I met Georgia at Outernet, with its stunning, immersive screen displays. This amazing venue, next to Tottenham Court Road station, is one of London’s most visited attractions with an annual 75m footfall – it also doubles a as state-of-the-art live music venue, gaming and film space, along with offices, residences and a hotel part of the complex.

Q  How did you get into security?

A: After university, I joined a security company to get my SIA badge and worked on a self-employed basis with a variety of security providers. This included working in teams looking after foreign diplomats, royals and various high net-worth individuals. I joined FRG in my current position as duty security manager in 2024.

Q What does your job entail and what is the best thing about it?

A:    My main focus each day is ensuring that the team are up to speed with any special requirements for the day and ensuring the venue staff, the public and our team are safe in such a public space.

Each day is different: dealing with homeless people, advising the public on safety, like protecting phones and bags, while watching the screens and at events.

The best thing about my role is being public facing, interacting with our visitors, helping people and working with a tight team who support each other.

Q What skills do you believe are important for the security role?

A:    Training, application, wanting to do well and seeing security as a career. At times you need to be thick-skinned, confident, diplomatic, situationally aware, and professionally assertive when required.

Q What has been the highlight of your security career?

A:      The recognition of my manager and company in being nominated in the OSPA Female Officer of the Year category, where I was a finalist earlier this year, and recently receiving a Security Officer of Distinction Award at the ACS Pacesetters awards.

Q What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into security?

A:     Look at the various areas of security and gain a wider range of experience, which could be leisure, retail, hospitality, corporate. As well as being more rounded from a skills and experience perspective, you will have a better idea of the environment you would like to work in and develop your career.

Q How would you like to progress in your role?

A:    Progress to a senior operation manager’s role having responsibility for a site in its entirety and being able to share my experience and knowledge in other ways within the business.

Testimonials

“Georgia is a true frontline leader resilient in the face of challenges, professional in every interaction, and unwaveringly dedicated to keeping people safe. She leads by example, earning the respect of her team and stakeholders alike through her calm presence, quick thinking, and commitment to excellence.”

Barry Dawson, First Response Group

“Georgia exemplifies the dedication and professionalism that define the very best in front line security. Her commitment to keeping people safe, combined with her calm manner and sharp decision-making under pressure, sets her apart. As a finalist in the OSPAs, her recognition is well-earned and reflects the respect she commands from both colleagues and clients.” George Anastasi, First Response Group.

After meeting Georgia, I can absolutely concur with the sentiments of her references above. Thank you for your time, Georgia.

Graham Bassett   Editorial team

The post Focus on a Security Manager: Georgia Copeland appeared first on City Security Magazine.

 In each edition, we profile an individual security officer, highlighting  their commitment and professional approach, and overview their career journey and role. We met Jo Burns at Westfield E20, before she was heading off to her client’s site (a well-known Holborn five-star hotel), where she works on behalf of Trojan Security.

Q How did you get into security?

A: After obtaining my CCTV, Close Protection and Door Supervisor licences, I secured a position at Lafayette night club in north London in an internal client-facing role. The club hosted many well-known celebrity DJs and performers and would often hold private parties with exclusive hire with high profile individuals in attendance. I then joined Trojan Security working at the Troxy – a well-known and iconic Art Deco music venue in East London – before moving to the Rosewood London, where I have been since 2023.

Q What does your job entail and what skills are needed?

A: My role is internal and client-facing. The hotel holds private events that are often attended by well-known celebrities and individuals. I ensure that all who visit the hotel for events and functions are safe and that all aspects of security run smoothly.

Working with such a varied and eclectic mix of people requires good communication skills. Confidentiality and discretion are a prerequisite, plus common sense and the ability to assess situations.

Q What has been the highlight of your security career?

A:  I have worked with some amazing teams and have met some amazing people, be they a guest, performer or high- net-worth individual – including international A-listers in music and film, high profile footballers, and a variety of high-net-worth business people. I get to meet a variety of interesting people from the world of music/film, fashion and more.

