Sunday 24 July is International Security Officers’ Day. This is an important day in the industry calendar, as the day is celebrated here and around the world to recognise and thank the people who work tirelessly everyday – both visibly and behind the scenes – to keep us safe.

The date of the 24 July reflects that security work is a 24/7 occupation.

To mark this day in the UK, we are highlighting stories of security operatives from the different sectors and across the United Kingdom. We are celebrating the people behind the badge and paying tribute to their professionalism.

We have stories of real-life heroes who have saved lives, sometimes with a risk to their own safety and wellbeing.

We have security officers who at a moment’s notice find themselves turning into first responders as they carry out critical first aid before the emergency teams arrive.

There are currently over 450,000 active SIA licences in the UK. Each licence holder will have undertaken training and checks to qualify for the SIA licence and badge so they can play their part in protecting the public.

On this International Security Officers’ Day, we salute and thank every security operative on the front line, guarding every second, every minute, every hour of public life and property.

Michelle Russell

Chief Executive, Security Industry Authority

Stories Behind The Badge

Aleksej Stoimenov

1. What is your typical day like?

I work night shifts in a busy CCTV control room working 12 hours at a time.

The CCTV control room has 800 cameras and my responsibility is to check the cameras for security at private residences and public buildings.

We have ‘live monitoring’ and ‘motion sensor’ monitoring to observe suspicious activity. We are there to eliminate threats and keep the public safe.

2. What do you enjoy about your job.

It is really rewarding to be involved in preventing criminal activity such as break-ins. We have a good system in place to deal with incidents occurring and our responses are recorded and really make a difference.

3. What is the most challenging thing you have had to do at work?

The most challenging aspect of the job is the intensity of the role. With ‘motion sensor’ monitoring, you receive continuous pop-ups, and you have to be on your toes to react and raise awareness of the incidents taking place.

It is important to have a rapport with your colleagues and I am grateful to be working within a great team environment.

4. When have you felt most proud about your job?

This is my first job in security after re-training and paying for my CCTV licence. I used to be a baker before the Covid pandemic but wanted to try something new.

I am proud to work in a very friendly environment with an employer who is supportive and ready to assist at crucial times in order to prevent incidents escalating any further.

5. Tell us one thing you wish the public knew about security operatives?

The public may be unaware about the amount of training and on-going training operatives have to go through to take on the role. The training is important to prevent crime and to keep the public safe.

Barry Ireland and Ryan Burns

Barry Ireland is one of Amberstone’s door supervisors and he’s part of Tesco Northern Ireland Roaming Security Team that provides security at 16 stores.

Barry detailed an incident which he and his colleague Ryan Burns who is also a roaming security officer dealt with. Barry and Ryan were viewing CCTV footage of an incident when four thieves allegedly shoplifted £50,000 worth of goods from Tesco. During their research they identified the vehicle that they had driven, which had UK number plates. Barry and Ryan reported the thefts, including a description of the alleged shoplifters and their car registration, to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Barry said: “The thieves came into one of the stores which we were patrolling. We recognised them as shoplifters who had targeted the store the previous week. As they left the shopping centre the PSNI stopped the vehicle. The men were wanted in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland as they had previously been linked to pan-UK and Ireland organised criminal activity.”

PSNI officers identified the alleged thieves’ vehicle via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and stopped the car and arrested three men. The day after their associate was stopped on a motorway. The thieves were persuaded to lead police to a lockup where more stolen property was recovered to the value of thousands of pounds. The four men were charged for being in possession of a large amount of stolen goods. The thieves are now on remand and are awaiting prosecution.

Barry explained that retailers in Northern Ireland and Scotland can access an app called Retailers Against Crime that links retailers to share information. “We share information to prevent crime being committed.” Barry said that he found his job very interesting.

Adam Partridge

Adam Partridge was on duty at the Church Street pub when the Head of Security was assaulted by an unknown drunk at around 2 am. West Midlands Police Constable Leigh Alexander responded to the assault and arrived at the scene. The security team ejected the man from the venue and the next thing Adam heard was a window smash as the man used his left fist to punch a hole in it. This caused a severe, deep cut into his arm severing his artery and his tendons.

Adam, from Brierley Hill, used his first aid training to care for the man who was bleeding heavily and used a tourniquet to prevent the man from bleeding out. Adam cared for the man until paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service arrived ten minutes later and took over. The paramedics said to Adam that if he hadn’t intervened the patient would have, within minutes, gone into a cardiac arrest due to the dangerously high levels of lost blood.

Adam said: “Instinct kicked in as my first aid training helped me stem the bleeding. It made me feel proud to help him. Security is not all about dealing with awkward customers, I got enormous satisfaction of saving a person’s life. You know you’ve done your job properly as a door supervisor. I take it very seriously. There’s so much to doing the job properly and to help people, venue, customers, and the staff.”

