FOCUS MANNED SECURITY
within which to operate. Looking to the
future the pandemic will almost certainly
create new interest in technological
solutions. Improved surveillance solutions
using analytics to improve access
management combined with
digital technology and
physical security measures
have the ability to
ensure compliance
with protocols (such
as social distancing
criteria and the
management of
occupancy levels) as
they evolve.”
Moore at Bidvest
Noonan describes the
introduction of a wide
range of new technologies.
“We invested in systems to
allow touchless access control,
perform temperature screening,
rapidly disinfect equipment, enhance
communication, and address many other
challenges. To accelerate our innovation
and technology programmes, we recruited
a highly experienced leader, Stephen Webb,
to the newly created role of Director of
Technology Solutions.”
PEOPLE POWER
However, for his part, Lotter notes that the
calming, empathetic, and agile behaviours
of manned guarding o„ icers shown over
the past year shows that there isn’t a
technology to replace these roles. “Whether
38 MAY 2021
we ever will, I don’t know. In many cases,
o„ icers found technology a valuable
resource for things like tracking building
occupancy or taking temperature
readings for visitors and sta„ .”
But he adds: “The
pandemic has also
made our colleagues’
front of house roles
more complex.
As a first point
of contact, they
are responsible
for reassuring
people and
keeping them upto
date on safety
measures, as well
as keeping them
and client premises
safe. We are also seeing
higher stress levels and
some people refusing to follow
precautions. Our colleagues have to
find the perfect balance between enforcing
rules and looking a‰ er people who are
anxious.”
Yet despite its huge strides forward,
the industry still struggles with a lack of
respect, recognition and underestimation
of its contribution, according to a report,
‘perceptions of the security o„ icer’ - part
of the ‘Hidden Workforce’ campaign by the
BSIA, the Security Institute (SyI) and the
Security Commonwealth (SyCom). As the
economy opens back up, can the security
industry build on the recognition of its
important role during the pandemic?
Says Isaac: “The benefits and the
importance of manned security were
naturally highlighted as a direct result
of the pandemic. “Securing NHS testing
centres and monitoring footfall in retail,
hospitality or other business settings, for
example, were vital for maintaining public
safety.”
Adds Lotter: “As with any challenge, the
pandemic has been an opportunity to
adapt and learn. We have certainly seen the
importance of this throughout the past year
and is something that all companies, as
well as the regulatory bodies, need to keep
at the top of their agenda. We hope that in
the next few years, organisations don’t let
that slip.”
Brown argues that: “Remaining proactive
and agile whilst embedding learnings in
our training and preparing for a markedly
di„ erent landscape in the post-pandemic
environment will be essential. This
approach combined with great people that
are prepared to innovate and embrace
technology will ensure the industry thrives
whilst helping to protect businesses and
communities in the future.”
Sephton of Axis Security Services feels
optimistic about the future of the industry.
“We have seen the industry operate
through an exceptionally challenging
time and emerge with greater abilities,
stronger relationships and groundbreaking
technologies. The tremendous
performance of security professionals
across the UK has brought a renewed
appreciation for our industry. We are
tremendously proud to be part of it.”
The pandemic has also made our
colleagues’ front of house roles more
complex. $s a fi rst point of contact, they
are responsible for reassuring people and
keeping them up to date on safety
measures, as well as keeping them
and client premises safe.”