Q What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into security? 

A:  Have a passion to learn and develop your skills, learn from the people you are working with and take on board their advice and experience.

Q How would you like to progress in your role? 

A: At some point in the future, I would like to start my own all-female-focused security company; we need to attract more women into the industry.

Testimonials

Ivan Mariacher, Director, Trojan Security:

“Jo Burns has been a committed and highly professional security operative since joining the workforce in May 2023. Her versatility is evident in her ability to excel across diverse environments, from prestigious hospitality venues to large-scale festival sites. She is proactive in developing her skills, actively engaging with training and professional development to enhance her expertise, which she applies effectively across all deployments.”

Hamdi Bouraoui, Safety & Security Supervisor, Rosewood London:

“Jo is a pleasure to work with and is one of strongest and most capable we have worked with. Jo is well skilled in conflict resolution and will resolve a situation before it happens. Her personality and way of working makes her unique and great to be around.”

Jo is a great ambassador for her company and security as a whole, a professional, determined and likeable individual who will no doubt go far – underpinned by the two testimonials above.

Graham Bassett   Editorial team

The post Focus on a Security Officer Jo Burns appeared first on City Security Magazine.

Chloé Deloubes, Contract Manager at ExCeL London for Carlisle Support Services, has rapidly ascended the ranks of the security industry since 2015. I met with Chloé while preparations for the Comic Con event were taking a place – an event that sees 50,000 people attend ExCel in one day.

Q: How did you initially get into the security profession?

A: My journey began in late 2015 while supporting a friend at a boxing event, which sparked my interest in security. After obtaining my SIA licence, I joined the event security team at ExCel London in 2016. Over the past eight years, I’ve progressed through six roles, from Security Officer to Contract Manager with Carlisle Support Services, where I now shape and enhance security at ExCel.

Q: What does your job entail?

A: As Contract Manager, I contribute to ExCel’s security vision by collaborating with clients and internal teams. My role involves refining security strategies and ensuring they meet current and future needs. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the positive impact of our efforts on venue safety and guest experiences.

Q: What skills are important for a security role?

A:  Passion, integrity, commitment, and hard work. These qualities form a foundation for success in security and help build trust with colleagues and clients. Collaboration is also crucial for developing effective security solutions.

Q: How do you keep up to date with the latest counter terrorism and other security strategies? 

A: I make it a priority to complete my ACT Security training at least once a year, and I’ve also attended various workshops, including ACT Operational and ACT Corporate training sessions. I’m fortunate to work closely with our CTSA, with whom I’ve built a great relationship, allowing me access to face-to-face SCaN or ACT sessions when needed. Over the years, I’ve participated in several major incident workshops and earned a formal qualification in Suspicious Activity/Behaviour Detection.

Q: How does technology support your role?

A: Technology is transformative in security. Tools like AI-powered surveillance enhance monitoring capabilities, while mobile devices enable quick communication among teams.

Q: What have been your career highlights?

A: The highlights have included progressing through various roles at ExCeL, securing high-profile events like Comic Con, Formula E, The World Travel Market, the International Horse Show of the Year. Joining Carlisle has been pivotal; their support has allowed me to thrive while managing our contract effectively.

Another memorable highlight was during the 2020 Covid pandemic when ExCeL was transformed into the Nightingale Hospital (and later a mass vaccination centre). It was a challenging time whereby the need for resilience, adaptability, collaboration and compassion was key.

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter the security field?

A: Develop a genuine passion for the field. Security isn’t just about enforcing rules, it’s about creating safe environments and building trust within communities. Seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience, whether through volunteering or shadowing professionals in the industry.

It is crucial to gain relevant training and certifications. These not only enhance your skill set but also demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Networking is important, connecting with others in the industry to gain insights and advice.

Be open to learning and adapting. The security landscape is constantly evolving due to technological advances and emerging threats.

Q: Would you like to progress in your role?