Adam explained that because of the incident the management closed the Old Crispin Inn that night and he gave a statement to the police. The police intended to press charges against the man who was injured, and the man paid for the damage that he caused.

Adam is now looking to work towards his close protection licence and pursue a career in the sector.

The Royal Humane Society is a charity that awards certificates of commendation to people who have made a significant contribution to the saving or attempted lifesaving.

*It is now a requirement for door supervisors to be in possession of an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.

Linda Darko

1. What is your typical day like?

I have been working at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust for 14 years as a security officer based in the Evelina London Children’s Hospital. I work 12-hour shifts during the day. I am on the doors, meeting and greeting the general public coming into the hospital. My main role is to direct the public to the relevant departments and report any incidents to my manager.

I also patrol the wards, check the door entry systems, and report any problems with the security doors.

I am on hand if we have any problems with the lifts which could result in the public being trapped inside. I deal with these problems and alert the relevant management departments.

2. What do you enjoy about your job?

I find the role rewarding as I am committed to keeping the public safe and do the job to the best of my ability. I am there to reassure people as they come into the hospital that everything is going to be okay.

I try to make everything easy for the public to understand to avoid problems escalating.

3. What is the most challenging thing you have had to do at work?

The most challenging part of the job is when people are late for their appointments, and they can be very anxious and sometimes very angry. I calmly assist them with directions and reassure them that everything will be okay.

I also have to ensure children visiting the wards are safe and work closely with safeguarding doctors and nurses in the hospital.

4. When have you felt most proud about your job?

I received the Evelina 150 Star Award during the NHS 150^th anniversary which made me proud of what I do.

5. Tell us one thing you wish the public knew about security operatives?

I would like the public to know that I am there for their safety and have their best interests at heart. My role is in security, but a large part of my role involves giving good customer service.

Lee Jones and Jonathan Parry

On an ordinary Saturday night last August, door supervisors Lee Jones and Jonathan Parry and former door supervisor Daffyd Murray saved the life of Jake Pickstock, a victim of a brutal razor slashing at Llandudno’s Club One47. Together with the club’s manager Calum Darling, they also protected patrons from the attacker and secured the scene.

Jonathan Parry (L), Daffyd Murray (M) and Lee Jones (R) saved the life of Jake Pickstock, victim of a brutal razor slashing at Llandudno’s Club One47

Lee said he was watching the dancefloor and he spotted a man that “had something about him in his demeanour. After a while he walked across the dance floor and tried to exit the fire doors which I went over and made safe.” The man, now known to be convicted attacker Alex Jones, tried to escape through the doors.

Jonathan said: “It all happened so quickly. The club’s manager spotted the attacker using the cameras so that we could stop him in his tracks. I was standing at the door and saw Jake holding his hand to his throat. We saw slash marks on his face.”

Lee said: “I saw my colleague Daffyd holding a man – Jake Pickstock – who was critically injured, and blood was pumping from his neck. Jake was simply fighting for his life; I just knew this guy was involved.” Jonathan paid tribute to Daffyd and woman named Donna Friston who applied life-saving first aid.

Lee said: “The club manager Calum Darling quickly reviewed the CCTV, that’s when I saw the man coming towards me and I pinned him against the wall. I was further assisted by Jonathan Parry and Calum Darling. Together we restrained the suspect until police officers arrived.”

The three door supervisors, along with colleagues from Guardian Protection unit and staff members from Club One47, secured the scene by moving customers away from the incident, and prevented any customers from leaving until police were able to enter the venue. Their actions ensured the prompt arrest and charge of the suspect, as well as recovery of the weapon.

Lee said “Meanwhile we held the man whom we suspected had committed the assault. He had no remorse. We kept asking him: What have you done? Why have you done this? Where is the blade? We continued to restrain him, not knowing where the blade was. He was completely cold-hearted and denied that he’d done anything.”

Last October, Alex Jones was convicted and jailed for 10 years and four months for carrying out the “cowardly and brutal attack” with an “explosion of violence”.

Lee said about the incident: “I was just doing my job on an ordinary night in Llandudno. I’d like to think that anyone would have done the same. It’s our job to keep people safe and I’m glad that we dealt with the incident the best way we could. The attack could have easily been fatal without the help and teamwork between Guardian Protection unit and Calum Darling, along with club One47 staff. We made sure we could save a life and prevent any further harm to anyone else. You can’t foresee things like this happening in a small seaside town. It has definitely made me more vigilant.”

Jonathan said: “We just did our job at the end of the day. It was hard, but I love my job. It felt like forever until the police came. I only found out a few months ago that the police had to wait until an officer came with a taser.”

