Saving lives, excelling at customer service and deterring crime through the use of the latest technology are all in a day’s work for the winners of the British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) Security Officer Awards 2007, sponsored by Camberford Law plc.
Addressing the audience at London’s Hilton Hotel, where this year’s ceremony was conducted on Wednesday 11 July, BSIA chief executive David Dickinson said: “These awards demonstrate that professionalism is at the heart of the security guarding industry in the UK. It’s clear to me from the achievements of the officers and teams we are recognising that they all make a very real difference to the day-to-day lives of ordinary people. They are unsung heroes who are essential to the efficient functioning and well-being of UK plc, and they deserve full recognition for their achievements.”
After making a short oration in which he once again supported closer working between the police and the private sector (to a substantial round of applause), Sir Ronnie Flanagan GBE MA, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, presented the winners with their awards in the following categories: Outstanding Act, Service To The Customer, Best Newcomer, Best Use of Technology and Best Team.
Outstanding Act
Sajid Hussain works for the Regent Group, and is based at the Brent House office block in Wembley. He was nominated for the courage shown when he intervened after a man armed with a machete had poured petrol around the site and was threatening to set it alight.
Due to Sajid’s quick thinking, the man was calmed down, prevented from starting a blaze (or using the machete) and subsequently handed over to the police.
Susan Porter is employed by Federal Security Services, and was nominated for her life-saving actions when she tackled an armed man who had forced his way into the building where she works in Northern Ireland. Unconcerned for her own safety, Susan physically restrained the man until the police arrived.
When faced with this difficult situation, Susan acted quickly and decisively, placing the safety of her team members and that of members of the public before her own. According to the BSIA’s official Press Statement, Susan is “a remarkable indvidual who went beyond the call of duty.”
Karen Potter works for G4S Security Services (UK), and is based at a JobCentre Plus site in Leeds as part of the LS Trillium contract. Karen was nominated for the 2007 BSIA Awards for her life-saving actions when a man in the public waiting area of the building doused himself in flammable liquid and then threatened to strike a match. Having instructed other members of her team to evacuate, Karen calmly and selflessly stayed with the man and talked to him until the emergency services arrived.
Service To The Customer
An employee at VSG, Andrew Beaver was nominated this year for his sterling work at the Carlsberg (UK) brewery in Leeds. A talented security officer, Andrew’s professionalism – along with that of his team members – has resulted in a total of 16 intruders being apprehended and arrested by the police.
Always one to go beyond what is required in the line of duty, Andrew took it upon himself to produce a useful research report into the increasing incidence of false fire alarms at the brewery. The findings led to a 30% reduction in false fire alarm activations.
Kenneth Ellis – an employee of Reliance Security Services – was nominated for his work as Front-of-House security officer in what is a prestigious building in London’s Shaftesbury Avenue managed by Arlington Property Services.
Customers and tenants alike relish Ken’s presence, professionalism, courtesy and quiet confidence. The client has praised this dedicated professional for always going above and beyond the call of duty. Nothing is too much trouble.
John Scott works at MITIE Security, and was nominated for his commitment to delivering outstanding customer service on the company’s Tower of London contract. John has proactively built up a rapport between the security team and the local community, delivering presentations to local schools and clubs in his own time.
John’s approach to security far exceeds the expectation levels of a team leader. He always leads by example, and has been described as a “rare breed of security manager”.
Best Newcomer
Wendy Andrew – an officer at OCS Security Services – was nominated for excellent work at the XScape leisure facility in Braehead.
Described as a “natural security professional”, Wendy’s potential was soon recognised with her promotion to senior supervisor and then to security manager. In addition, she now acts as one of the site’s duty managers.
Danny Bradford of VSG is contracted to work on the company’s B&Q assignment. Rapid promotion saw Danny become national training officer on behalf of the client and, from his base in Mansfield, he has been instrumental in delivering on-site training programmes to retail security officers right across the contract.
Danny has since been promoted to retail area manager… Not bad for 18 months in the industry!
Despite being a new recruit, Laurence King’s potential was swiftly recognised with quick promotion to senior retail officer at VSG. As well as successfully carrying out his role, Laurence went on to volunteer as acting area manager during an interim period – a responsibility he handled with much applomb.
Laurence’s work ethic and approach to the role has been described as “professional, diligent and conscientious.”
Best Use of Technology
The Reliance Security Services Team based at the BAE Systems Submarines site in Barrow has been commended for the way in which it has used technology to improve security by developing an interactive map of the site, which assists in training security officers, planning new security operations and developing effective Health and Safety strategies.
The map – and the subsequent improvements on site – were developed as a result of these individuals recognising shortfalls in the system.
David Evett works for Reliance Security Services and was nominated for his efforts at the Salisbury City Centre CCTV Control Room, where he has used his technical knowledge to excel in the role of CCTV operator. On one occasion, David responded quickly when one of the town’s security officers was threatened with a knife. The officer pressed a panic button which was linked to the Control Room where David was working. He reacted immediately, ensuring that the police were sent to the scene in rapid time.
Finally, the Reliance Security Services Team based at the Slough Estates Control Room has been commended for developing procedures to link CCTV technology with security patrols and the local police service. The number of crime episodes in the town has dropped significantly.
Best Team
The OCS Security Services Team is based at the Aberafan Shopping Centre, and has been recognised for its dedication and enthusiastic teamwork with this award for an incredible third year in succession. Last year, officers were instrumental in catching the largest haul of drugs found on a person in the South Wales area when they assisted police by skilfully gathering CCTV footage of heroin deals being done.
The 26-strong Reliance Security Services Team at the HBOS Gasworks and Dundonald sites in Belfast was nominated for the high standard of service it provides for HBOS staff and visitors.
The HBOS buildings accommodate 1,650 employees daily, and the team prides itself upon thoroughly knowing the site and its staff. The team is consistently motivated and always strives to supply the best standard of customer service.
VSG’s High Chelmer Shopping Centre Team is based at this Chelmsford Mall. Members of the team demonstrated their professionalism in acting swiftly and calmly when dealing with a potential suicide case. Officers managed to talk a woman down from the edge of the top floor of the High Chelmer Centre’s multi-storey car park, from which she intended to jump.
In addition, the team has effectively and progressively dealt with 589 reportable incidents so far in 2007, and has been directly responsible for no less than 140 arrests.
Security Management Today congratulates – and pays deserved tribute – to all of this year’s winning officers and teams.
