Category: Contract Security

The Need for Effective Leadership in the Security Industry

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The Need for Effective Leadership in the Security Industry

Written by Eyal Ben-Shir

Mantis Security

“Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.” – Peter Drucker

As we enter 2022, it is vital to take stock of the innumerable lessons we have had to learn during the tumultuous year of 2021. There has been a fair number of challenges, obstacles, and difficulties we have had to experience. Effective leadership is critical in determining the trajectory of success in these uncertain times. This blog post aims to elucidate what effective leadership is and what security professionals need to focus on going forward. Crime is constantly changing and the leaders in the security industry need to lead with empathy, strategy, and tenacity to combat these new threats.

Leadership

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill

Leadership means different things to different people. However, multiple definitions of leadership focus on the process of inspiring people to work together to accomplish shared goals and to convert vision into something practical. In the security industry, security teams need to work together as a collective cohesive unit. Possessing integrity, courage, adept people skills, dignity, and adaptability are the essential tools in the leader’s toolbox.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the security industry has had to continually alter their strategies, budgets, and resources to deal with new threats. People have suffered increasing levels of stress due to new economic restrictions and hardships as a result. An effective leader needs to show concern and compassion for the wellbeing of their teams to mitigate this risk. Excessive levels of stress tend to impair performance and productivity. Research from an organizational psychological perspective has shown that stress-related illnesses is the leading cause for low productivity levels in the workplace (Dean, 2002). Immense pressure at work has led to stress, which made it the number one factor causing illness (Dean, 2002).

Moreover, effective leaders need to treat their teams with dignity and develop strategies to further reduce job stress during this precarious time we find ourselves in. Listening and observing well is paramount and great leaders can identify the important subtle verbal and non-verbal cues. There is a person behind each company number, and security leaders must inspire confidence in all their employees.

Transparency

 “Take the long way. Do the hard work, consistently and with generosity and transparency. And then you won’t waste time doing it over.” – Seth Godin

Transparency is the antidote to uncertainty and illuminates the way forward. Transparency in the security industry builds trust with clients and allows security leaders to participate in open communication with their staff. Without transparency and trust this can escalate into debilitating issues such as loss of reputation, crimes being committed and substandard work performance. Transparency allows for collaboration and simplifying complex issues into workable solutions. This will allow for an attitude of teamwork and aligning leadership with the staff on the ground. Without proper alignment, the staff cannot relate to leadership and vice versa.

Clearly defined goals, relevant metrics and the correct tools may allow for achievable and clarity regarding objectives overall. Recent research has indicated that performance appraisal when undertaken in the right manner can contribute significantly to employee motivation (Tuytens & Devos, 2012). Performance appraisals should be relevant to the specific job roles and need to analyse an employee’s performance from different angles. If there is more clarity, then the result will be a cheerful outlook and greater understanding. Research has indicated that positive attitudes may be a significant determinant of an employee’s level of motivation and work performance (Idowu, 2017).

Security Knowledge and Development

“Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.” – Jim Rohn

The main goal in the security industry is to protect people, property, and client’s information. The successful security leaders do not forget the main mission and emphasize these fundamentals to their employees. Without a solid foundation then the security planning, strategy and execution cannot materialize. With crime changing so rapidly, it is vital for the security leader to be knowledgeable about these changing threats. Networking with fellow security professionals and being acutely aware of the industry trends is likely to give an added advantage.

Possessing attention to detail is a crucial ingredient to combating crime. Leaders in this industry need to be constantly educating themselves, attending security training and gain the relevant experience to gain a holistic understanding of the landscape of crime. By applying this in-depth knowledge rooted in the fundamentals, it will allow for the adaptation to these dynamic threats. Understanding emerging technologies and security improvements is a prerequisite to the health and growth of any security business.

Developing the current security team and investing in their ongoing training, development and evolution will allow for the promotion of key staff members to engage in higher levels of management and operations. This may improve work performance, trust, transparency, and other attributes mentioned earlier in this blog post. This will also pave the way for future security leaders in the up-and-coming generations to shine. It is up to the leaders today to teach, mentor and guide the next leaders to emerge.

To conclude, each attribute mentioned previously is vital to the sustainability of the security industry. All these points mentioned above are fundamental to making clients feel safe, secure, and heard. If you are interested in upgrading your security solutions or having one of our knowledgeable staff discuss a guarding solution with you, look no further than the leading contract guarding specialists in South Africa, Mantis Security. We can conduct a free risk assessment on your property, business, or establishment. Our related services also include employee vetting, background checks, domestic awareness training and state of the art screening.

Contact us on 0114871000, email info@mantissecurity.co.za or visit our newly updated webpage on www.mantissecurity.co.za. We are also on social media applications such as Facebook and Instagram.

