International Security Officers’ Day 2024 celebrated in the City of London

International Security Officers’ Day 2024 celebrated in the City of London

Thank you extended to security officers everywhere for keeping us safe, 24/7.

On 24th July 2024, the City Security Council (CSC) organised a celebration of International Security Officers’ Day, in the Old Library at Lloyd’s of London.

This annual event on 24/7 – to acknowledge the 24/7 service of security officers – was a chance for senior security representatives to publicly thank security teams for their efforts, commitment and dedication. Several hundred security officers were welcomed to the event, with lunch, speeches of thanks, and a presentation of certificates of appreciation.

Scott Gough, CSC London Chair opened the ceremony: “We gather to honour and celebrate the indispensable contributions of our security officers. These dedicated professionals are the unsung heroes who ensure our safety and peace of mind in countless sectors, from corporate offices and retail environments to schools and hospitals, in the night-time economy and at public events. It is their presence that deters crime, mitigates risks, and creates secure environments where we can go about our daily lives without fear.

“Our officers are the individuals we trust and turn to when we need help the most, whether it is during an emergency evacuation, a medical incident, or a potential terrorist threat. Their swift actions and composed demeanour can make all the difference in ensuring our safety and security. Security officers are the calm in the storm, the eyes and ears that ensure our environments are secure, standing alert, ready to act, at a moment’s notice, and very often without the recognition they deserve.”

Heather Baily, Chair of the Security Industry Authority spoke about the many ways in which security officers step up and help people. Firstly, she mentioned frontline operatives who work in retail environments, where shoplifting has risen by one third in the last year, often accompanied by violence. She thanked security officers in this field for the skills they have demonstrated – like the careful sharing of intelligence – to help tackle this difficult crime.

She thanked security teams at festivals and events for their support and professionalism, enabling people to safely attend both high-profile events, such as Wimbledon and the Grand Prix, and many smaller events.  She thanked the security officers working long and unsocial hours in the night-time economy: “Your interventions keep people safe. I have witnessed first-hand your calm, professional, measured approach.”

Heather went on to observe that the threat from terrorism remains substantial and security officers could be the first responders in the event of an incident. “The public relies on you. Licence holders are the front line – thank you for your vigilance.”

Heather also highlighted the importance of security officers at NHS and other public sector buildings, civil engineering projects, like HS2, and those working in other roles, like close protection, key holding, and cash in transit.

She concluded by saying: “The challenges are evolving, we support you. To those who wear a licence, do not underestimate your contribution, you are valued.”

Superintendent Patrick Holdaway from the City of London Police spoke about the importance of the role security officers play in supporting the police, especially in the City of London. “Public safety is a complex challenge, ever-evolving. The safety of our community – the people who live, work or visit here – is paramount. The role you play is very important. I want to recognise and give thanks for the support you give us. You provide reassurance every day and play a key role.”

Don Randall MBE, Chair of the City of London Crime Prevention Association concurred with the other speakers, saying that security officers cannot overestimate the impact they have. “There are around 170 thousand police officers in the UK and around 430 thousand licensed security operatives. You are often the first responders to crimes like theft, or accidents. I can recollect many times where you have protected life. For instance, it was two security officers who spotted the device in a car outside the Tiger Tiger nightclub and saved many lives.”

He also recalled that during the pandemic, security officers were given key worker status, a massive recognition from government and colleagues.

“You add so much value. You do an amazing job.” He also finished with a challenge to the security officers there: “Consider becoming a Chartered Security Professional, we want more people with practical experience.

If you have a degree or 10 years in security, look on the website!” charteredsecurityprofessional.org

Sandra Waithe, a security officer from Lodge Services said: “It means everything to me doing this job, because I am part of a greater security team, keeping people safe. I am glad about International Security Officers’ Day because it means we are being recognised; that our positions are very important.”

Certificates of appreciation in recognition of their service to the security industry and the role they play in the communities were presented to security teams from: Amulet, Carlisle Support Services, CIS Security, City Group, Corps Security, FGH Security,  ICTS, Kings, Lodge Security Services, Mitie, Pace Security Services, Portal Security, Securigroup, Securitas, SmartSec Security, United Guarding Services, UniTrust Protection Services, Vigilant, Ward Security, and Wilson James.

Thanks to the organisers

Scott thanked everyone involved in organising the day: member companies for arranging rotas and work schedules to enable frontline colleagues to attend; Lloyd’s for the setup, food, and venue support; the Mitie security team; the CSC ED&I Board and the team responsible for organising the event –Sarah Hayes, Jenni Jetzer, Sophie Harper-Booth, Lindsay Hibberd and Lorna Chick; plus the event sponsors: Brentwood Communications, British Security Industry Association, Carlisle Group, Lodge Security Services, Mitie, MS Webb, NSI, Securitas, TWC Corporate Wear, Vigilo Security.

Andrea Berkoff

Editor