Security officers honoured for bravery and skill

17 Jul 08

The stars of the security industry - the front line officers – were honoured at the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon during the Security Officer Awards Ceremony 2008

Going beyond the call of duty, providing outstanding customer service and offering exceptional security through the deployment of cutting-edge technology are just some of the traits that have been displayed by the winners of the British Security Industry Association’s Security Officer Awards for 2008.

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony held at The Hilton Hotel on London’s Park Lane, BSIA chief executive David Dickinson said: “Every year, the Association’s Security Officer Awards demonstrate the outstanding commitment and professionalism of the security guarding sector in the UK. The achievements of the officers and teams we are recognising highlight the diverse and challenging environments faced by the modern security officer, and the very real and genuine difference their continued efforts make to the day-to-day lives of ordinary people.”

The Awards – sponsored for the tenth consecutive year by Camberford Law plc – were bestowed in the wake of a rigorous judging process chaired by Professor Martin Gill (director of PRCI) at G4S’ Carlos Place hq in central London at the tail end of April. As ever, SMT’s Editor Brian Sims was a member of that distinguished panel, which also included the SIA’s Andy Drane and former Reliance Security Services frontman Ken Allison.

During his Keynote Address at the BSIA Luncheon, Vernon Coaker – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office – paid tribute to the winners. Coaker said: “I warmly congratulate all of this year’s successful officers and teams. These Awards represent important themes. In a society where premiums are wrongly placed on self-promotion and quick wins, these Awards stand out as a shining example of the qualities that are really important to us all.”

Awards were presented in the following categories: Service To The Customer, Outstanding Act, Best Newcomer, Best Use of Technology and Best Team. Security Management Today and info4security offer sincere congratulations to the 2008 winners, who are as follows:

Service To The Customer

Ray Batley

Ray has worked at the Trinity and Burton Arcades in Leeds for the past seven years as an employee of respected security company Wilson James. During this time, Ray has shown continued enthusiasm and passion for his job, leading his team by example. Ray has also made significant strides in combating shoplifting incidents at the Arcades’ numerous retail outlets. £40,000 of goods have been recovered from shoplifters over a two-year period. Now, Ray is security supervisor on the site, liaising with construction experts involved in the total transformation of the former Arcades together with Leeds Shopping Plaza into Trinity Leeds.

Khuram Nazir

Khuram works for CIS Security, and was nominated for his work at Coca-Cola Enterprises in Sidcup, Kent. Khuram has been recognised for revolutionising the use of CCTV systems on site, and working with the local police to investigate crimes committed in the area. In July 2006, Khuram presented CCTV evidence which ensured the subsequent arrest and charging of nine men. Nazir has also implemented a number of new systems. These include an enhanced two-tier patrol system which is risk assessment-led, a load checking system for high risk loads and an in-depth site security reporting tool that’s now used on a monthly basis.

Mohammed Saadi

Mohammed is employed by Lynx Security Services, and has 17 years’ experience gained by working at Broadwalk House in the City of London. He was nominated for an award due to his long-term dedication to the site and the professional security service he offers the tenants that work there. Saadi, as he is known on site, is a proactive security supervisor and has assisted in the establishment of security systems in addition to the development of templates for various types of inspection. Recently, Saadi made recommendations in relation to the upgrade for the fire control system at Broadwalk House. He not only identified a more effective system, but also reduced overall costs to the client.

Outstanding Act

Michael Benham

Michael works for security contractor VSG and was nominated on the basis of his life-saving actions while on duty for client Cineworld Cinema at the Aspects Leisure Park in Bedford. Michael demonstrated speed of thought and real aptitude, going beyond the call of duty to protect cinema staff and members of the public alike when a man set fire to the cinema. Michael and the duty manager were not only able to tackle the former employee, rolling him on the ground to prevent further harm, but also put out the fire in the foyer. Michael acted with the greatest professionalism. He almost certainly prevented the former employee from a certain death, and the cinema from further damage.

Mark Taylor

Mark works for Securitas Security Services, and is based at the Alexander Park JobCentre in Manchester’s Moss Side district. Mark was nominated for his brave actions when he was confronted by a man threatening to set the JobCentre alight. Mark remained calm and level-headed when a customer walked into the building with a full petrol can and a lighter. The man began to pour petrol everywhere and then lit up a cigarette. Having evacuated more than 100 customers and members of staff from the building and called the police, Mark then calmed the man down and eventually managed to persuade him to hand over the petrol can and lighter. The man was duly arrested before he could do any harm.

David Young

David is an employee of Chubb Security Personnel at the Port of Dundee, and was nominated for the calm and professional way in which he successfully prevented an individual from committing suicide. David, who was alerted to a man acting strangely on a nearby railway bridge, duly found that person to be in a distressed state. The man stated that he wanted to end his life by jumping in front of the next train. With time against him, David used his experience of handling diverse situations to talk calmly to the gentleman, advising a member of the public to alert the local police. After earning the man’s trust, David ensured that he remained calm until the police arrived.

