Jade is an SIA licensed door supervisor from Scotland. She was a frontline category finalist at the Women in Security Awards 2023. Jade shares her experiences of working in private security for over a decade, and how she and her team keep the public safe at events.
I’ve been in private security for over 12 years and have worked at almost every events venue up in Scotland but I am heavily based at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. What I enjoy most about my job is serving and helping the public. It can be challenging at times, but I’m there for your safety and security. So long as you go home safe and happy, that’s the best part of my night.
My typical shift starts with attending a supervisor briefing to get to know information about the event, and then I brief the staff in my group. We’re there to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the patrons. We search bags, scan tickets, show people to their seats and make sure they enjoy themselves.
The training I’ve had prepares me for any kind of disaster. I know exactly how to help somebody – whether it be de-escalating the situation, or if they need first aid. So, if there’s any issues, we try and resolve them. If my team can’t resolve them themselves, they can come to me for help as their supervisor.
The most challenging thing I’ve ever had to deal with was an incident at the Hydro. There was a distressed young man at a concert under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For whatever reason, my instinct just went – “this poor boy’s gonna jump” – and I just grabbed him and had him dangling by one ankle.
My ribs were bruised, and my stomach was sore as I was dangling over too. I knew if I’d let go, his fall would probably be fatal for him and the patrons below. My colleague helped me to grab his waistband and we managed to get him back over the wall. We had to restrain him, calm him down and get the emergency services involved.
The one thing I wish the public knew about security operatives is that we’re not there to make your night difficult. We’re always there for the safety of the patrons – whether it be a concert or a football match. Most of us are nice!
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