meetings with council emergency planning departments to further evaluate how the private security industry and councils can join forces in the planning of responses to crisis situations.”
Also, the BSIA’s Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit Section has been working to guarantee minimum disruption to services. Ashley Bailey, chairman of the BSIA’s CVIT Section, said: “The Section has been working closely with its customers and the police to maintain access to cash. We have been doing this while ensuring we do not add to the issues already faced by the police.”
The BSIA has worked hard in recent years to forge effective partnerships with the police and Government, and continues to reach out to the emergency services in order to help protect communities in the face of continuing economic challenges.
Public sector and emergency services awareness
To further promote these successful partnerships, the BSIA is holding an event on 28 September to raise awareness among the public sector and emergency services as to how the private security industry can help protect the Critical National Infrastructure at times of natural disaster or terrorist threat.
The event will take place at Reading’s Madejski Stadium and will include real-life examples of successful partnerships. There will be presentations from key figures from both public and private sectors.
For more information on the BSIA’s Police and Public Services Section, visit www.bsia.co.uk/pps (access the dedicated web link at the foot of this page)
To find out about any of the BSIA Sections mentioned, and to learn about effective security measures for the protection of premises, please visit the main website at: www.bsia.co.uk (again, a link is provided below)
Secure career opportunity for young people
To celebrate today’s International Youth Day, the BSIA and Skills for Security are highlighting the many career opportunities that the private security industry can offer to young people from all backgrounds.
“In the current economic climate finding a job can be difficult for young people, whose lack of experience and on-the-job training can prove a disadvantage in gaining work,” stressed James Kelly, chief executive of the BSIA.
“The security industry is committed to developing its future talent, and provides a diverse range of opportunities with a real chance of career progression, training and skills development.”
Earlier this year, the BSIA announced its support for Skills for Security’s ‘100 in 100’ challenge, an initiative aimed at employing 100 apprentices in the security industry within 100 days.
Launched at this year’s IFSEC exhibition and developed in conjunction with CSL DualCom, together with the BSIA, NSI, SSAIB and United Business Media, the initiative aims to employ at least 100 apprentices in the security industry by the time the Security Excellence Awards take place in October, where the results of the challenge will be announced.
The ‘100 in 100’ challenge covers all types of apprenticeship, including installation engineers, manufacturing engineers, business administration, Human Resources, marketing and PR: all types of roles that the security industry is well-placed to offer, allowing young people to develop unique skills, experiences and a fulfilling career in a dynamic and ever-changing industry.
Security Personnel Awards: showcasing talent
In addition to this initiative, examples of existing security industry success stories abound. For example, the BSIA’s Security Personnel Awards, presented last month, showcased some of the brightest young talent that the industry has to offer.
Adam Todd, 21, was presented with an Outstanding Act Award in the Yorkshire regional round of this year’s Security Personnel Awards. Working with a BSIA member company from the age of 18, Todd was provided with all the relevant qualifications to enable him to succeed in the industry by his employer, and is now employed as security team leader.
Commenting on his role, Todd expained: “This challenging role provides a daily test of my abilities for not only dealing with anti-social members of the public, but also in organising the team and setting a suitable example in terms of how to carry out the day-to-day security duties to a standard above and beyond the expectations of the client.”
He added: “I like the responsibility and the fact that I have surprised myself in my ability to handle a group of colleagues at a relatively young age. I also like the feeling of satisfaction from making a genuinely positive impact on the lives of others and my working environment.”
Todd enjoys the dynamic and at times challenging environment of the security industry. He stated: “Working on the front line in the security industry can be fraught with danger and strife. However, the job is rewarding. I love that working in the security industry is a multi-faceted career choice with a great many options and choices available at any one time.”
In conclusion, Todd outlined: “It’s easy to find a niche and where you are most at home. I would like to progress my career within private security on my merits and achievements and, hopefully, have my efforts rewarded by becoming branch manager at some point.”
Young people interested in a career in security can locate a local security employer by visiting the BSIA’s online Company Finder at: www.bsia.co.uk/company-finder (see below for the link)