Best Newcomer

Kim Blunt

Kim works for VSG at the Carlsberg Depot, Chandlers Ford, and was nominated for her award having been labelled “a star” and “an asset to any employer or client”. Kim joined the Carlsberg operation during its start-up stage, and took it upon herself to contact other Carlsberg sites in order to understand how they operated. She also wanted to learn the security function in order to create the most secure environment possible for the client. As well as monitoring access and egress, taking care of patrolling, CCTV and administrative issues, Kim has implemented a process which minimises loss and damage to stock.

Thomas Higgins

Thomas works for Reliance Security Services and is with the PatrolNet operation based in Laganside, Belfast. Thomas is new to the security industry, and was nominated for his award on the basis of rapid progress since joining the company. Thomas has a proactive approach to improving his knowledge of the industry, as well as initiating ideas for continuous improvement both on site and for Reliance Belfast in general. Thomas’ knowledge of alarms is commendable, as most of it is self-taught through study on his own time, from site visits and as a result of seeking information from engineers. All this confirms his commitment to professionalism and customer service.

Phillip Ike

Phillip works for Lynx Security Services and is based at ABN AMRO Bank in the City of London. He was nominated for excelling so much within 12 months of joining the security industry that he has been branded a “star of the future”. Ike’s thirst for knowledge has confirmed that he’s committed to the industry, having undertaken copious amounts of training and sought (and listened to) advice from his peers to become a respected and valued member of a highly professional site security team. Phillip is also willing to accept a great deal of responsibility, as evidenced by the fact that he’s taken on supervisory positions on occasion whenever the need has arisen.

Best Use of Technology

Gunwharf Quays Team

Members of the Gunwharf Quays Team of CCTV controllers are employed by OCS Security, and based at the Gunwharf Quays Control Room in Portsmouth. The team was nominated for this award for its high degree of training and knowledge of state-of-the-art systems, ensuring a controlled and safe centre for the 25,000 visitors who turn up at the Quays on a daily basis. Over the past 12 months, the team has had to deal with 225 fire activations which have resulted in no evacuations. The Gunwharf Quays Team’s excellent working relationship with the local police, aimed at reducing crime on site, has ensured the arrest of 61 people. The latest customer exit poll research suggests 97% satisfaction with the security service.

Qadim Hussain

Qadim Hussain, who’s an employee of VSG, was nominated for an award for his work with Carlsberg’s Leeds brewery in West Yorkshire where he has continually pushed himself to improve security systems on the site. Recently, Qadim took it upon himself to create and develop a computerised floorplan of the whole brewery site, identifying all machinery and equipment, fire detection systems and hazards. This plan benefits a range of visitors to the site, as well as staff members themselves. Qadim continues to push himself when it comes to developing new skills – skills useful both to himself and the client (as shown by the outstanding service he provides at the Carlsberg site).

Northampton CCTV Team

The Northampton Borough Council CCTV Team members are employees of Reliance Security Services, and were nominated after being described as “a blessing for the town” given the essential and top quality monitoring service they provide at all times. During 2006-2007, the team assisted in 4,174 arrests for matters such as robbery, violent assault, drug-related incidents and an attempted suicide. On all occasions, members of the CCTV Team have acted with the utmost professionalism and proficiency to ensure that the quality of monitoring and intelligence recorded in relation to incidents can be used successfully in aiding prosecutions.

Best Team

Johnson Controls International Security Team

This Nottingham-based team works for Wilson James and delivers its service via facilities management provider Johnson Controls. The team was presented with its award for commitment to providing a proactive and customer-focused service at all times, while also raising its profile to meet additional pressures and performing tasks outside of the normal security remit. Not only has the team responded to 870 incidents over the past 12 months, but two of its officers have also been recognised in the BSIA’s 2008 Awards regional judging in both the Best Newcomer and Outstanding Act categories.

High Chelmer Shopping Centre Team

The High Chelmer Shopping Centre Team works for security contractor VSG and is based in Chelmsford, Essex. The team, which has won this award for the second year running, was nominated for consistently meeting and exceeding the client’s expectations by engaging with key Stakeholders to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff at all times. Described as “incredible”, the High Chelmer Team’s handling of a very traumatic episode last year (during which a man committed suicide) ensured that as little distress as possible was caused to those around the incident.

Operation Outlook Team

The Operation Outlook Team works for Reliance Security Services and was put together under Gloucester Water Emergency 2007 in immediate response to the flooding which occurred in July last year. The team provided essential services which allowed over 140 police officers to be deployed on other vital roles, demonstrating what a beneficial resource the private security industry can be for public sector organisations. The Operation Outlook Team now features as part of the local constabulary’s contingency planning in relation to future events and emergencies.


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