A: I aim to manage a diverse portfolio of projects, drive financial growth, and implement innovative solutions. Mentoring others is important to me, as is fostering collaboration among teams to develop comprehensive strategies that address evolving challenges.

Testimonials

Henry Havis, Head of Security Strategy at ExCeL London, states, “Chloé has been integral to our team for years. Her motivation drives professional standards not just for herself but for those around her. I’m excited to see her future developments.”

John Angel, Head of Operations at Carlisle Support Services, remarks, “Chloé has shown exceptional professionalism since joining us. Her leadership during contract efficiency processes demonstrates her commitment to our culture.”

Adrian White, COO, adds, “Chloe exemplifies what can be achieved with the right attitude and ambition. Her journey reflects the technical experience that is invaluable in this industry.”

I left Chloé, having established what a great ambassador she is for her client, employer and the security sector. With her passion and professionalism I can see her going far.

Graham Bassett, editorial team

The post Focus on a Security Officer – Chloé Deloubes: A Leader in Event Security at ExCeL London appeared first on City Security Magazine.

I met Account Manager Evans Tumasi at Dior’s flagship store in New Bond Street – an impressive location to have coffee and find out more about this security professional.

Evans’ career in the world of security began following the recommendation of a friend, by working as a store detective in branches of the supermarkets Safeway, Asda, and Kwik Save in London.

Evans then had the opportunity of working in luxury retail with Assist Services Group as a security officer, was then promoted to supervisor and in 2016 became Account Manager for the seven Dior stores/outlets in the UK.

I asked about the best thing regarding his job and Evans explained that it is every aspect of his role: “Looking after the security and welfare of my clients’ staff and clients, my team of seventy officers and, of course, the overall security and loss prevention of the company’s assets.”

We discussed the most important skills for a role in security in this environment and Evans began by saying: “Good communication skills are key, with the ability to engage with a wide variety of people – also to have the ability to profile and assess people.”

Secondly, he believes: “Technology is also an important part of our provision through CCTV and personal communications between the officers in combatting theft. This is mostly through the sharing of information from known shoplifters/fraud gangs that share information through WhatsApp groups. This reflects the changes in my role over the years and how loss prevention has evolved from traditional shoplifting to fraud through various payment platforms (including payment by mobile phones).”

I asked Evans about the highlight of his career and not surprisingly (being the humble person he is) he says: “the recognition and being given the opportunity by Assist and Dior in my current position. Also, during COVID, it was a very demanding time whereby we managed to fulfil online orders/deliveries and retain a full complement of staff across all locations. Everyone pulled together under what were difficult circumstances, and I was immensely proud. I also enjoy helping others in their career development and seeing them progress.”

What advice would Evans give someone wanting to get into security? “You must have the love and the passion for the job and what you do, and you must also have integrity.” And how would he like to progress in his role? He replies with a smile: “To be a partner within the company.”

And why not? Evans has made the switch from high street supermarkets and worked his way up to luxury retail management. He is one of the good ones, and no doubt a great ambassador for the business.

Troy Hewitt, CEO at Assist Services Group, says of “Evans is a very dedicated hardworking person who shies away from the limelight and doesn’t like to take credit for the work he has done. He has had many successes over the years with changing people’s perceptions of security as he has (deservedly) gained promotions leading to his current position in the company.

Evans is a trustworthy, honest, loyal person who I hope I will continue to work with for many years to come.”

Followed with equal sentiment from Evans’ client, Geoffrey Bailey (Dior UK FM Manager): “I have not met a more knowledgeable retail security professional. His breadth of experience in luxury retail makes him an impressive operator, with a skill for handling any level of situation.”

Graham Bassett

City Security magazine

Editorial Committee

The post Focus on a Security Professional: Evans Tumasi Account Manager appeared first on City Security Magazine.

It was a pleasant stroll on a hot day from Embankment Station to Pall Mall for City Security magazine’s Graham Bassett when he met with David Aston, Senior Supervisor Front of House for Portal Security, at a classically hi-spec newly refurbished 70,000 sq. ft multi-tenanted building.

