A new security community: but are we ready?

Of great interest was the ever-increasing number of finalists that have been exposed to incidents and often crime – not in the workplace, but in the vicinity of or within the community surrounding their place of work.

We should remember that many security officers have displayed great valour in defending or saving other people faced with danger, and then supported these victims of crime through their resulting distress.

Another interesting facet of this year's Awards centred on the number of private sector security teams involved in joint crime prevention operations with the police – 'Operation Hawk-Eye' being a good case in point. Such activity is indicative of a growing shift in the industry, whereby security companies are becoming effective partners to the police and other bodies, and security personnel are proving to be an integral component in the fight against crime.

Crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour are issues that affect us all. Talk to most people and they're likely to voice an ongoing concern regarding low level offences such as vandalism, graffiti, littering, skateboarding on pavements, substance abuse and under-age drinking on the streets.

Deprived communities can be demoralising places to live. Not only do many residents face poor living conditions and often difficult personal circumstances, but they also live with a constant fear of becoming victims of the aforementioned crime and anti-social behaviour which, by no coincidence, is always higher than average in these areas.

We must be realistic in recognising that crime knows no boundaries. Across the country, it costs an estimated £50 billion per annum and, in the deprived areas that are particularly badly hit, can cause businesses to fold and discourage those with planned commercial ventures to delay start-up.

It comes as no surprise to learn, then, that by default – but more often by design – the private sector is playing an increased role in securing the environment surrounding its customers' premises.

There can be no doubt that the industry and the Government share many common goals: tackling crime and anti-social behaviour go hand-in-hand with raising professional standards, skills and levels of competency.

Then minister of state at the Home Office, Lord Falconer, used the launch of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) on 2 April as a platform to state: "Government policy is to treat a licensed and regulated private security industry as part of the extended police family". All of which can only lead to public reassurance, in particular when the general public sees a uniformed presence on the streets.

Conflict resolution skills are lacking in our workforce, a fact that has not been missed by the SIA. The organisation has already written conflict management training into its core competency specification for door supervisors

It's now widely accepted in both the police service and the private sector that such a presence on the streets, and in other locations, has long ceased to be the sole preserve of police officers. The wiser security companies are already re-positioning themselves (albeit hesitantly in many cases) to take on the emerging opportunities offered by the wider police family. Their customers and members of the public are eagerly waiting to see what reassuring solutions will be on offer.

A 'mixed economy of patrol'
Prior to the enactment of the Police Reform Act 2002, police officers – supported by Special Constables and Traffic Wardens – were the only means available to the Government for providing the routine patrol presence expected by the public, but that has all changed now. The development of a 'mixed economy of patrol' incorporating Community Wardens, Police Community Support Officers and now the private sector security companies as accredited Community Support Organisations brings with it an opportunity to provide the public with the expected presence – but also a need for assurances of that presence's probity, professionalism and level of service delivery.

Are we really looking at a totally integrated security community of the future? Most commentators welcome such a development, but many also believe that a great deal must still be done to ensure 'fitness for purpose'.

Pinpointing skills shortfalls
So where are the skills shortfalls? The issue of diversity must be addressed. In working with the wider community, it's very important that security personnel fully understand social and cultural differences (with a good deal of attention here focused on the more vulnerable groups). Vulnerable groups are themselves diverse, including the elderly, cultural and ethnic minorities.

Understanding diversity is key to effective communication in the increasingly multicultural society in which we now live and work. Indeed, it's vital in diffusing conflict.

Conflict resolution skills are also lacking in our workforce, a fact that has not been missed by the SIA. The organisation has already written conflict management training into its core competency specification for door supervisors, and it's certain to feature in the new training regimes for security officers.

Indeed, SITO and its various STEPS partners are now offering a number of programmes to address diversity, conflict management, personal safety, communication skills, drug awareness and even working safely with children. Many more flexible training programmes are under development to address the growing demand from industry.

Understanding technology will also be a key feature of future training as more and more organisations and communities opt for an IP-based, totally integrated and networked security system which will, in most cases, not only complement the work of security personnel but actually be controlled by them. This may well lead to less security operatives being required, but those who are called upon must be far more competent in their application of the latest technology.