Smarter Security and Safety Risk Solutions

The Future of Guarding and Security and How to Adapt with These Changes

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The Future of Guarding and Security and How to Adapt with These Changes

Written by Eyal Ben-Shir

“Change begins at the end of your comfort zone” – Roy T. Bennett

As we experience the difficulties and challenges sprung to us by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to look at guarding solutions and evaluate its overall place for the future. Security companies in South Africa are making the move towards using off-site monitoring, CCTV cameras and technology. Some schools of thought adhere to technology only or others adhere to manned/physical guarding. This blog post will argue in the benefits of using a blended approach of labour and technology to ensure safer communities, properties, and information. We will define various terms and we aim to clarify these important concepts in an educational manner for all our readers. This is an important topic as we need to be receptive to change and learn from all the seismic shifts in the security industry.

In simple terms, a security officer is a person employed to protect people and properties from crime, accidents, fire, and suspicious behaviour. A security officer needs to undergo specific industry related training and gain the relevant experience to perform his/her duties effectively. Extensive interventions, further training and proper supervision will allow each security officer to flourish further in their careers. Proper screening and vetting of potential security personnel for any prior criminal activity is mandatory. Scenario-based testing will unveil the security officer’s current knowledge regarding the security industry and the level at which he/she is currently at.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” – Benjamin Franklin

Following from this, we are dealing with human beings who each come with their own narratives, histories, personalities, and backgrounds. To ensure the optimal working relationship between employer and employee, attention must be shown towards the development of each security officer. He/she might even become a supervisor, manager or become part of the upper tiers of operations and/or management. It is the duty of the training staff to make training sessions enjoyable, productive, and engaging for all. Each person needs a tailored and specific approach to learning. Adept trainers need to understand the different learning styles that suit each person best and adjust their training to ensure that the trainee receives the most benefit. Furthermore, reinforcement of training, recognition, mentorship, and proper succession planning will allow for more employees to flourish. Happy employees will be more productive and have increased work-life satisfaction. According to recent psychological research, job satisfaction and life satisfaction are strongly related to desirable outcomes in work and life such as: higher job performance, organizational citizenship behaviour, lower absenteeism, and organizational commitment (Diener and Tay, 2012).

Following from this, the right trainers and management staff will allow employees to develop more effectively and even if there are contentious issues, more empathetic and holistic approaches can combat this. This can include personalized one on one mentoring sessions, proper discipline, and regular performance appraisals. This involves time, money, and effort however if done correctly, it can lead to security officers better protecting clients’ assets, people, and information due to improved job and life satisfaction.

“It’s not about your resources, it’s about your resourcefulness” – Tony Robbins

It is vital to consider how resourceful your security provider is. Resourcefulness is the ability to overcome difficulties by using clever and efficient ways to solve these difficulties. In South Africa specifically, innumerable industries have been impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result there have been disruptions in essential industries, business closures, trade disruption, reduction in productivity, decreased income and countless related consequences. This spills into the security industry as there is a clear link between crime and economic inequality. Security companies need to rely on dynamic, cost effective and technological products and services to aid in the fight against crime. All this links to the fact that resourcefulness is invaluable. Security professionals need to be inventive, enterprising, and tenacious going forward.

Moreover, we cannot just buy all the cameras, the latest security gadgets, and equipment without first analyzing each product carefully. Security companies must operate within restricted budgets due to the new economic landscape. The best use of technology needs to combine with making cost effective use of our budgets. High-definition cameras, off-site monitoring, guard management software and access control systems are part of the holistic package that an effective security provider can use. However, a key reminder is that solely relying on technology without adequate training, supervision and human intervention could be detrimental to the overall goal and purpose of security which is looking after and protecting people, clients’ assets, and information. Sufficient product knowledge on the part of security professionals and consumers can lead to better decisions made. Emphasis to the type of property and site is critical. Quality risk assessments will determine which technology is correct for that site. Being resourceful with technology and guarding is likely to achieve better outcomes in terms of security measures and protection.

“Synergy – The Bonus that is Achieved when Things Work Together Harmoniously” – Mark Twain

The final piece of the puzzle for effective security in this ever-growing industry is synergy between personnel, technology, client, and overall cost. Without all these crucial elements working together harmoniously then this will result in subpar service delivery or catastrophe. The security industry is based on trust, and it is the duty of security professionals to carefully listen to the client’s needs and see how they can input value into the safety and lives of their beloved clients. To conclude, we need to pay attention to the fluctuating economy due to COVID-19, superior guarding solutions, the proper training and improved work-life satisfaction of security officers, conducting quality risk assessments, applying resourcefulness, and achieving total synergy. To reach the overarching goal of safety and security, it all boils down to implementing a tailor made and specific solution to the needs of all clients.

If you are interested in upgrading your security solutions or having one of our knowledgeable staff discuss an integrated solution of guarding and technology for you, look no further than the leading contract guarding specialists in South Africa, Mantis Security. We can conduct a free risk assessment on your property, business, or establishment. Our related services also include employee vetting and screening.

Contact us on 0114871000, email info@mantissecurity.co.za or visit our newly updated webpage on www.mantissecurity.co.za. We are also on social media applications such as Facebook and Instagram.

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Smarter Security and Safety Risk Solutions

Contract Security – Contract Guarding Benefits

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With home robberies on the rise, increasing by 69.8 percent in the past nine years according to the South African Police Service’s latest crime statistics (as excerpted from this News24.com article), residential security is a growing concern for most South Africans.

