I am now a consultant at Countermeasures Assessment and Security Experts (CASE). In this role, I have reviewed security, safety, and emergency plans for a number of transit agencies across the United States, and helped them develop or revise the plans and their associated programs before conducting tabletop exercises. I was part part of a team that completed an assessment and report on on security, safety, and emergency planning capabilities for El Metro de Panama, the first metro rail system in Central America.


It was while on an assignment for CASE that I had the opportunity to interact with a well- respected security professional who introduced me to The Security Institute and suggested I evaluate obtaining the Chartered Security Professional designation. After conducting research, I agreed with his assessment of the value and prestige of being a CSyP and started the process.


I found the entire process challenging and very rewarding. The application, specifically the competency demonstration, provides an opportunity to evaluate real-world experiences against standards that are current topics facing the industry, such as sustainability. I like that the chartering process is thorough and requires demonstrated competence in areas that are essential for a security professional.


The interview and presentation, conducted with proven security professionals, is also a strength of the process as it gave me an opportunity to discuss my experiences, yet required me to do so in within a time - limited manner.


The benefit of being a CSyP is not only the credibility it brings, but also the community of professionals that is at its foundation and the wealth of information available through interaction with peers. Organisations served by a CSyP can be assured that the individual has met a high standard and endured a process that evaluated knowledge, skills, and abilities based on actual work experiences and activities.


Since joining The Security Institute and obtaining chartered status, I have enjoyed the collaboration with peers and look forward to supporting the community however possible, including talking with colleagues here in the United States and recommending the CSyP process. It is incumbent of security professionals to give back to the community and continue to ensure its growth to meet the current and emerging challenges. In doing so, we must also embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability within a profession that has provided great career opportunities.


be her birthday; he then said, “Can I call your wife to wish her happy birthday?” (which he did).


What skills do you believe are important for the security role?


Focus on a


Security Officer Dave Aston


Senior Supervisor Front of House at Portal Security


It was a pleasant stroll on a hot day from Embankment Station to Pall Mall for City Security magazine’s Graham Bassett when he met with David Aston, Senior Supervisor Front of House for Portal Security, at a classically hi-spec newly refurbished 70,000 sq. ft multi-tenanted building.


It is often said it is the journey that counts, but the destination in this case was special: the minute you walked into the foyer area, it oozed luxury refinement, followed by a warm and professional welcome.


How did you initially get into the security profession?


I served in the Royal Navy at their submarine base in Scotland for ten years before I moved into retail security and subsequently corporate security sixteen years ago.


What does your job entail and what is the best thing about it?


Ensuring everyone in the building is safe, the building is secure and all as it should be – and, of course, helping visitors and tenants accordingly. I enjoy sharing my knowledge, supporting my colleagues, and seeing them progress and do well.


What has been the highlight of your career in security?


When I was working at Lambeth Palace a Lord visited and, on his way out, he made a point of stopping to speak with me and compliment me on how I had greeted him/processed his arrival – I was just doing my job, but his feedback made what I do even more worthwhile.


On another occasion, a well-known TV celebrity was visiting my place of work. He stopped to speak with me, not knowing my wife is a huge fan, plus it also happened to


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Having the ability to listen and communicate/engage with people; being able to think ahead and be proactive; having good observation skills. If something does not look right, no matter how small, action and follow up. Show an interest in where you are working, ask questions, learn good practice from others and progress.


How does technology support the security role?


Technology is an important contributing factor in today’s blended security provision, which enables us to provide a better overall service to the client, staff, and visitors.


What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into security?


Firstly, be yourself and be honest: integrity is fundamental. Have a passion to do your best, learn and help others along the way, with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.


How has your role changed over the time you have been doing it?


For me, the biggest change has been from chasing shoplifters in retail to working in a corporate environment. Another big change I have seen over the years is people’s attitude towards security: I believe it is now seen as a profession, rather than being viewed in a less positive light. Also, the day-to-day role has changed with the advent of technology, along with clients, who have an expectation of a more customer service-focused approach, which is essential today.


How would you like to progress in your role.


I would like to progress to the next level and be able to help/train others, as I have done in other positions and in the Navy.


Speaking with Dave, it is evident he is a great ambassador for the business and well thought of by the client and Portal Director, Adrian Moore: “Dave Aston is an exceptional Front of House Officer. His customer service, friendly demeanour, and attention to detail, make him an invaluable asset to our client and Portal Security. Whilst new to us, in a short space of time, Dave has quickly become the face of the building and we are delighted to have him in our team.”


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