Walking the Blue Line – The Relationship Between Policing and Security

It probably isn’t too hard to see how security and policing relate.

After all the primary function of ensuring others are kept safe is shared in both professions.

As both fields act as a first responder in a lot of cases, the jobs can often see security guards and police officers working hand in hand to bridge the gap and join forces to accomplish a common goal.

When it comes to calls where safety is in jeopardy especially within a public space – the two sides will often work together.

In some cases, depending on the scene – security is often already there and may offer a better overview of the unfolding case and can act as a primary witness and support with police.

With this in mind, having security guards that are not only trained in security, but also have some base fundamental policing knowledge is integral to the job.

When we bring new team members on board, training is pivotal to the success of not just their first few days solo, but also to the longevity of their security career.

We have a lot of successful applicants join us who share a long term goal of a career in policing. We pair this with some of our team who are retired police, active military, and even have joined us from other countries after a successful career in their respective military or police establishments there. With this we are able to take the goals of some and the experience of others to help bolster our already tried and tested training program.

Our leaders aren’t only trained in their roles, but they bring their experience lended with the experience of others to help ensure their decisions and actions are founded on best possible examples and outcomes.

We model our business strategy on relationships we’ve built with our neighbouring Police units.

We actively seek what they are looking for in their new recruits so that we can assist in building up the next generation of Police.

We provide the experience, training, and knowledge first hand so that our team not only gets a taste of what is entailed when it comes to policing, but has the fundamental knowledge and required experience so that their application is successful.

At the same time, by building these relationships with Police forces, reputation is key. Our recommendation means something.

For our team that are seeking a policing career and need our recommendation, they know the work involved to gain not just our respect, but the respect of the prospective Police force.

We build our team up by training, coaching, mentorship and guidance.

We offer real truths and encouragement so that we can see everyone succeed in their dreams.

We don’t just point out shortcomings should they exist, but offer real world solutions so that they can improve and excel in their role.

Our supervisors and management on the front lines put their focus beyond the disciplinary process. They understand that there is no value in pointing out someones errors or poor choice without offering guidance, motivation, and solutions to succeed.

We are only as strong as our weakest link and this is exemplified on the floor of all of our client sites.

With police and security working hand to hand, you can see how interwoven relationships are invaluable.

With experience in both fields our team has an insight that often is unparalleled within the industry. At the same time having (ex/retired) police on staff means that not only do we have first-hand police knowledge which allows us to excel at police training, but also to be acquainted with Police culture and structure.

This gives us the advantage of setting up relationships that allow for mutual respect between police officers and Security Services – meaning successful cases involving joint forces are more common place than ever before.

The relationship between police and security is so close it would be hard to imagine one without the other.

 

 

 

Guest Blogger Rayna Davies

Rayna is the Office Manager at Sentinel Security, as well as the main blog contributor.

With foundations firmly routed in Business administration, Customer Service, and Management, she brings years of experience to her roles both within the Sentinel office, and the blog.

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.

Her passions include spending time with her husband and two young children, world travel, reading, writing, and pushing herself to always look for the silver lining.