While body corporates (in cases of complexes and estates) do not need to be registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), it is legally obliged to ensure that its security provider or security guards are registered and PSIRA compliant.

Although complexes have traditionally been perceived as more secure, offering resident’s greater peace of mind – this is changing, and home robberies in complexes are increasing. Homeowners in complexes and estates are often complacent, relying on the trustees or estate directors, who are not necessarily experienced in this area, to take care of security. But be warned, if your trustees are employing and managing their own security guards, this could potentially be a recipe for disaster.

Benefits of Contract Security

  • Benefits of Contract Security: Ease of Administration of Security Program

Business owners, estate managers, body corporate and homeowners alike should stick to their core competency to maximize results.  Everyone should by now have realized the value of outsourcing – whether it’s bookkeeping, IT or building maintenance business owners of this generation understand the importance of focusing on their specialty and hiring other experts to support them. The management team of a professional security firm should make a business manager’s life easier by relieving them of the stress of managing their security department.

  • Benefits of Contract Security: Guard Staffing Flexibility

Contract security guard firms have a deeper bench of talent to draw from.  If your Security Guard is going to be out ill or taking leave, that firm has other officers that can be pulled in to provide coverage during the absence.  If your business has a special event requiring extra security coverage, your contract security firm can easily bring in additional guards to support you during this time.

  • Benefits of Contract Security: Impartiality of Security Officers

It is often suggested that contract guards can more effectively enforce regulations and procedures than an internal employee.  Guards employed by a different employer have less loyalty or feelings of influence by in-house employees.  Their job loyalty is to the guard services firm that can easily move them to another location as necessary.  This produces a more consistently impartial performance of duty.

  • Benefits of Contract Security: Expertise & Training of Guards

When contracting with a security firm, you are not only hiring a security guard, but the expertise of the management team.  These managers should be your consultants, assisting in developing, implementing and refining security policies and procedures regularly.  Their experience in working with clients across the community should provide them insights that can be brought to benefit in your organization as well.  Look for a management team that is active in the security industry and participates in continuing education on a regular basis.

Contract security firms are experienced in teaching Security Officers regularly.  They have established curriculum and materials that meet or exceed industry standards.  Professional trainers are able to modify their standard training programs to meet the specific needs of your organization.

  • Benefits of Contract Security: Cost of Security Program

Most experts agree that contract guard services are less expensive than a proprietary unit.  These cost savings occur in several areas.  Most security guards receive fewer fringe benefits than the in-house personnel of a company.  More importantly, specialized security firms are able to achieve efficiencies in management and operation of a guard force that most businesses cannot achieve.  Training cost and quality can be greatly improved by a firm that specializes in conducting security training on a regular basis for larger numbers of Officers.  Guard services firms have the resources to develop appropriate equipment and training materials more efficiently.

Why not get yourself a risk-free assessment for hiring Mantis’ trained, professional contract guards? Click here to get in touch today!

 

Source credit: https://bossecurity.com/2013/09/18/advantages-of-using-contract-vs-in-house-security-guards/

Security Control Room – Benefits Of Having A 24 Hour Control Room As Part Of Your Security Package

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Security Control Rooms can be defined as a facility that houses an information security team responsible for monitoring and analysing an organization’s security posture on an on-going basis. The security team’s goal is to detect, analyse, and respond to any and all security incidents or threats, using a combination of technology solutions and a strong set of processes.

Control rooms are typically staffed with security analysts as well as managers who oversee security operations. The security staff working within a control room work closely with organizational incident response teams to ensure security issues are addressed immediately upon discovery.

Control room operators monitor and analyse activity on perimeters, parking lots, entrances, “weak spots” or areas which are easily breached, high-risk areas and more, looking for anomalous activity that could be indicative of a security incident or compromise.

The control room operators are responsible for ensuring that potential security incidents are correctly identified, analysed, immediately reported to response teams, further analysed and further reporting to “the powers that be” of where improvements can be made to avoid a similar situation arising.

What other benefits does a 24 hour control room offer those seeking around-the-clock security?

The key benefit of having a security control room is the improvement of security, incident detection through continuous monitoring, analysis of activity and assisted mitigation of further incidents.

The 24/7 monitoring provided by security control rooms allow homes, businesses and more an advantage to defend against incidents and intrusions, regardless of source, time of day, or attack type. The gap between attackers’ time to gain entry or commit a crime, and the control rooms time to detection is absolutely crucial. Having a 24 hour security control room helps individuals and organizations close that gap and stay on top of the threats facing their environments.

At Mantis Vision, we employ proactive guarding services using state-of-the-art cameras and software, detecting suspicious behaviour every second of every day. Linked to a state of the art control room and highly trained personnel, Mantis Vision will contact the armed reaction partner of choice to inform them of any unusual sightings at your premises, business or residential. Clients are also notified of suspect events by means of a video clip sent to your cell phone or by email notifications.

If you need any information on the Mantis Vision solution, click here to get in touch with us today!