In the highly competitive twenty first century world of Commerce and Industry we are all under ever increasing pressure to be more and more productive. Advances in technology and investment overseas has both opened new markets and introduced new and vital competitors. Never before in history has the business community faced such a diverse and challenging commercial environment. Therefore it is vital that we are able to protect our interests and resources in order to maximise our competitive edge.

Whilst the opportunities for trade and expansion have benefited many organizations there are those both individual and organized who would seek to take advantage of this success in a criminal or fraudulent manner. Although advances in technology and design have increased our ability to protect ourselves our assets and property, crime in real terms has merely kept pace with developments and in certain categories crime is actually on the increase.

Crime statistics gleaned mainly from the Police Force are concerned to a high degree with civil crime and whilst this may be in the Public eye, Industrial crime is largely unreported. There are many reasons for this although the most likely reason is that it is often too difficult or expensive to detect deter and resolve. However, as in most cases financial resource is the key and in much the same way as more crime will be detected and dealt with by the modern and technologically advanced Police Force, this can also be the case in industry and commerce.

Indeed senior Police Officers are now predicting a new role for private security organizations and view the future regulation of the Security Industry as a major step forward in the potential partnership between the Police and private security companies, to combat crime in a more co-ordinated and effective way. If this more global and co-ordinated approach to solving the crime problem is to succeed, the standard of the Security Officers will be of paramount importance. Clearly, if we are to be successful the resources must be available to the private security company in order to attract the best possible personnel, the highest standards in training, and for the on going support and development of each Security Officer.

Security Officers of today are no longer “night-watchmen” and rightly the discerning customer demands more than simply fulfilling the familiar and previously accepted deterrent role. Security Officers are now routinely fulfilling a multiplicity of duties such as “Reception”, “Telephony”, “Administration” and “Manifest” control and recording. It is vital therefore that the Security Officers role is accurately pre-specified and carefully planned in order that the Security Provider can recruit, train and motivate the Security Officer in accordance with the customers requirements and ultimate objectives.

BHPSS have many years experience in assisting our clients in identifying risk, specifying assignment plans and in recruiting and training Security Operatives to deal with the specific threat at hand. BHPSS is also able to recruit and train personnel at all levels to carry out a wide variety of ancillary or general duties.

Whilst Manned Guarding operations demand significant resources we believe that the finances committed should be wisely spent and that the beneficial effect of the operation should outweigh the overall cost. The basic aim of any manned guarding assignment should be to bring crime and loss under control, deter future crime and engender an atmosphere of confidence amongst the company staff compliment. The Security Officer must also actively contribute to and enhance general company procedures and operations. If the reality falls short of this basic requirement a review of the assignment structure may be advisable.

The Effective Security Officer Must Be...

• Carefully Selected

• Rigorously Screened

• Trained to Industry Standards (SITO) (NVQ) (First Aid)

• Trained to Customer Specifications

• Adequately Resourced

• Monitored Daily

• Well Motivated

• Professionally Supervised

• Fully Supported by Management

• Regularly assessed

• Enhanced by Regular Training Updates

• Working in Accordance with Achievable Objectives

 “The effective Security Officer is the product of his resource training and dedication.”