Lee also said that the victim of the attack is a regular of Llandudno’s clubs. “We are happy that we still see Jake around.”

After the incident North Wales Police Chief Inspector Jeff Moses sent a letter of commendation to Guardian Security, the door supervisors’ employer, to thank them for their actions that night. The team were also awarded a National Pubwatch Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Award. This is awarded in recognition of individuals whose actions have either saved a life or minimised physical harm in the night-time economy.

Tony Patten

1. What is your typical day like?

I am the Team Leader for 10 theatres in the West End of London. My day starts at about 8.00 am where I check the staff schedules, making sure that we are fully staffed for the day ahead. My day lasts until about 10.30pm when the show ends.

2. What do you enjoy about your job?

I really enjoy the customer service part of my job. I encourage my staff to build a rapport with the crowds waiting outside the theatre before the show starts. For example, at the Palace Theatre, a member of our team sings to the crowd waiting to go inside the theatre to keep them entertained.

This really helps build rapport with the people so that when they approach the security staff to have their bags checked they are more relaxed and they are more receptive to having their bags checked for safety reasons.

3. What is the most challenging thing you have had to do at work?

The most challenging aspect of the job is that sometimes for musicals some people come into the theatre think it’s like a concert and start dancing. The security staff have to politely remind them that they are in a theatre and ask them to sit down and listen to the show.

*Tony Patten, outside the Palace theatre*

In order to avoid any incidents with larger groups the security team starts interacting with them outside the theatre to start building a rapport with them. This really help when the group needs to be reminded of the rules once they are in the theatre.

4. When have you felt most proud about your job?

I have felt most proud of the staff award system that I have introduced in the past year. I have set up a staff recognition award each month for good work to help each individual member of the team working in different theatres to interact with each other.

The monthly recognition award is communicated to all staff and a photo is taken of the member of staff with their certificate. A small gift voucher is given to the staff member in recognition of their achievement. This has been well received and has improved team spirit and morale.

5. Tell us one thing you wish the public knew about security operatives?

As a security officer at West End Theatres, you spend a lot of time on your feet.

The hours are long, but we all have customer service at the forefront of all we do.

The public sees us checking their bags when they enter the theatre and know we are there for public safety but are sometimes unaware that we are also patrolling the theatre through the performance and manning the doors for their safety.

Kim Nisbet

1. What is your typical day like?

I’m lucky in that no two days are the same here at P&J Live, but no matter the task, a high degree of vigilance is required at all times.

Usually my day starts around 6am, or just before, so that I can catch up with workmates ahead of a briefing and handover. I leave Security Control to complete an internal Ground Floor and Sub T (Underground Carpark) patrol. This involves checking external doors are secure, checking internal fire doors, ensuring all emergency escape routes are clear and the lights are off in areas that are not in use. I record or report things like damage or system errors.

Often my days include the close monitoring of ‘load-in’ – where all the equipment for conferences, exhibitions and large-scale live music and entertainment events comes into the venue. During large-scale events, I can also often be called upon to man ‘Event Control’, which oversees all safety aspects and surveillance of the event. It’s an exciting task that keeps you on your toes.

My main duty whilst within Security Control is to monitor the CCTV system, the access control system and the fire alarm. My other duties include signing in contractors, permanent staff, event crew and issuing access control passes, personal radios and keys to these groups. I also deal with deliveries and collections and assist visitors on occasion – for example escorting them through the building.

Sometimes I might be asked to assist at one of the venue entrances, carrying out the searching and screening of all visitors and guests as part of the overall security and safety of the venue.

Mail items to the offices are also scrutinised and x-rayed.

Administrative duties also form part of my role, for example, this might include the handling and co-ordination of the lost and found property function at the Venue.

2. What do you enjoy about your job?

I really enjoy the fact that no two days are the same in my job. Sometimes new situations occur, which give me the opportunity to develop my skills and experience, and ultimately make me better in my day-to-day role.

I also consider myself a people person and enjoy my job because not only do I see our regular faces, but I also get to meet new people too.

*Kim Nisbet at the entrance to P and J Live, Aberdeen*

3. What is the most challenging thing you have had to do at work?

There can be many challenging days at work, but that’s what keeps it interesting and varied. One that particularly comes to mind was my very first medical incident.

It was mid-morning and a contractor was seen exiting the building on CCTV. I had gone out and checked that he knew where he was going – at this time he was well. It wasn’t until approximately ten minutes later that the alarm was raised by another member of staff – the gentleman in question had collapsed and was now unresponsive.

I remember feeling a little nervous, which would only be natural the first time round. However, with the support of other team members, who are also First Aid trained, everything I’d been taught kicked in, and we were able to deliver the correct support to the casualty, who went on to make a full recovery.