It is often said it is the journey that counts, but the destination in this case was special: the minute you walked into the foyer area, it oozed luxury refinement, followed by a warm and professional welcome.

How did you initially get into the security profession?

I served in the Royal Navy at their submarine base in Scotland for ten years before I moved into retail security and subsequently corporate security sixteen years ago.

What does your job entail and what is the best thing about it?

Ensuring everyone in the building is safe, the building is secure and all as it should be – and, of course, helping visitors and tenants accordingly. I enjoy sharing my knowledge, supporting my colleagues, and seeing them progress and do well.

What has been the highlight of your career in security?

When I was working at Lambeth Palace a Lord visited and, on his way out, he made a point of stopping to speak with me and compliment me on how I had greeted him/processed his arrival – I was just doing my job, but his feedback made what I do even more worthwhile.

On another occasion, a well-known TV celebrity was visiting my place of work. He stopped to speak with me, not knowing my wife is a huge fan, plus it also happened to be her birthday; he then said, “Can I call your wife to wish her happy birthday?” (which he did).

What skills do you believe are important for the security role?

Having the ability to listen and communicate/engage with people; being able to think ahead and be proactive; having good observation skills. If something does not look right, no matter how small, action and follow up. Show an interest in where you are working, ask questions, learn good practice from others and progress.

How does technology support the security role?

Technology is an important contributing factor in today’s blended security provision, which enables us to provide a better overall service to the client, staff, and visitors.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into security?

Firstly, be yourself and be honest: integrity is fundamental. Have a passion to do your best, learn and help others along the way, with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.

How has your role changed over the time you have been doing it?

For me, the biggest change has been from chasing shoplifters in retail to working in a corporate environment. Another big change I have seen over the years is people’s attitude towards security: I believe it is now seen as a profession, rather than being viewed in a less positive light. Also, the day-to-day role has changed with the advent of technology, along with clients, who have an expectation of a more customer service-focused approach, which is essential today.

How would you like to progress in your role.

I would like to progress to the next level and be able to help/train others, as I have done in other positions and in the Navy.

Speaking with Dave, it is evident he is a great ambassador for the business and well thought of by the client and Portal Director, Adrian Moore: “Dave Aston is an exceptional Front of House Officer. His customer service, friendly demeanour, and attention to detail, make him an invaluable asset to our client and Portal Security. Whilst new to us, in a short space of time, Dave has quickly become the face of the building and we are delighted to have him in our team.”

The post Focus on a Security Officer Dave Aston appeared first on City Security Magazine.

I met with Asad Jalil on an overcast and wet day at Canary Wharf. Fortunately, the one-station-stop journey only took 3.5 minutes on the Elizabeth Line, with a minute’s walk to 25 Colonnades where Asad works as a Supervisor with Unitrust Security.

When I first walked into the foyer, I was impressed with how I was greeted and engaged with, as were others I saw entering/exiting the building.

Asad has been working at this impressive seventeen-floor development from when it was a building site to where it is now, with full occupancy and a popular street food hall underneath on the concourse level.

Asad’s journey from Security Officer to Security Supervisor started some ten years back. He gained experience in retail, at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau and at a corporate location in the City of London. In his current role, he has a team of 26, looking after some 2,000 client employees. I asked Asad four key questions:

What is the best thing about your job?

Being part of a great team and engaging with various clients at all levels and, when needed, I get great satisfaction from resolving any issues or difficulties a client may have. We have a great team culture of committed and diverse individuals who are here for each other and work well as a team.

How has your role changed over the years?

From a corporate perspective, security has evolved over the last ten years with technology playing an important part, so you must embrace technology as part of that change to do your job and keep people safe.

The expectations of a client have also changed: aside from being security capable, customer service is an integral part of the role – communication and interaction with the client at all levels along with members of the public is a necessary skill set for today’s professional security officer.

