The Qualities of a Great Security Officer

Written by Eyal Ben-Shir

Mantis Security

“Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well” – John W. Gardner

Service delivery and trust are cornerstones in the security industry. If you offer guarding or any security related offering, it is imperative to hire or cultivate great people in the process to achieve successful outcomes. This blog post will look at key qualities of great security officers and how it relates to quality service delivery. Without considering the role of great people, it may prove to be detrimental overall. We need to clarify what distinguishes the great security officers.

Humility and the Willingness to Learn

“Faster. Stronger. Smarter. More humble. Less ego” – Jocko Willink

Security officers are placed in different environments characterised by various threats and risky situations. It is important for a security officer to be receptive to innovative ideas, ways of operating and welcome constructive criticism from supervisors. This allows one to develop his/her skills and fosters an attitude of humility. Humility allows a security officer to accept their own strengths and limitations. Humility promotes the openness to different perspectives, and this is crucial when security personnel deal with clients and the public.

The willingness to learn ensures that anyone in the security industry can keep up with emerging trends, recent technology and changing processes. Each person learns in diverse ways, and it is vital to establish the learning styles of any security officer so that training is beneficial for all. Learning can take place anywhere and at any time if one has a humble and open attitude. In the security industry, we all need to constantly educate ourselves and seek to improve daily. Without the willingness to learn, complacency can creep in and erode into service delivery. The consequences of this include stagnation, breakdown of trust, incidents and not learning healthily from mistakes. Clients demand great service and trust however without the foundational qualities of humility and learning, we cannot expect to achieve these shared goals. Great security officers look to impart knowledge to others whilst retaining that student’s mindset of learning from everyone. They tend to have healthy self-awareness and can take any criticism as an opportunity to sharpen and hone their skillsets.

Integrity

“Power really is a test of character. In the hands of a person of integrity, it is of tremendous benefit; in the hands of a tyrant, it causes terrible destruction” – John Maxwell

Integrity is a constant pillar in the security industry. Clients pay hard earned money and expect their property, people, and information to be secured. Clients have expectations and the way to meet these important expectations is through a relationship of integrity. The core of integrity is about doing the correct thing even when it is unrecognised by others or convenient for you. Integrity has been suggested to be the antidote to self-interest and arrogance. A great security officer must have integrity entrenched in their values. This allows the client to have peace of mind and feel they can trust the officer at their home, business, or site. Without integrity, nefarious and tragic incidents could take place which may derail the relationship between the client and the security service provider.

Accurate information leads to better decision making but if a security officer forges or covers up any piece of information, this may result in a crime being committed. This can damage the security officer’s and the security provider’s reputation. Before employing any security officer, the necessary vetting and background checks should be conducted before hiring. Integrity is present in thoughts, actions and attitude and a great security officer embodies integrity in everything he/she does.

Observation Skills

“The price of peace is eternal vigilance” – George C. Marshall

Excellent observation skills allow security officers to notice threats, risks, and anomalies in the environment in which they work. Great security officers can detect, deter, and delay any irregularities and act accordingly. This also relates to quick reactions and a great security officer needs to gauge the situation as effectively as possible. He/she needs to pinpoint anything out of place and time. Being able to think on his/her feet and responding with composure are the hallmarks of a great security officer.

Being calm and situationally aware relates to superior observation skills. Certain situations may prove dangerous however situational awareness could mitigate further risks. Situational awareness is being aware of what is happening around you and identifying threats vigilantly. The ideal security officer can circumvent any obstacle and ensure he/she fulfils the greater mission of securing the client’s peace of mind and overall safety.

Communication

“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others” – Tony Robbins

The above qualities are all crucial however adept communication skills allow a security officer to express and verbalize effectively with all people. All clients have different requests and perceptions that a security officer needs to work with. Great security officers listen attentively, acknowledge what is being said and produce creative solutions to solve all complicated problems and issues on site. This translates in dealing with the public properly and ensuring superior access control. Highly trained and great security officers can also read nonverbal cues and observe body language. This may be the difference to thwarting a potential threat proactively or letting a crime be committed before it is too late.

