Having worked in security for most of my life, it is now second nature for me to look at what security is in place when I visit somewhere. This usually takes the form of just having a look at how the security officers operate.

If you are going to employ security service, then you obviously have something specific in mind that you want them to do. I recently visited a well-known high-street supermarket that I have been to many times in my local area. I know that they employ one security officer.  On entry there was no security – nothing wrong with that so far. Having a quick look around I couldn’t see security anywhere. I could however, see who I thought was a traffic warden thumbing through the newspapers. However, on closer inspection I noticed a tiny badge on her hat that said security. By the time I left the supermarket, she was standing by the front door looking totally disinterested in what was going on. She looked in a world of her own.

I understand that this store uses security as more of a deterrent rather than to catch shoplifters, but for this to work your security officer needs to be seen as being alert and proactive. Having a security officer completely disinterested in what they are doing can have the reverse effect, making your premises an easier target.

Security in this store would have been arranged by head office, who possibly have never even been to the shop. The store manager won’t get a say and will just have to make do with whoever he gets sent.

Security officers are still ambassadors for the store / business they are working in. They may be asked for their recommendations on how security can be improved, and if the security officer doesn’t know, who does?

The security company who hold this contract are a recognized company. The problem today,  is that it is more important for large companies to secure the contract and protect the bottom line, than supply quality security officers who actually have an interest in what they are doing.  Protecting the bottom line usually comes at a cost to the client. Just because someone holds an SIA licence, doesn’t necessarily mean they know anything about security.

But sometimes security can be misunderstood. You have proactive security officers but the person arranging security doesn’t really know how to deploy them properly.

Take my recent visit to the cinema. It was a large 15 screen cinema with a bar and a few uniformed male security officers. On the front door to the cinema was one officer standing at a table just inside the doorway looking in women’s bags as they entered. The first problem was that there were two separate ways in to the building, so if you wanted to bring something in, you could just take the lift from the car park! There were also no signs posted on the way in informing people they may be subject to a bag search. It was good that security were being proactive, but they did need some direction from a person who understands how security works.

I once heard someone say ‘If I can’t get a job, I’ll just go and work in security‘. That is the person who will work for minimum wage for a large security company, who will then be posted at a clients premises expected to look after their best interests.

Over the years, the way security contracts are procured has changed. Clients are now more likely to be talking about their security requirements with a salesman, rather than with someone who actually understands what they need. A key accounts manager in charge of securing new contracts will start on a salary of £42,000, while the person you really need to look after your business could be working for £5.75 per hour and have no interest in what they are doing.

It’s not just about supplying ‘bodies’

There is of course a place for the large security companies, but sometimes it might be better to work with the smaller professional security companies who are usually able to offer the same services as the larger companies, but who keep their emphasis on the work rather than the profit margin.

Being approached in the street and occasionally mobbed by fans is all part of the celebrity lifestyle.

We have been trusted by an internationally recognised brand to ensure their celebrity clients have been safe. This has included working with artist management and the Police.

On occasion we have had to deal with serious stalking incidents. Working with intelligence from both the Police and Artist Management, we have been able to intercept the threat and ensure the principal was kept away from  the area while going about their everyday business uninterrupted.

A portfolio of previous work is available on request.

If you require Close Protection for your client, security for a celebrity event or residential security for your client either while they are in residence or away, please call and speak to us first.

E: contact @ capitolrisk.co.uk

Someone who protects someone?

Someone who protects someone important?

A person who is responsible for the safety of another person?

Well yes … But being a Close Protection Officer (CPO) or Bodyguard is far more than just  protecting someone. This is especially so when working with principals who have a public image to maintain.

The Capitol Risk definition of a Close Protection Officer or Bodyguard is …

Someone who creates a safe environment where the person we are charged with looking after can live as normal life as possible pertaining to the perceived level of threat.

All of our Close protection Officers understand that close protection is more than just protecting someone.

Please view our gallery to see  some of the people we have provided Close Protection services to.

Our Close Protection Service is  available worldwide.

If you require this service, please contact us at:

contact @ capitolrisk.co.uk

I believe all security officers should be physically fit. I don’t mean body builder fit but have a level of fitness thats above average due to the nature of the job.

There can be many different elements to the work that security officers do, not to mention the long hours, bad diets and having to be mentally alert for the entire time while working. This is why we use security officers who take their physical fitness seriously. With many of our security officers having military backgrounds, being and keeping fit is second nature.

Remember that people come in all shapes and sizes … and so do security officers. Every officer brings something different to the table, albeit strength, speed, martial arts skills etc but one thing all Capitol Risk Security Officers have in common is that security is a career and not just a job.

The bottom line is fitness is an important part of the making up of a good security officer.

UPDATE 18th March 2009

While doing my daily searches through the online security community, I came across a link to this article. Its interesting that even the tabloids have picked up on this subject.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/34847/Heavies-just-too-heavy/

We can usually provide security cover at short notice.

Our record from first client call to placing security is 3 hours!

Even at short notice, the quality of our service and security officers always remains excellent. We will provide the same level of highly skilled and experienced security officer whether we have 2 weeks, 2 days or 10 hours notice.

You will NEVER just get a ‘body’ as a security officer from Capitol Risk.