What advice would you give someone looking to seek a career in security?

Aside from working hard and taking a genuine interest in what you do, you need to be culturally aware, be a good listener, be patient and want to learn.

What has been a highlight of your career?

I enjoy the recognition from the client and my manager when the team has performed well.

The following endorsement from Beth Ivens, Asad’s manager, backs up my impression of Asad as a professional security supervisor with an inclusive outlook towards his team and people in general.

“Asad Jalil embodies what every Security Manager would want in their Security Supervisor. Asad is very personable, methodical, and driven, which all of the teams recognise. As Asad’s manager, I trust him entirely and depend upon him. Asad has the respect of our team, the client, and all occupiers, who know what a dependable and friendly person he is. I would love for Asad to be recognised for all that he does that is clear to see and all that he does that is behind closed doors but keeps the cogs smoothly turning.”

Thank you for your time, Asad it was a pleasure to meet you.

Graham Bassett                                                                                                                                            Editorial Team.

The post Focus on a security professional: Asad Jalil appeared first on City Security Magazine.

Monday 24th July 2023 was International Security Officers’ Day – a day to say ‘Thank You’ and recognise security officers and front of house staff for the amazing work they do 24/7 (hence the date).The first International Security Officers’ Day was in 2016, having been established by the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL), who took their inspiration from Singapore who two years earlier decided to make this a day of recognition.

The City Security Council arranged a day’s events to acknowledge security officers’ unwavering commitment and bravery to ensure the safety and protection of people, property and assets in a variety of challenging environments.

In the morning, SIA CEO Michell Russell and Chair Heather Bailey visited buildings in the City of London to meet their security teams.

The celebrations then moved to a gathering in the Old Library (picture opposite) in the Lloyd’s of London building for lunch and for security officers to network with representatives from the City of London Police, the BSIA and City of London Corporation, and Security Institute, President Baroness Ruth Henig CBE, DL, and Don Randall MBE, Chairman of the City of London Crime Prevention Association, who were there to support and acknowledge this special day.

Michelle Russell and Heather Bailey addressed the audience and Michelle presented CSC certificates to those that had gone above and beyond in their duty.

It was a great day; thank you again to all the wonderful security officers who look after us.

Many thanks for the support from Lloyd’s of London and Lorraine Mansfield of Mitie Security who facilitated the venue, and SecuriGroup who sponsored lunch. Thanks also to the CSC Team for arranging the day, especially Jane Cork and Claire-Louise Hagon.

Graham Bassett

City Security magazine Editorial Committee

The post International Security Officers’ Day 2023 in the City of London appeared first on City Security Magazine.

In our regular feature putting the spotlight on front-line security officers, Graham Bassett met up with the PACE South Bank Patrol.

When I arrived at the South Bank on a bright spring morning, the team was otherwise engaged with Just Stop Oil protesters – which meant I could spend a bit of time with Umer Khalid, Security Manager for the site; Grant Read, Operations Director; and their client Alex Valenzuela, Director of Place for the South Bank Employers’ Group and find out more about the team which looks after this mammoth security contract. Keeping everyone safe on the South Bank is central to what the South Bank Employers’ Group do, from counter terrorism and crime reduction to community safety. The South Bank Patrol team was established in 2008 and SBEG has been working with PACE since 2018.

The sheer size, complexity and mix of stakeholders to keep safe is staggering.

The team looks after an area that covers Lambeth Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge (four bridges) – plus Waterloo Station.

Pre-Covid, footfall was around 30m a year (now about 75% of that) looking after 35k employees (which was 50k pre-Covid) in various buildings, including: St Thomas’ Hospital, Imax, National Theatre, Southbank Centre, London Eye, Sea Life Centre, London South Bank University, various hotels, colleges, Coin Street, Jubilee Gardens and residential buildings.

By nature of such a varied/sizeable demographic, the team partners with many agencies such as Safer Neighbourhood teams, funded Metropolitan Police officers, Lambeth & Westminster Public Protection, British Transport Police, Lambeth Thames Outreach and Youth Justice Systems, We Are Waterloo BID, The Children’s Railway Charity – plus numerous client buildings with their own security teams.