Comprehension and understanding falls under this attribute of communication as security protocols may change and a security officer needs to be informed of these changes. A great security officer can converse with various levels of management, colleagues and this tends to be extremely useful in emergency situations. Excellent communication leads to strong teamwork, and this can further enhance the trust and service level delivery between the client and security provider.

Drive

“The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur” – Vince Lombardi

Drive is the mechanism which propels all the actions and decisions of the great security officer. Drive refers to the energy, passion, and enthusiasm of a person. The great security officer needs to possess genuine passion and drive to immerse him/herself in the security industry. A security officers needs to value human life and driven to help others. Without drive, the effectiveness of a security officer is diminished. This drive applies to anyone in the security industry as we will all face obstacles and problems which will need our intervention and ingenuity. The great security officer will prepare for the worst scenarios and are proficient at deescalating threatening situations.

To conclude, each attribute mentioned previously are like the tools needed for our handy toolboxes. Each tool is vital in delivering excellent service and 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

Many advocates want to do away with a physical guard. The supporters of these views state many compelling reasons and will try to convince you that cameras and analytics etc. are enough of a deterrent by themselves.

That will also say their control rooms are efficient, staffed with highly trained personnel and this, linked with armed response, is enough to ensure safety. This is a good selling point and can sound very convincing. However, to execute this effectively is extremely costly and the final solution is not always what should be in place to provide complete coverage, but what the company perceives you can afford.

The fact of the matter is that guarding relies on the ‘human factor’, which can be unpredictable and frustrating at times. We have the exact same number of problems with equipment-only systems, which can be affected by power failures, equipment failures or the ‘human factor’ on the other end of the equipment.

Taking into consideration that we live in South Africa and the big ‘Eskom problem’, our first problem to consider is electricity, to keep your system running and in good order. There will be an argument for inverters and generators, all of which comes with its own price tag and continued maintenance costs.

In a non-guarding system, where you only have cameras and analytics and electric fencing, beams Wi-Fi etc., if any of these technological systems incurs a problem (electricity, no data etc.) it affects your whole system and will render either one and in many times all your failsafes obsolete. This is because of one outstanding component, human participation and intervention at site level.

The best and most complete method of protection for your home, complex or business premises is to make use of an integrated security solution where all the above-mentioned electronic measures are actively involved in protecting your site, with the human presence as well.

 

Why is a well-trained security officer important?

1. First line of active monitoring (already on site, not 5-10 minutes away as per armed response time, if traffic is good).

2. Immediate client and control room contact and service.

3. A physical and visible human deterrent.

4. An additional point of contact to control room/armed response when other sources are not available.

5. Not stationed in one place but actively patrolling (depending on site), which gives the element of surprise and unpredictability.

6. You do not need to plug in, reboot or recharge the officer.

7. Is able to do those little jobs which go unnoticed until they are not available, such as receiving parcels/post, checking that the bins have been placed, etc.

8. Placing a guard completes your ‘total’ security complement and makes for an integrated security solution.

Mantis Security uses a smarter security vision where guarding, CCTV, videofied, analytics and electronics are integrated to bring you a total security solution. The company’s solution gives clients a ‘full circle’ option:

• CCTV cameras around your premises/home/facility. Your CCTV system (linked to the control room) can be linked to a data analytics device (Mantis e-guarding and off-site monitoring).

• Data analytics linked to your system provides accurate feedback on events and movement, which in turn gives you accurate data on trends in and around your facility. These analytics are shared with the client frequently.

• ATG (at the gate) scanner and verifications system at the entrance and exit (biometric systems optional depending on the risk profile assessment)

• Videofied alarm systems do not need electricity and provide an additional system/alarm, with immediate activation on intrusion via a 30-second video clip to the control room or your phone. These images can immediately be identified and cut out most false alarms, because the occurrence can be identified in real-time and be reacted on if required.

• The completion of this circle is your actual security officer on site and the 24/7 control room with highly trained personnel.

Click here to view published article on www.securitysa.com

Credit(s)Yo

Safe-guarding your place of business and making sure it is maintained as a safe and secure environment should never be taken lightly. On-site security professionals that have been trained to provide a uniformed presence can be a great asset when it comes to deterring criminal activity.

