RiskXtraJune2019

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RISKXtra
The Changing Face of Security Services
Many pressing issues
weigh heavily as they
escalate in our society.
Counter-narratives are
unfolding all the while,
among them
compassionate
responses,
constructive voices
and practical
solutions. Neill Catton
sheds some light on
the bigger security
industry picture
Neill Catton:
Managing Director of CIS
Security
All-Inclusive Security
The shift towards a compassionate,
competency-driven law enforcement culture
is essential for efficient and sustainable
policing. Notwithstanding the need to be there
if a more robust approach is required
(something about which I was recently
reminded by a former senior police officer).
This combined approach can result in improved
performances, fewer incidents, decreased
stress levels and enhanced public support.
Compassion-based conflict management
training is certainly becoming more and more
widespread in the industry.
In a social scenario that allows endless and
chaotic connections between organisations and
people, along with a rise in empathy and
human trust, we witness an increase in mental
health illnesses. In the face of this, diversity is
proving key to innovation, thus attracting a
broader range of emotionally intuitive
individuals with different backgrounds and
skills to the security world.
It’s no coincidence that there has been a rise
in the female presence across the policing
ranks over the last few years, with female
officers now accounting for 30% of the total
headcount in the UK.
Though public security has seen this growth,
the gender evolution is moving much more
slowly in the private sector. In this digital age,
we look into how technology is opening up
routes for people to better influence how
society is governed. Bridging the gender gap
does matter. We can never change things by
crushing the existing. To change something, we
should build a new model that makes the
current one obsolete. Thus, as security
professionals we need to encourage inclusion
and diversity to help strengthen our nation’s
security posture and that of the world itself.
Behind both private and public security,
there is after all the same vocation to be a force
for good. The private sector has shown no signs
of dwelling on what it used to be. Private
security now operates in the realm of what was
once part of public functions. Today, the public
interacts with and depends upon a private
sector model which branches out to touch every
aspect of communal living, from
neighbourhoods through to education and from
hospitals to open spaces.
Greater responsibility
Increasing public demands call for professional
planning and a renewed dedication to the
advancement of our industry. Whether it be
executive protection, community intelligence,
consultancy or patrolling security officers, we
witness the overlapping of a private model in
public sector functions.
However, despite this positive transition from
its early stages, we still need to do more in
order to deconstruct the common view of the
security officer as being nothing more than an
ordinary employee wearing a uniform. To raise
the profile of this profession and turn it into a
solid and reputable career of choice, not only
do we constantly need to keep calling for a
skilled workforce and highly-regulated
standards, but also for respect and thorough
co-operation with the police.
As the security industry assumes greater
levels of responsibility in crime prevention, the
enforcement of law and the maintenance of
communities’ well-being, we need to advocate
the integration of private sector security
companies working in conjunction with public
law enforcement.
It’s time to acknowledge the security industry
for the vital role it plays in protecting the
nation. There are twice as many licensed
security officers than police officers and, when
you add to this the thousands of security
systems technicians, consultants and physical
security professionals, the weight of the
security business sector is significant.
The industry needs to be more balanced in
terms of gender, race, religion and orientation.
The changing face of the security services
sector is not a person or a group of people,
though. Rather, it’s an overarching feeling of
professionalism, acknowledgement and pride.
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