Most individuals put a lot of their faith in the security industry to do their job so its one less thing to worry about. And they’re not wrong to do so – after all, its the security industry’s job to protect,

This being said – you can ask someone at the grocery store to get you a banana. A seemingly mundane easy task. However, do you like your banana’s firmer and green – freshly plucked if you will? Or do you like a sweeter softer banana? Somewhere in the middle? Of course these are all questions that can be asked and this person can help deliver on – but by answering these questions, you’re helping to make their job easier.

What if you could make the security industry’s job easier? You’d still be getting the banana you asked for – but you’d be more confident in the result.

Now helping out doesn’t mean taking a stationary position or carrying a weapon. There are a number of ways you can unwittingly help out. For example – when you’re going out in public, specifically large events, be conscious of what you’re wearing and carrying. Expensive personal belongings are like glowing beacons to petty thieves. Mind the amount of cash you’re carrying also and if you’re carrying a larger amount, resist the urge to flash it around.

Be vigilant. If you see something, say something. If you see something or someone that looks suspicious, your best bet is to act. It could very well be nothing, but if it is, you could save property, possessions, or even lives. Its better to be a witness before an event then a witness after. Suspicion comes in many forms. It can be a package or bag left behind or placed. It could be someone dressed inappropriately for the function you’re attending. If its hot out and the person is wearing a jacket and sweating profusely, perhaps this should raise some red flags. It could be the persons body doesn’t regulate temperature very well, or they could be hiding something under their jacket.

You could address this issue by alerting security or authorities. If you’re in a position and feel comfortable, you can nonchalantly approach the issue yourself. Simply ask the person if they’re hot and make them aware that you have noticed. Or ‘brush past’ them as you walk by. If you feel something, they could very well be hiding something.

This all being said – it may be something best left for a professional to deal with, and full disclaimer, I wouldn’t recommend taking matters into your own hands unless you feel its absolutely critical. I am by no means an expert in this field and personally would not feel like taking down a potential shooter, bomber, or pie thrower – so I suggest only operating within your means.

By restricting the amount of valuables you carry and keeping an eye on your surroundings, you’re doing yourself and others a favour by acting as another set of eyes and less of a target. While security individuals may not rely on this unrequested help, it certainly helps make their jobs easier if you point out something that they could very well miss.

Depending on the venue, event, or security available, eyes and ears may not be able to be at all places at all times. Although technology is improving, and security intelligence is kept up daily, it is not completely unreasonable that things will inevitably slip through the cracks. Ideally these are minor issues where personal injury or death is not involved obviously.

Events such as the Vegas shooter, where he was able to ‘slip through the cracks’ in the hotel and stock pile a number of weapons and take refuge in his posh tower while taking aim at his victims below. These incidents are few and far between and ideally will remain as such.

With society becoming more aware and more vigilant, it is harder and harder to get by unannounced if you’re planning something larger scale. Somewhere, at some point, someone usually questions an odd behaviour or odd purchase. If we acted on things that really stuck out, not only are we helping the security industry, we’re helping society. Our friends, neighbours, and family.

This is not to say go out and become vigilantes or take the law into your own hands. This would be ridiculous. But being aware, be conscious, and asking questions when your gut instinct is saying something isn’t right could very well be something that saves lives one day.

Guest Blogger Rayna Davies

Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management.  She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security.  Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and experienced many security details.  These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities.  She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration.  Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent.  She currently is on maternity leave and providing daily close protection for a baby and a toddler and spending time with her husband who is a Police Officer.