2021and beyond. . .


central in ensuring the process runs smoothly and defining the remit of officers to implement measures for risk reduction.


Technology is also being developed to smooth the process. Thermal imaging cameras which can identify those with a high temperature, or cameras which can identify those not wearing a mask are being implemented. Touch-free access, such as scanning phone apps to unlock doors, is also being utilised. Sensors can be used to measure occupancy rates and ensure that areas do not become overcrowded and that large groups do not congregate.


Demonstrating value


It is undeniable that security officers have been vital in allowing life to continue through the lockdown and this was recognised by the government through the designation of security as key work. However, the economic hit that many shops and businesses have taken through closure will mean that those in the security sector will need to continuously demonstrate their value.


Buildings which are rarely closed and empty may not have prioritised certain security measures. Working closely with experts in security, organisations will be able to build resilience into their buildings where it was previously lacking.


Even if sudden re-closure is unlikely, working closely with experts will benefit many organisations in this turbulent time. Whether organisations are re-opening or in the process of implementing new safety measures, experts can guide and streamline the security elements of the process. Close partnership between organisations and security specialists will be


© CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – WINT ER 2020


As many in the sector already recognise, the nature of security which


means that ‘no one notices it until something goes wrong’ might tempt some organisations to cut costs on security measures without fully understanding the implications. The great irony of this is that those organisations with the best systems are often the most undervalued because risk is averted long before it becomes noticeable to the client.


Forming strong working relationships will be key in ensuring the importance of security is recognised. By talking through priorities with clients and understanding their needs, while also sharing experience, security provision can adapt to changing demands and risk profile.


www. c i t y s e cu r i t yma g a z ine . com


Demonstrating expertise through an in-depth understanding of the current climate and sharing this with the client is one way of doing this. Technologically driven security and data- driven insights will play a major role in the coming years. The insights provided through data analysis can account for so many more variables than any expert and this can be a great reassurance to clients.


Regular updates on factors such as retail alerts will show the value of security systems. This is particularly important since the nature of criminal activity has adapted and evolved throughout the lockdown. Queues outside shops represent great opportunity for pickpockets and empty buildings can become locations for illegal gatherings.


Understanding these risks and how to manage them is part of the expertise firms will need to offer. Innovation must lead the growth of the sector. Clients will want the same reassurance as the public that expertise can guide them through this time of uncertainty and risk and, after all, those are areas that security specialises in.


There is a huge amount of potential for the security sector to grow and help its clients rebuild after the disruption of the previous months. However, showing clients that security is an investment, that pre-empting risk and training officers to a high level are the only means of providing an exceptional service, will be the real challenge.


Those in the sector which really thrive in 2021 and beyond will be the ones that can both demonstrate and communicate their value to their clients. The coming months and years will be an opportunity for the truly exceptional in the sector to stand out.


Darren Read Managing director Amulet


www.amulet.co.uk


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