Having a security officer onsite can also help with any situations or circumstances that might give you cause for concern and will be noted and detailed in written reports, a valuable asset should there be further issues or problems. Working with an onsite security company will ensure you are provided with superior resources and can do much to improve your level of safety.

How to Determine If You Need a Security Guard at Your Company

• Is Your Company Located in a High Crime Area?

High crime doesn’t necessarily mean a bad neighbourhood. It could also include a warehouse located in a sparsely-populated rural area, for instance. There is a potential for a higher number of break-ins in that case as well.

• Are You Experiencing Retail Theft And Shrinkage?

Data revealed that retailers in the USA lost nearly $44 billion from theft in 2014 (that’s around R 580 907 800 000.00 – or five-hundred and eighty billion, nine-hundred million, eight-hundred-thousand – and a few rands) with 34 percent of that number coming from employees. As such, practically any retail setting would benefit from the presence of a security guard.

A well-trained, licensed guard will take steps to limit liability and reduce shrinkage, saving the business money. That’s a fact the small business owner shouldn’t miss when considering hiring a security company.

• Do You Have Concern Over Safety Issues?

If you think you have one or two safety issues, in reality, you probably have dozens. Having someone dedicated to safety, who knows what to look for, who can pick apart what’s safe and unsafe and needs to be improved upon is very useful. A security guard would know what to look for.

• Do You Serve Alcohol on the Premises?

Anywhere alcohol is served, especially in excess, is a good place to have a security guard present. A business’s liability can get expensive if a fight breaks out resulting in injury to persons or property. The guard’s presence acts as a deterrent. He can move quickly to prevent incidents before they escalate.

• Do You Have Building Traffic Concerns?

Businesses that have a lot of people entering and exiting a building can utilize guards to monitor traffic, check people in and out and give out IDs or name tags.

The physical presence of a professional, courteous guard puts the public at ease and creates a safer environment that criminals will be less inclined to target. It also sends a signal that you care about public safety and are taking steps to protect your customers or visitors.

Why not consider contracting a security guard to your business? Click here for advice and quotations today!

 

Source credits: http://www.sterlingprotective.com/news/does-my-company-need-a-security-guard/

https://smallbiztrends.com/2016/12/why-hire-a-security-guard.html

Through Mantis’ threat mitigation and management plan, you can be assured that your security needs will not only be covered, but they will be assessed and forecast in order to not only prevent and deter crime, but be ahead of the curve in future risk mitigation.

An initial thorough risk analysis and a dynamic threat mitigation and management plan will ensure that all threats are timeously identified, suitably mitigated and/or professionally managed.

The multi-layered approach allows for the full integration of all individual security elements, ensuring the delay, timely detection and appropriate response to any security related threat. In addition, this approach affords the client the opportunity to make changes to individual layers without compromising the integrity of the overall security, thus minimizing the potential resource wastage associated with ‘pre-manufactured’ security solutions.

A multi-layered approach allows for protection of all Personnel, Assets and Information by integrating the other associated HSSEC components of:

• Health and safety in terms of the OSHAS act and other relevant legislation
• Medical incidents
• Fire prevention and management
• Contingency planning
• Natural disasters
• Terrorism and terrorist related activities
• Specific action plans to address the threat analysis

Mantis Security – South Africas Intelligent 4-Tier Approach to 24/7 Full Spectrum Security

Intelligence
Collating own intelligence through regular patrols
Looking at trends in incidents to identify risks
Attending CPO Forum Meetings to gain first-hand feedback directly from the community
Attending Police Forum Meetings to be aware of new trends in all areas.

Outer Perimeter – CCTV Cameras (monitored on-site or off-site)

This layer includes all physical barriers for the purpose of deterrence, detection and delay:
Checks carried out include: Perimeter fencing (single or multiple layers) | Penetration prevention (checking for “weak” spots | Control points (booms, gates, access control points, etc.) | Lighting | CCTV Cameras (monitored on-site or off-site) | Outer perimeter patrols ( armed, unarmed, with or without canine security services)

Inner Perimeter
This layer includes all measures for the purpose of detection and intervention.

