Security companies protect things. People, property, businesses and many other things besides are kept safe all year long by highly trained expert SIA licensed security people and companies.
Most people know that this is the case, but never stop to think about how exactly they do it. Security guards often blend into the background, and whilst you know they are there, you probably haven’t put much thought into exactly what they are doing. You might even have thought that they were just standing around doing nothing!
The fact is, far more goes into the role of a Newcastle security guard and the services provided by a security company than most people realise and even if you don’t hire them directly, you will almost certainly have them to thank for your safety at some point over the years.
Here are just a few of the things that a security company does that protects their clients and the general public on a daily basis.
Supporting the police
Private security firms work closely with the police, fire brigade, and other emergency services, reporting crime and keeping the public safe in dangerous situations until the relevant authorities arrive.
They are also often called upon to provide evidence in court and are considered as a reliable, professional witness to events whose testimony carries a great deal of weight.
During high profile events such as sports matches, the police and security companies will often work in close collaboration to keep the public safe and ensure the smooth running of the occasion.
Counter-terrorism
Terrorists are perhaps the most terrifying of any security threat, targeting areas where there largest number of people gather in a single space.
From airports and train stations to stadia and concert halls, the places most at risk of a terror attack almost always have a security guarding presence of some kind with guards tasked with the incredibly important role of searching attendees and using their expertly trained eye to spot suspicious activity from within a crowd.
Providing job opportunities
In order to become a fully qualified security guard that is legally required to provide guarding services in the UK, an individual must first go through an extensive training and accreditation process. Only once they have demonstrated excellence in each area will they be granted an SIA licence and allowed to begin work in the field.
For those who have a passion for keeping people safe and pursuing a career in security, counter-intelligence, bodyguarding, or in the secret service, security guarding is a great route into this world, but only for the most determined and committed of candidates.
Protecting VIPs
Security companies are often given the responsibility of protecting individuals with a significantly higher risk of harm than others.
These include celebrities, high-value individuals, politicians, royalty and more. Without the support of a team of highly trained security experts, many of these people would be unable to carry out their normal daily activities and would be in serious risk of being attacked or harassed.
Providing jobs to army veterans
Military veterans often find it difficult to gain employment once they have left active service due to the limited number of workplaces suited to their unique skillset. Luckily, security guarding is one of the industries where their skills are incredibly highly valued and many veterans make fantastic security officers.
Security companies provide an excellent stepping stone between military and civilian life and provide opportunities for those who have served their country so faithfully in the past.
Performing concierge duties
Security companies are often hired to protect offices, residential properties, hotels, and other commercial buildings with a front desk/foyer.
As this area is usually a hub of activity and somewhere which people must pass through to gain access to the property, security guards are often stationed here.
As well as keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, guards in this location will often be asked to perform some basic concierge duties such answering the phone, taking in parcels, and directing visitors to the correct area of the property.
As part of this duty, it is important that whilst security guards are imposing to criminals, they are also friendly and approachable for members of the public. After all, on many business sites the security officer is the first person that customers see when they arrive, so it is essential that they make a good impression.
In order to better fit in with the site upon which they are deployed, security guards from certain security companies will also offer a flexible uniform policy. This is particularly useful for high-end hotels and corporate events where a suit and tie is more appropriate than the standard security guard uniform that would stick out like a sore thumb.