Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day: A message from Michelle Russell, Chief Executive, the SIA
On this International Security Officers Day, the SIA is celebrating the service, recognising the resilience, and honouring the bravery of front line security officers.
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. Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you.
Courage Behind the Badge
When two security officers spotted a man in distress, they didn’t hesitate to act.
There are countless stories of resilience and courage behind the SIA badge. When security officers Billy Rowland and Kafeel Mohammed started their shift at a busy shopping centre in London, it seemed like an ordinary day — but ordinary days in security can become extraordinary in an instant.
This is their #BehindTheBadge story.
Billy and Kafeel were carrying out a routine patrol at a shopping centre when they were made aware of an elderly member of the public who appeared to be unwell.
Billy approached the man and attempted to speak with him, however the man was unresponsive, so Billy immediately called Kafeel over to assist.
“I collected the defibrillator as quickly as possible while my colleague commenced CPR without delay. We continued to assist until the ambulance crew arrived and took over treatment,” Billy recalls.
Relying on their skills to remain calm in a high-pressure situation, the security officers continued to administer CPR. “When the man stopped breathing, we knew every second counted, so we relied on our training, communicated clearly and focused on delivering CPR until help arrived,” Billy says.
They continued until the emergency services stepped in and took the man to hospital.
Billy and Kafeel entered private security industry for similar reasons. Billy is passionate about helping people in vulnerable situations. Kafeel started out as a steward at a young age for exhibitions. His love for helping people, his desire to be of assistance, and his social skills all helped him progress his career further.
“I’ve worked in many places such as festivals, clubs, etc. There have been countless times when my team members or I have gone above and beyond to help and keep people safe. All those moments make me proud,” says Kafeel.
Billy and Kafeel are among more than 450,000 SIA licence holders in the UK, having received their licence to conduct licensable activities under strict regulation and checks.
Both Billy and Kafeel wish the public knew more about SIA-licensed security officers.
“Many people underestimate the role of security officers,” Billy says. “We’re often the first on scene in an emergency, making critical decisions before the emergency services arrive. Our role is about protecting people as much as property, and every day we help keep the public safe,” he explains.
“The single most important thing the public should know is that security officers are preventative protectors, not aggressive enforcers,” says Kafeel.
So, what would they advise someone just entering the private security industry as a security officer?
“Health is wealth and always stay positive in all situations. De-escalation is key to this industry,” says Kafeel.
Billy has similar advice. “Take every opportunity to learn, listen and gain experience. Stay professional, be reliable and never underestimate the importance of the small things, as they often make the biggest difference.
Quick thinking Behind the Badge
Behind every SIA badge is a story — and there is more behind the badge than most people realise. Team leader Shani started a routine shift at a hospital in London, but for those working in hospital security, no two days are ever the same.
This is her #BehindTheBadge story.
Shani was carrying out a routine patrol when she was approached by a distressed person who was concerned for the safety of a friend in crisis somewhere in the hospital car park.
With only limited information about where to look, she began searching immediately while calling for backup. In a far corner of the car park, she spotted a car with a door slightly ajar. When she opened it, she found a woman in urgent need of medical attention.
“My only thought was that I needed to find her as quickly as possible because someone’s life was in immediate danger” Shani says. “Once I located her, my first aid training and the experience I’ve gained from working in a hospital environment took over. Looking back, it reinforced the importance of remaining calm under pressure, trusting your training, and working as a team to achieve the best possible outcome.”
She acted swiftly to provide first aid while her colleagues requested assistance from the Emergency Department. Throughout, she stayed with the person, speaking calmly, reassuring her that she was safe, and gathering information to hand over to the clinical team.
“It’s an incident that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Shani says.
It was not the only time Shani has been tested. As shift team leader, she has also led the response to a reported bomb threat at the hospital, coordinating searches across the site, briefing police on arrival, and working alongside them to identify the source of the threat, which turned out to be a false alarm caused by a confused patient.
“That incident reinforced how important effective leadership, clear communication and strong partnerships are during major incidents,” she says.
Shani joined the security industry at just 20 years old after losing her job as a bus mechanic administrator during the COVID pandemic. What began as a practical step has become a vocation. In five years, she has progressed from mobile officer to team leader, covered management positions across two NHS sites, and received three industry awards — all while keeping her long-term ambition of becoming a security manager firmly in sight.
Shani is one of more than 450,000 SIA licence holders in the UK and wishes the public knew more about what’s behind the badge.
“I think the biggest thing I’d like the public to know is that we’re just ordinary people,” she says. “People often only see a small part of an incident, and it’s easy to form an opinion without knowing the full circumstances. Security officers often have to make difficult decisions in a matter of seconds to protect people from harm.”
For anyone considering a career in private security, her advice is straightforward: “Don’t worry about being perfect when you’re starting out — nobody is. Trust your training, trust your instincts, and never stop developing. If you work hard, stay professional and genuinely care about the people you’re there to protect, you’ll build a rewarding career in the security industry.”
Highlights from today
Here are some of the highlights from today’s visits by our Chief Executive Michelle Russell and our Chair Michael Cunningham CBE QPM, who met frontline security operatives in London and Manchester for International Security Officers’ Day.
Michelle, joined by other SIA staff, visited multiple sites across the City of London with The City Security Council, thanking operatives for their work. Meanwhile, Mike joined the Council’s Manchester visits, meeting operatives to learn more about their roles and the challenges they face day to day.
Both Michelle and Mike then attended The City Security Council’s Frontline Hero Awards, held in London and Manchester, celebrating those who have gone above and beyond in their roles.
During the awards, Michelle and Mike addressed their audiences, highlighting the progress of the industry and the SIA’s ongoing commitment to supporting it, alongside the launch of the Behind The Badge campaign. They highlighted the importance of recognising the contribution the industry makes to public safety every single day; from the first responders who step in to administer first aid and protect the public during emergencies, to the customer-facing professionals who help maintain safe environments in retail, nightlife, and live sport and music.
International Security Officers’ Day is a vital opportunity to celebrate the people in the private security industry who work to keep everyone else safe, and able to go about their day knowing someone is there to protect them. The value security operatives bring, and the skill it takes to do their jobs well, simply cannot be overstated.
Visit the SIA’s International Security Officers’ Day campaign page and share your #BehindTheBadge story!
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