THE LESSONS ON FIRST RESPONSE FROM 9/11

Since the tragedy of 9/11 the role of the civilian first responder has become a critical element of any disaster response framework.  This was reinforced in the following extracts from the 9/11 Commission Report;

 “The lesson of 9/11 for civilians and first responders can be stated simply: in the new age of terror, they-we-are the primary targets. The losses America suffered that day demonstrated both the gravity of the terrorist threat and the commensurate need to prepare ourselves to meet it. The first responders of today live in a world transformed by the attacks on 9/11. Because no one believes that every conceivable form of attack can be prevented, civilians and first responders will again find themselves on the front lines. We must plan for that eventuality,” and;

“… for the private sector controls 85 percent of the critical infrastructure in the nation. Indeed, unless a terrorist’s target is a military or other secure government facility, the “first” first responders will almost certainly be civilians. Homeland security and national preparedness therefore often begins with the private sector. … Preparedness in the private sector and public sector for rescue, restart, and recovery of operations should include (1) a plan for evacuation, (2) adequate communications capabilities, and (3) a plan for continuity of operations. As we examined the emergency response to 9/11, witness after witness told us that despite 9/11, the private sector remains largely unprepared for a terrorist attack. We were also advised that the lack of a widely embraced private-sector preparedness standard was a principal contributing factor to this lack of preparedness. “

 “The professional approach to first response by Rick Rescorla, the security chief at Morgan Stanley in the World Trade Centre, saved all but six of Morgan Stanley’s employees after the 9/11 attack. “Rescorla felt it was foolish to rely on first responders (Emergency Services in this case) to save his employees. Morgan Stanley’s employees would need to take care of one another. He ordered them not to listen to any instructions from the Port Authority in a real emergency. In his eyes, it had lost all legitimacy after it failed to respond to his 1990 warnings. And so Rescorla started running the entire company through his own frequent, surprise fire drills. He trained employees to meet in the hallway between the stairwells and go down the stairs, two by two, to the 44^th floor,” as reported by Amanda Ripley in A Survival Guide to Catastrophe in TIME Magazine May. 29, 2008

PEOPLE SAFETY AND SAFER BUILDINGS

Key to the first response function is the role of the modern security officer who today should have a wider remit than security which could be described as “people safety” It is my belief that First on Scene skills in the area of evacuation basics, first aid and fire, including marshalling and practical use of fire fighting equipment are critical constituents in the DNA of the modern frontline security officer.  There are other areas that require attention in the skills arsenal of the modern security officer which include report writing, counter surveillance, effective patrolling and customer service. Most of the training improvements suggested are currently available in the form of standalone courses. It was therefore surprising to see minimal increase in the modern security officer’s training requirements for the SIA licence this year. When asked by Infologue.com, the SIA said “When we re-developed the specifications, we involved the industry fully in the development process.  We were very keen that we had an industry-led process.”  Another surprising element of the training improvement was the failure to introduce “top up” training for security guards who had previously been trained.

CREATIVE USE OF TRAINING CAPABILITY

Extra training does not necessarily mean extra time, if creative use is made of classroom time i.e. there are elements of the current training that could be evolved into a theory test which is administered prior to classroom training. However, if extra training time is needed for the SIA required training then all security officers would have to undertake such training resulting in a costs “level playing field”. Another creative method of adding extra training is through “pop up” training sessions, a practise currently been deployed by some security companies, for refresher or top up training. The SIA could also consider using the South African security industry regulatory model which grades security personnel according to the skills deployed. This would allow training skills to be added to security personnel that require such skills in there deployment. What is also interesting is the South African Regulator, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) provides an illustrative costing model as a guideline for end users and the standard maximum hours allowed to be worked by a security officer is forty eight.

THE PUBLIC REASSURANCE AGENDA

Part of the Home Office public reassurance agenda surely has to be that when people walk into a building they should feel safe and secure when they see a security officer who they know is trained to respond to emergencies. The wider agenda should be developed into a “safer buildings” programme involving the SIA, HSE and ACPO.

Bobby Logue is the Editor of Infologue.com.

