Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day: A message from Heather Baily, Chair of the SIA
As we mark International Security Officers’ Day this year, I can’t help but reflect with pride on the many examples of outstanding actions of so many security officers that I’ve heard about over the last four years in my time as Chair at the SIA.
Whether it’s on the 24th July each year, or at the many prestigious awards events in the private security industry throughout the year, we rightly take the time to celebrate the professionalism of the fantastic people in the industry who go above and beyond the call of duty in protecting the public. Today we have published stories of some amazing individuals. There are undoubtedly many qualities that these security operatives share with many of you who work on the front line, including bravery, compassion, and so much more.
The training required to become an SIA licence holder is just the beginning and it’s important to remember the many interpersonal and safety critical skills that you will develop beyond your initial training, will allow you to thrive in your role.
Clear, calm communication, especially in stressful and dangerous situations, is a skill so many of you possess. Another key, and little recognised, attribute is emotional intelligence. The ability to remain composed, show compassion, and respond appropriately to people in distress speaks volumes about the character and professionalism of those working on the front line across the private security industry.
Effective decision-making, using your judgement and experience to decide on the best course of action, particularly in challenging circumstances, is also a vital skill that many of you consistently demonstrate and that we see in many of the examples we have shared here today.
Honing these skills, both from your initial training and in continuous professional development throughout your career, will support you in keeping the public safe. At the SIA, we are committed to supporting a professional, well-trained, and valued security workforce. We believe that recognising and developing these wide-ranging skills is not only crucial for your personal and career growth but for raising standards across the sector.
We will continue to champion the skill, dedication, and professionalism of front line security officers not just today, but every day.
So, on International Security Officers’ Day, I want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you, both from myself and everyone here at the SIA. Thank you to every security operative who goes above and beyond to protect people, property, and public spaces. The work you do to support greater public safety, cannot be overstated and your role remains as vital as ever.
Heather Baily, Chair, Security Industry Authority
Skilled for Safety- Interviews with licence holders
On this International Security Officers Day, the SIA is celebrating the service, recognising the resilience, and honouring the bravery of front line security officers. We spoke with 3 officers from across the private security industry: Abdullah Tanoli, Baboucarr Jallow, and Barry Higgins, who shared their stories with us.
Whether it’s responding to emergencies, defusing tensions, or simply showing up with quiet vigilance, security officers embody and represent the very best of front line security.
To every security officer making a difference—thank you. Your courage does not go unnoticed.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your role?
Abdullah: “A typical day in my role as a Retail Security Officer starts with checking all key areas of the store to make sure everything is in place, and nothing is missing from overnight. I also ensure fire exits are clear, and the store is safe to open. Once the store opens, I maintain a visible presence on the shop floor to deter theft and support staff. I regularly patrol the store, especially high-value and vulnerable areas, while also keeping an eye on customer behaviour. I’m always ready to step in if someone is acting suspiciously or causing disruption. Customer service is also part of my role, helping with directions, assisting during busy times, and keeping the environment calm and welcoming. If an incident occurs, I act quickly, follow the procedure, and complete a clear written report afterward. Before the store closes, I help secure the premises and ensure all staff leave safely. Each day is different, but the goal is always to keep the store safe and running smoothly.”
Baboucarr: “Each day, I unlock buildings and conduct patrols both by car and on foot. I manage CCTV footage for both internal use and for police investigations. I also administer first aid, handle safeguarding issues, and write detailed reports to ensure everything is properly documented.”
Barry: “Night starts with lockups and then moves onto site visits and alarm activation. The morning then brings the unlocks before it’s time to finish.”
What core skills do you rely on most?
Abdullah: “Observation, communication, conflict management, and staying calm under pressure. You need to be able to read situations quickly and respond appropriately, whether it’s de-escalating a confrontation, assisting someone in distress, or reporting suspicious activity accurately and professionally.”
Baboucarr: “My work is guided by the core values of respect, love, selfless commitment, and integrity. These principles are the foundation of everything I do.”
Barry: “Time keeping/planning and observation.”
Security officers are often among the first to respond in emergencies. Can you share a moment where you had to act quickly to ensure someone’s safety?