4. When have you felt most proud about your job?

This can be any moment or day that stands out for you when you think about the role and responsibilities of private security operatives in protecting the public.

I feel the greatest pride within my role when I know I’ve done my job to the best of my ability and that senior management, colleagues, clients and patrons I have dealt with are all satisfied with my assistance and are happy with the outcome.

5. Tell us one thing you wish the public knew about security operatives?

Sometimes we are not always looked upon favourably as the public are not fully aware of what our role is and what it entails:

There is more to my role than meets the eye. For example:

having particular training relevant to my role- Fire Warden and First Response Emergency Care level 3, so in the event of an incident, be it fire or medical, am I able to assist
making sure that all exit routes are clear of obstructions
regular patrols of the building to make sure there is nothing untoward such as unattended bag or luggage, work equipment, etc
prevention of unauthorised or restricted items through bag searches upon entry to the building and use of archways and wands
dealing with unauthorised access or entry either during an event or whilst the building is closed

We are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all staff and patrons to the building and its premises. It’s what goes on in the background that helps to make attending a live event as a customer so safe and enjoyable.

David Huggins

David Huggins, a door supervisor from Hull, works at the Tesco Express store in Hull City Centre. The shop is based in the city centre and operates between 6.00 am until 11.00 pm. David’s role is to provide overall security in the shop, carrying out security checks and patrols. He is stationed at the front of the store and works six days a week during the morning shift. David goes above and beyond his duties, supporting his store and the banks and charity shops nearby in Hull’s Victoria Square.

David is a holder of a CIVIC radio which helps him to keep in touch with both Humberside Police and Hull City Council.

Last November, David was on duty during the morning shift when a distressed member of staff from the adjacent Santander branch came out seeking David’s help. She told him that a gunman was holding up the bank manager in the branch.

“My CIVIC radio features a panic button, which I pressed before going into the branch. I was able to enter the branch stealthily. I didn’t see anyone in there, but I heard shouting coming from the bank manager’s office. When I approached the gunman, he had his back to me. I shouted: ‘Who the hell are you?’ I noticed that the gunman was foaming at the mouth, and I quickly ordered him to leave the office and the premises, which he did.”

Armed police arrived shortly after and apprehended the man using the CCTV footage. In the same week, another gunman pointed a fake firearm at a cashier at the nearby Prospect Shopping Centre. I spotted that it was a fake and moved it away from the cashier. Once again, I pressed the panic button on the CIVIC radio and the man was quickly apprehended by armed police.

In recognition of David’s bravery, he was awarded a Hull Business Improvement District (BID) City Award at a ceremony last March at Hull’s Doubletree Hilton. He was also awarded employee of the year by Amberstone Security, his employer.

David has also been nominated for a commendation from Humberside Police following the role he played in saving the life of a police officer who had been knocked unconscious during a fight that broke out near Hull Train Station last January. The police officer was unconscious; David says, “I protected him from further injury”.

Roberto Andre Hadji

Around 5pm on Friday, 22 May 2022, SIA licence holder Roberto was on his day off and chose to walk home through his local Cottons Park in Romford.

As he walked near the entrance to London Road he spotted a situation which instinctively didn’t look right. Roberto saw two young girls wearing their school uniforms being targeted by two men who looked like they were in their early 30s. Roberto said the girls looked uncomfortable, and it was clearly an awkward situation.

“I stopped and went over to go and see if they were OK. I saw one of the men trying to touch the hair of one of the girls. He also had his palm on the back of her neck; that prompted me to pay attention. They did not look like they were together, and they were clearly not related. One of the girls looked distressed and I made eye contact with her. “

“I went over and said: ‘What’s going on?’ The one I made eye contact with said ‘They are bothering us’. The other girl looked a bit upset, red-faced, and was trying to walk away as fast as she could. I told the men in unpolite terms to go away. One of the men stepped closer to me and said: ‘What are you going to do?’

“The other grabbed me by the arm and then the first lunged towards me. He gave me no choice but to defend myself. I struck one of them on the chin as a warning shot and they looked scared.” Roberto said one of the men stepped between them and “aggressively pushed” him. “I pushed him back, but by that point the girls were walking away”.

At that point he said he chased the men out the park who fled in a white van displaying a foreign number plate. Speaking after the incident, the mother of one of the girls said: “The girls were scared, they did as he told them to and left the area”. Roberto said he has since spoken to the mum who thanked him for his bravery.

Roberto added: “I trusted my instincts. That’s what I do in my job, which is to protect the public. I have two nieces and if they found themselves in a difficult situation you’d hope that someone would step in.”

The SIA supports the Government’s Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls campaign, and has shared the guidance with SIA licence holders.

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International Security Officers’ Day 2022