In his closing speech at the SIA conference, Bill Butler said; “I’m going to say one thing that we are not going to do and this is something that we said originally we were going to do. I’d like to think that I may have said it differently but at the outset we said we were going to create a golden age in the industry where pay goes up where there’s limit-less opportunities for people to do work. I think that over time the standard and the approach of the industry can improve but I think that was an unrealistic promise to make and regardless of what we have said in the past I am taking it back. This is about what the industry does and the improvements that have taken place over the last few years are things that you have done. I like to think we create the environment, I like to think we help but the reason there are more women working in the industry, that there’s more professionalism and there can be conversations about creating an effective profession for the industry, the fact that there is recognition of the standards that the industry create and better partnership with the police, I could go on, is because of what you in the industry have done to take things forward.  We want to carry on helping you do that but that’s what you do – that’s your success.”

In her speech Ruth Henig said; “To move forward in tacking these areas of improvement, and others, we will need to work closely with our partners, and with private security industry businesses, to discuss how we can share regulatory responsibilities effectively and to mutual benefit. This is the time to start planning for, and working towards, greater empowerment and lighter touch regulation for those working in the private security industry. We would like to see key industry figures and organisations, such as the Security Institute, BSIA and Skills for Security, to name but a few, as well as individual companies, joining in the discussions, leading the drive for higher standards and for innovation. This means working with the SIA to explain to Parliamentarians, civil servants and to those who work in the industry how regulation in the industry will evolve, and helping to achieve the goals we will all hopefully be united in pursuing. You can all help the SIA to move forward, building on the benefits of regulation which have been achieved so far, and working together to drive forward a joint agenda of professionalisation of the industry and of higher skill levels and continuous training for those who work within it.”

My comments in the June Editorial of Infologue.com, ENERGISING THE SECURITY INDUSTRY, underpins the opening paragraph of this month’s editorial; “It is my belief that one of the flaws in the industry is our wish to create today tomorrow, in other words we are always one step behind. It is my opinion that the current approach of our industry is to examine challenges on a piecemeal basis instead of adopting a holistic approach. Examples include skills development, the Working Time Directive and company differentiation. My belief is that a holistic approach is adopted where security industry best process, practice and output is identified. This will give all stakeholders of the security industry a vision of excellence instead of focussing on minimum requirements. From this vision, standards, skill levels and other “items” on the industry’s shopping list could flow. Part of this approach would require the regulator, the Security Industry Authority to give more weight to their relationships with the security industry trade bodies on industry matters. The trade organisations would in turn have to ensure its positions are fully mandated by its membership.” Before we can move forward we as an industry need to created this vision.

There are some outstanding legacy issues that require resolution such as the In House issue, Cutting Red Tape and other issues raised by Brian Sims the editor of SMT Online and myself in the award winning campaign, FOUR ISSUES ONE VOICE.

 When nominating Logue for the Award the Chairman of The Security Institute wrote; “Bobby Logue has made a significant and outstanding contribution to media and communications within the UK security industry. His innovative and informative online journal ‘Infologue.com’, is widely read by both security suppliers and end-users. Through an ongoing series of articles, reports and statistics, Bobby has made the facts and news about the security industry, and in particular, the guarding sector, more widely available to a broader audience, and always in real-time. He has the knack of knowing things before anyone else! Bobby has never shied away from tackling some very sensitive issues. Moreover, he has succeeded in harnessing through ‘Infologue.com’, the viewpoints of the regulator and key representatives of the private security sector, often instigating fascinating debates and exchanges. Infologue.com is read by security personnel at every level, thereby creating an electronic forum from which the industry’s newest recruits, as well as the most experienced security manager, can benefit. “ 

In 2006 Bobby Logue, was recognized for his efforts in respect of his role as Editor of Infologue.com, when he received the initial Skills for Security Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Security Business Sector.

Logue then discussed the security industry in general “The industry is constantly dynamic, but far too many organizations are standing still, While gross margins for security companies are now seriously low, the industry remains resistant to change. Let me be clear that this situation is not the fault of the Regulator. Clients are driving prices downwards because they know there will be companies out there willing to take this work. Smaller security companies either need to be smarter and – or better you are going to compete your larger rivals. This is why smaller companies should look outside of their traditional markets by identifying niche business areas.”