Abdullah: “Yes, I faced a life-threatening situation on August 12, 2024, while on duty in Leicester Square, London. It was a regular morning shift when I suddenly witnessed a 32-year-old man stabbing a 11-year-old girl with a knife in front of the TWG Tea shop where I was stationed. Her mother was with her, but thankfully she was unharmed. The child, however, had already been seriously injured. I didn’t hesitate. I immediately rushed toward the attacker, I jumped on him, held his right hand in which he was carrying a knife, tackled him to the ground, and kicked the knife away from his reach. Despite the danger, I pinned him down and restrained him on the floor for about five minutes until the police arrived and took over.
“During that time, I made sure the attacker couldn’t move or pose any further threat to the victims or the public. My priority was to protect the girl and ensure no one else was harmed. It was an intense moment, but I relied on my instincts, training, and sense of duty.
“That incident reminded me just how critical our role is as security officers, not just to protect property, but to act when lives are on the line.”
Baboucarr: “Security officers are often the first and last line of defence in protecting people and property. I take pride in getting the job done and being ready to act whenever needed.”
Barry: “Many cases have happened in the past from finding attempted suicides to catching intruders in buildings.”
What is one moment in your career that made you especially proud to be a front line officer?
Abdullah: “That same incident, saving the lives of an 11-year-old girl and her mother. Later, I was honoured with awards and recognition, but what meant most was knowing that I made a difference. It reminded me why front line officers matter, we’re the first to respond when every second counts.”
Baboucarr: “Every day is a proud day for me. I come to work, carry out my responsibilities honestly, and go home knowing I’ve made a difference.”
Barry: “Working with many celebrities.”
What do you wish people understood or appreciated about the industry?
Abdullah: “That private security is not just about standing at doors. We are protectors, risk managers, and first responders. We prevent incidents, not just react to them. Many people don’t realise the level of alertness and responsibility we carry every minute of our shift.”
Baboucarr: “I want people to understand that security officers are not people who simply had no other choice. We play a critical role in ensuring safety and security in all environments.”
Barry: “The night shifts involved.”
If you could change one public perception about the work of front line officers, what would it be?
Abdullah: “That we’re ‘just security guards.’ The truth is, front line officers are highly skilled professionals who operate under pressure, manage unpredictable situations, and often put themselves at risk for the safety of others. We deserve respect and recognition for that.”
Baboucarr: “If I could change anything, it would be to ensure the law offers more support for security officers.”
What advice would you give someone who is thinking of joining the private security industry?
Abdullah: “Take the job seriously, stay disciplined, and never stop learning. The private security industry isn’t easy, you’ll be on your feet for long hours, face unpredictable situations, and have to make quick decisions under pressure. But if you genuinely care about people and want to make a difference, this job can be incredibly rewarding.
“One piece of advice I always give is, just keep turning up. You might not realise it, but your presence alone can save lives. Simply being at your post, in uniform, acting professionally, that’s often enough to deter someone with bad intentions. Most of the time, you won’t even know how many incidents you’ve prevented just by showing up and doing your job with focus and integrity.
“If you take pride in being reliable, calm under pressure, and ready to protect others, this industry will respect you and you’ll find real purpose in it.”
Baboucarr: “To anyone thinking of joining the private security industry, my advice is simple: be an honest person. Integrity is everything.”
Barry: “Listen to experienced team members.”
In celebration of International Security Officers Day and in recognition of the incredible work done daily by front line officers, what message do you have for your colleagues across the industry?
Abdullah: “To every security officer out there, I salute you. You’re the backbone of safety in so many environments, from shopping centres to public spaces and events. You show up, stay alert, and protect others often without praise. On this day, take pride in your role. Your work matters, and you are appreciated. Stay strong and stay safe.”
Baboucarr: “To my fellow officers across the industry: keep up the good work! Your dedication does not go unnoticed.”
Check out SIA’s International Security Officers’ Day campaign
Tweet
Subscribe to our newsletters
You can get latest updates from us by signing up to our newsletters or visit our website for more information
Latest Posts
- Protecting public safety: our latest action against training malpractice
- Updates to our licensing criteria to ensure that it remains fit and proper
- Significant activity to crack down on training malpractice
- Turning the Tide on Training Malpractice in the Private Security Industry
- Tackling labour exploitation – an update on Operation EMPOWER