Lighting & CCTV Cameras

Beams | CCTV Cameras | ATV (All-Terrain-Vehicle) patrols, foot patrols, and or equestrian mounted patrols (all armed or unarmed). Foot patrols and equestrian patrols may also be carried out (with or without additional canine security) | Intruder alarm systems integrated with pepper gas.

High-Risk Areas
This layer includes all measures for the purpose of deterrence, detection and immediate intervention. | Static / stationary guards (armed or unarmed and with or without canine security) | Control points (boom gates, access control points, etc.) | Lighting | Armed response

 

For any info on the services listed above, click here to get in touch with us today.

 

What are PSIRA Security Grades?

Here is a The mandate of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority – or PSIRA as we know it – is derived from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Act 56 of 2001. The primary objective of the Authority is to regulate the private security industry and to exercise effective control over the practice of the occupation of security service provider in the public and national interest and in the interest of the private security industry itself.

PSIRA Trained Security Officers – Mantis Security

One of the objects of the Authority is to promote high standards in the training of security service providers and prospective security service providers. Training service providers are required by law to be registered and accredited with PSIRA before services are offered.

Key functions of PSIRA regarding Training:

• Determine minimum statutory training standards for the industry
• Accreditation of training centres and instructors to present PSIRA statutory courses which includes Grades E-A, Assets in Transit, Reaction Services, Event Security, Dog Handlers
• Evaluation and processing of course reports
• Liaison with SAQA, QCTO and SASSETA in respect of the development of NQF qualifications and programs for all categories or classes of security service providers
• Recognition of Prior Learning

PSIRA South Africa Guard Grading – How Does it Work?

The roles and responsibilities of guards differ and are dependent on the grade that the guard has obtained. The lowest grade for security officers in South Africa is grade D, with the highest being grade A.

PSIRA Grade D Security Guards

Grade D security officers’ main function is access control.

PSIRA Grade C Security Guards

A Grade C security officer’s main function is access control of a higher risk area and supervision of lower grade security officers.

PSIRA Grade B Security Guards

A Grade B security officers’ main function is access control in high-risk areas where documentation and basic computer skills might be required.

• A site or shift commander.
• Managing of lower grade security officers.
• Possible inspector doing site visits.

PSIRA Grade A Security Guards

A Grade A security officers’ main function would normally be a site manager or commander.

• Controlling and managing a number of functions.
• Managing the security workforce
• Conducting risk assessments and evaluations on site daily.
• Basic investigative skills.
• Problem solving.
• Designing security solutions.

 

All of Mantis security’s armed and unarmed security officers are PSIRA accredited and compliant; for information, guidance or individual pricing, click here to get in touch with us today!

Want the full psira registered security companies list?

View it Here at PSIRA.co.za

 

Started in 1986 under the name R&M Security Services, Mark Kramer, along with his brother Raymond, were determined to challenge the ugly face of crime in a changing South Africa.

Mark Kramer was 23 years old at the time, fresh out of the SADF infantry where he served as a platoon commander.

Back then, there were no regulations and no minimum wages, but R&M knew that when their guards were treated with respect and paid fairly, their job performance would be better. Their first client was a friend in the plumbing business whose property was broken into. Through top-quality service and perseverance, R&M grew from one guarding contract to 30 others in lightning-fast speed, reaching into the residential, commercial and retail spheres.

In 1991 Mark Kramer suffered a terrible motorbike accident and decided to sell R&M. Whilst recovering, he wasted no time in bettering his security knowledge and skills. He went on Sabbatical, traveling to the Far East, USA and Israel, attending security lectures, seminars and conferences. It was here he realized that he was itching to get back into the industry he loved so much. He returned to South Africa and immediately, in 1992 established Mantis Security. Now over 25 years later, Mantis is still learning, engaging and adapting to its market, always striving to be the best of the best for its clients.

Mantis believes in building long lasting relationships and providing customer service above and beyond its competitors. Today, Mantis Security is rated one of the top security companies in South Africa and a pioneer in the security industry. With your support, Mantis intends on keeping it this way.

Mantis Security Services Include

• Warehousing & Stock Loss Control

Mantis Security is able to design the necessary systems to identify the causes of shrinkages and implement an effective action plan to minimize the risks associated with any stock control losses.