The team has participated in more than twenty training initiative and courses, including SCAN/ACT, Catastrophic Injuries, County Lines Child Exploitation, Sexual Violence Awareness & Support Skills, CSAS and RNLI training in relation to the Thames.

As one would expect looking after such a sizeable space, there are daily challenges and although dealt with as ‘part of the job’ some no doubt would be worthy award nominations. Recent incidents include:

• Group of males seen conducting robberies by the team: MPS called, assisted with foot chase, two were caught/arrested (carrying machetes).
• A female who had been self-harming rescued from the Thames (suicide attempt). The team, on average, deals with a suicide attempt every one or two weeks.
• Assisted a stab victim until the paramedics arrived.
• An individual who had conducted a robbery at knife point, but evaded capture, was seen and apprehended by the team next day and handed over to the police.
• A male wanted for assaulting a police officer, was (within a few hours) located by the team, which monitored his movements until the police arrived and arrested him.
• A man who had exposed himself was followed by the team into Waterloo Station and identified for BTP who made an arrest.
• Working with the relevant agencies, they helped remove two encampments and assisted those in need to Thames Outreach for shelter.

Talking of awards, the team was a finalist in the Security Excellence Awards ‘Outsourced Security Team/Individual of the Year’ in 2022 and more recently an OSPA 2023 finalist in the Outstanding Team Category.

Graham Bassett

City Security magazine

Editorial Committee

The post Focus on a security team: The South Bank Patrol appeared first on City Security Magazine.

In this regular feature, we interview special individuals who work on the front line of security. Here we meet Jimmy Jugghoo.

Walking into Planet Organic in Spitalfields, the first thing I noticed was the warmth the shop offered me. Clearly the heating system helped but it was the atmosphere, its layout and design that gave me a welcoming feeling.

I had come to meet with Jimmy Jugghoo, the newly promoted Security Supervisor for EOS Security, who have been contracted to protect all Planet Organic stores within London.

Jimmy’s smile completed the task of removing the chill from my bones. Passion just pours out of him. Replaying a snapshot of his life, I learnt that having started within the hospitality industry, the transition into security was natural for him. He wanted to serve. He wanted purpose.

Like others before him, door work was the start of his journey and he found that it taught him patience. “If you do it right,” he adds. Driven by a desire to protect others, he ventured into the field of contracted security. Over time, he found that his passion and beliefs were not shared by those who employed him. It started to sink in and he began to feel lost somehow.

A chance encounter had led him to not only finding a job, but the right one as the answer. This seemed an opportune moment to ask him what advice he would give someone looking to join the industry. “You need to have a reason to want to be a security officer in the first place. It can’t just be because you need a job. Taking time to find the right company for you, the right team, the right people to work with is the best advice that I can give.”

I asked about the best part about his current position. He explained: “I get to watch my team become what they never knew they had within them to start with. I get to help unlock their full potential by guiding them, supporting them and having their backs. We are one team here, regardless of position or title, and one that loves working towards what we refer to as a better tomorrow.”

Next stages for you? I ask Jimmy. He tells me about his five-year plan and where he aspires to be in a senior management role doing more of what he does.

Jimmy is a genuinely nice/professional person who takes pride in what he does, it’s apparent he cares for his people and clients’ wellbeing.

His MD Jon Webster says: “Jimmy’s passion, combined with his positive energy and hunger to learn, allows him to be a highly respected team member. He embraces everything with a view towards learning and gaining experience to better support and nurture those around him.”

Graham Bassett

City Security magazine editorial team

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The post Interview with Jimmy Jugghoo: highly-respected security supervisor with positive energy appeared first on City Security Magazine.

Continuing our focus on those working in the frontline security roles, Graham Bassett interviewed Hasan Afzal of Atlas Security, the site security manager responsible for Kew Retail Park in West London and the winner of this year’s Outstanding Security Performance Award for Outstanding Security Officer.

