We extended our survey on 2016 and asked leading security business leaders, in your view...


What do you see as the major threats to security in 2016, in particular from terrorism and cybercrime?


What role has the private security industry in the response to these threats?


How can partnership working support these efforts? 


Adrian Moore Operations Director South VSG


Security officers of the “future” are delivering a service to the leading most respected brands in the UK


and operate complex systems which in the corporate sector comprehensively track and control visitors/clients and customers to properties. When guests arrive, officers verify the identity of the visitor, send real-time notification of the visitor's arrival to the host and automatically print guest badges, enabling guests access to the building. Additionally, more and more organisations are using advanced integrated security solutions based on trace detection equipment and X-ray screening systems. These systems, managed by trained officers, help secure those on the front line and the public at large. Stereotypical views of officers as low skilled individuals are a thing of the past and the ‘people agenda’ should be at the top of the tree. Security officers may be using Segways to conduct patrols, have smartphones with apps for live incident reporting, all of which requires development and investment in our people.


The partnership with law enforcement has also continued to develop. Security officers have worked in conjunction with police officers in many different guises, both in training and operational capacities, such as on Projects Griffin, Argus and Servator, but developments in 2016 will bring this partnership closer than ever.Continuing along this vein of change, the guarding industry will drive the career of choice as opposed to a stopgap, well-trained and dedicated to their contract and the industry. Innovation in the sector will continue to drive standards of a security officer, ensuring that


8 © CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – WINT E R 2015/16


SECURITY BUS INES S LEADERS ’ VIEWS


we deploy better equipped and respected officers into the market place. We need to continue raising the bar on training, employee benefits and wages to ensure we have the right people in the right place, meeting that need!More and more often, security officers are becoming equipped with ‘out of the box’ training, that will make a difference to clients and the general public, which again all requires investment from an already low margin industry. Behind the public face of the security officer lives an expertly prepared and ever vigilant security professional who is multi- trained and supported by cutting edge, integrated technology.


Kenneth Larsen Regional Director London Securitas


We all carry a responsibility. Traditional manned guarding can no longer stand alone and this change is long


overdue. As wages continue to rise, and pricing on technology decreases, we must work smarter. I believe that market leaders, like Securitas, have a responsibility to drive the security industry forward and that advanced technology and systems combined with fewer, but better skilled and paid, specialised security officers is the only way forward.


Both police and the private security industry are in the business of crime prevention. To achieve this we are analysing crime statistics and trends and working closely with our clients, the community and the policing authorities, to fully understand crime concerns, crime patterns and disorderly behaviour. This enables us to act more proactively and predictively, improving our use of resources, with the aim of preventing crime – all in a joint effort and in support of partnership working.


As part of advancing the security industry and its partnerships, we must also look at how we can improve our lines of communication and how we share the intelligence gathered from our many dedicated security officers who are deployed every day and night, at the same time exploiting our advanced technology. In this way we can all contribute to a safer environment for all of us.


David Ward, MSyl Managing Director Ward Security


We are facing rapidly evolving threats from increasingly adept and competent individuals and


organisations using technology to organise and plan to great effect. Terrorism, as well as commercial crime, is multifaceted and increasingly involves multiple angles of attack, both real world and in cyberspace. So it is critical that the security world needs to evolve to develop a defensive stance that is more holistic and interconnected in order to be truly effective against such a threat.


The solution, of course, is closer working between security and police agencies, and which involves the private security industry and security technology industry. As Chair of the Cross-Sector Safety and Security Communications (CSSC) Southern Region, I can attest to the effectiveness of an interlinked approach that sees law enforcement agencies, local and national government organisations and private sector businesses coming together to develop a truly holistic and robust security intelligence, communications and response infrastructure.


The sharing of knowledge and communication is crucial. But whereas previously, knowledge sharing was a challenge, we can now use the very same technology as terrorists and criminals. There is no excuse for failure to be as well organised, and it is the only way the security industries can match the threat.


Amanda McCloskey Sales & Marketing Director CIS Security


Take one second to ask yourself: Do you feel safe? A simple question that


forces us to consider how we feel at home, at work, studying, commuting, socialising and, sadly, even when choosing a holiday destination.


To establish ourselves as a value adding service rather than a necessity, our priority is to focus on engagement. We need to listen to our customers and staff. We must research, educate, share knowledge and insights, communicate to and advise our staff, our clients and the wider community.


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