• Special Events & Functions

Mantis Security can provide a full range of bespoke corporate and special event security services with guaranteed professionalism and reliability. Our corporate event security services are individually tailored to our client’s requirements and our expert security operations are thoroughly planned with your team and all stakeholders, including police and other local authorities.

We have a wealth of experience in providing special in-depth management of your event including the build/breakdown phases of your event, health and safety measures, admittance of authorized personnel and guests, parking restrictions, overnight security and more. We also provide the highest calibre of guards and stewards who are well-trained, courteous and vigilant in their duties.

• Counter Terrorism

Mantis Security can provide protective and counter-terrorism security advice to support businesses in order to reduce vulnerability to terrorist threats. We draw on a wide range of expertise including; skilled detectives, financial investigators, intelligence analysts. We also work closely with police forces throughout the country, government departments and other agencies.

• Security Consulting & Management

Mantis Security can provide professional security consultancy services that give assistance to both businesses and individuals. We pride ourselves on our expertise of planning and executing a broad spectrum of large scale, integral turnkey security projects which optimally satisfy the client’s requirements, whilst remaining cost effective.

With over 30 years of experience, Mantis security boasts and intimate and first-hand knowledge of all aspects relating to security and risk management.

• Investigations

With more than 30 years of experience in the security industry, Mantis Security boasts the investigative experience and professional competencies to offer an integrated investigation framework that our clients can feed into (inter alia) in legal, accounting, human resource and information technology functions.

• Risk Assessments

Mantis Security offers on site security risk assessment services that bring peace of mind to our clients, whether they are private individuals, businesses or organizations. Our consultants are trained to provide a professional security risk assessment that details the potential threat, how the threat might manifest itself and how to mitigate against the risk of that threat.

The results of the risk assessment analysis will indicate methods of application and recommendation of a proposed security structure as well as economic analysis of cost.

• 24 hour Control Room

Our locally based Control Room operates on a 24/7 basis by specially trained monitoring personnel. The control room is equipped with the latest high tech surveillance technology systems to monitor all access points and perimeters thereby ensuring that you and your business are protected day and night. We have alternate power sources readily available in case of any power supply interruptions

• VIP & Executive Bodyguarding

Mantis Security offers a full range of discreet and reliable VIP security services. The Mantis Close Protection Unit is a team of highly skilled security specialists. All team members are fully accredited Close Protection Officers (CPO’s) and are registered with the Private Security Industry Regulation Authority and S.A.S.S.E.T.A

We can provide overt protection, with a uniformed VIP security services team, or discrete surveillance. Members of the Mantis Close Protection Unit have been deployed to protect government officials, athletes, celebrities, corporate executives and their families.  Our high profile clients can have absolute confidence in our commitment to discretion and client confidentiality.

• Armed & Unarmed Security

Mantis Security ensures all its security personnel are responsible, reliable and drug free. All security officers are carefully selected and trained to provide the best, latest and safest security measures to ensure our clients satisfaction, well-being and peace of mind. All security officers are PSIRA qualified and registered with the Security Officers Board. All armed guards are fully compliant with the latest Firearm Control Act.

Our security guarding services are provided to corporations, private and residential home functions and events nationwide. Our security guards and supervisors are highly competent, dedicated officers, all of whom are capable of performing at the highest level.

• I Services

In addition to 30 years’ experience in the industry, Mantis has a highly experienced Risk manager and a qualified investigator to facilitate all investigations. Mantis’s professional competencies enable us to offer an integrated investigation framework that our clients can feed into (inter alia) in legal, accounting, and human resource and information technology functions.

• Canine Services

The use of highly trained Guard dogs (K9) – in combination with specially trained security officers which are dog handlers.  Benefits include:

• Professionally trained dog serves as a deterrent: Study – 83% of burglars said they would be deterred from committing a crime if there was a dog on the premises.
• Protect and alert the Security Officer and respond to eminent threats.
• Detect threats much quicker than humans
• Selfless protector
• Effective weapon

 

Mantis Security would be honoured to quote you, offer a free risk assessment or give guidance. Click here to get in touch with us today!