I met Hasan in Costa Coffee – his go-to choice for meetings at Kew Retail Park, which has parking for 600 plus cars. Like many others, this retail park suffers from problems such as shoplifting, drug dealing and other forms of anti-social behaviour.

I establish quite quickly that Hasan is passionate about what he does and his responsibilities ensuring visitors and their vehicles are as safe as possible, as well as deliveries at the sizeable loading bay area at the rear of the park. In support of this, the CCTV system throughout the site is an invaluable aid in doing his job.

Through a combination of patrols and diligent CCTV monitoring, he keeps a very close eye on the visitors entering the park, specifically those whose motives are criminal or anti-social. Over his eight years on the site, he has built up a comprehensive library of information, essentially a ‘rogues gallery’ of known shoplifters and drug dealers, and his work has led to numerous arrests and convictions.

Additionally, he has collated a database of vehicles used for attempted drug dealing in the cark park which he shares with the police – the retail park, is also used by school children on their way home and this ensures they are safe from any approach by drug dealers.

In this way, he has deterred numerous thefts (plus recovered goods) from both vehicles and stores whilst working closely with the local police. During 2018-2021 he recovered more than £130k of goods across 565 separate incidents. He has received many accolades and acknowledgements from the police, retail park stakeholders and local residents (and even made the local paper).

The local police say: “Hasan is by far the most helpful and thorough security guard in the local area and the best I’ve come across in my career with the police. His knowledge, hard work and attention to detail has provided significant evidence in multiple investigations and has supported in the convictions of a number of people. If we had Hasans in every retail park and shopping centre, the world would be a much safer place.”

Although he is the sole security person on site, he has developed a sizeable team of people to help reduce crime in the retail park (plus residents immediately adjacent to the site), including store managers, store security and local resident committees.

Hasan has also established excellent channels of communication with the local residents committee and through this has been able to lobby local MPs for improvements to safety and a more regular police presence in the Park.

In addition, Hasan rallies the cleaning staff on site to be on the lookout for anything suspicious and when needed, to help shoppers that may need assistance in loading their vehicle, something he does when he sees someone struggling.

Recently, he defused a situation where an elderly local resident accidentally scraped another car when parking. Hassan saw this on CCTV and went to assist. The owner (a locally well-known businessman) of this high-end expensive vehicle, which he had only picked up that morning, was making his feelings known. The elderly woman was apologetic and clearly distressed. Hassan calmly defused the situation to the satisfaction of the owner of the high-end vehicle plus he helped the woman over to a seat and got her a drink so she could rest.

Hasan is a Fire Marshall, trained in health and safety, and has completed the ACT online counter terrorism training. He has learnt much from his immediate manager over the years – I get the impression he is a keen learner when it comes to listening to advice and experiences from those more senior.

What piece of advice would he give someone who was going to join the security profession?

“Do it because you want to and want to be the best at what you do. Make a genuine difference, plus learn through empowering yourself (as my manager encouraged me) and, of course, take all the relevant training you can.”

Hasan is not only passionate about his job, he is also a humble person who cares about the welfare of others, including the homeless and vulnerable that frequent the site, whom he helps out with acts of kindness.

I can see why he was nominated and subsequently the winner of this year’s Outstanding Security Performance Awards – the OSPA for ‘Outstanding Security Officer Security’ award. As Nick Clegg, Director at Atlas Security, says: “Hasan is such a great ambassador for us and from our very first meeting, we knew we had a real talent on our hands. The self-motivation, passion, and initiative he brings to the role is infectious and inspiring, but what really stands out for me whenever you meet him, is his beaming smile and how much he genuinely enjoys his job. I jokingly refer to him as Kew’s one-man crime fighting wave and perhaps, we should include a cape as part of his uniform, our very own ‘Atlas Man’!”

Graham Bassett

Editorial Committee

City Security magazine

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