Moving onto skills in security sector, Bobby Logue was critical at the lack of raising the training levels within the industry.  “Four days training by the regulator is nearly not enough. Most modern security officers are first responders in fire and first aid, requiring such skills to adequately perform their duties. We should be talking in terms of 8-10 days basic training. Literacy in English is also an issue and in addition to the multiple choice questions already included in the SIA required examination, there should also be a 300-word essay.”

SEE – INFO4SECURITY – IPSA AGM 2010: LOGUE ENERGISES STRONG DEBATE ON GUARDING INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

 “The opportunity for the security industry to display its true credentials has never been greater”

“Key to driving our industry forward is positive leadership from our trade bodies such as the BSIA and acceptance by the new government of our true capabilities. The strength and strategic importance of our industry is not emphasised enough, through unity and focus, we, as an industry could achieve this. A little known but important fact is the largest employer on the LSE is a security company. We however cannot demand respect, we have to earn it.”

“We cannot demand respect, we have to earn it”

“By its defensive nature the security industry tends to focus on the negative. The position is further aggravated by negative mutterings by the likes of Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson and the unsavoury antics of wheel clampers, who have inexplicably been lumped into our industry by the previous government. This view is entirely contrary to reality, which is that several hundred thousand men and woman protect the public and property daily. Annually, it is my privilege to be one of the judges of the BSIA Security Officer of the Year awards. It is during this process that you begin to realise the level of performance, dedication, levels of customer service, life saving actions and bravery that our frontline personnel deliver selflessly on a regular basis. This is a far cry from some of the poor perceptions of our industry that are regularly espoused by the ill informed. It is clear that our industry requires positive vision and leadership which should emanate from security industry trade bodies.”

 “Our industry requires positive vision and leadership which should emanate from security industry trade bodies”

“It is my belief that one of the flaws in the industry is our wish to create today tomorrow, in other words we are always one step behind. It is my opinion that the current approach of our industry is to examine challenges on a piecemeal basis instead of adopting a holistic approach. Examples include skills development, the Working Time Directive and company differentiation. My belief is that a holistic approach is adopted where security industry best process, practice and output is identified. This will give all stakeholders of the security industry a vision of excellence instead of focussing on minimum requirements. From this vision, standards, skill levels and other “items” on the industry’s shopping list could flow.”

 “From this vision, standards, skill levels and other “items” on the industry’s shopping list could flow”

“Part of this approach would require the regulator, the Security Industry Authority to give more weight to their relationships with the security industry trade bodies on industry matters. The trade organisations would in turn have to ensure its positions are fully mandated by its membership. This appears to be the case with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) when the new Chief Executive James Kelly, committed to offering BSIA members the opportunity to sign off on key new policies.”

Bobby Logue is the Managing Director of UK based Interconnective Ltd, who specialises in consultancy to security businesses through Logue Corporate, distributes a range of innovative security products through Interconnective Security Products and supplies specialist training to the security industry through its subsidiary, Beyond Basics Limited.

This acquisition will greatly enhance Emprise’s security offering and aid in achieving the company’s ambitious growth plans for 2010. This strategic purchase comes shortly after the appointment of Craig McGilvray as CEO and displays the company’s push to enhance its proposition to market and strengthen its positioning as a mid-market specialist. “The acquisition of Perfectus is instrumental in the growth and development of our current security business, which is a key objective for Emprise. This strategic purchase will further develop our security offering and footprint to support us in our growth ambitions. We welcome all of the transferring employees to Emprise”

Emprise is looking to build upon its well established foundations as a specialist support services company through widening its offering to chosen market sectors, whilst maintaining the existing culture that has remained since the company’s inception. Emprise prides itself on sustaining ongoing proactive involvement and providing access to directors throughout client contract terms and foresees this unique culture of engagement continuing during their ambitious growth plans. Logue Corporate facilitated Emprise with the acquisition.

Emprise Website

Bobby Logue, the Managing Director of Interconnective Limited said; “With our industry contacts we were able to assist in finding a suitable home for the contracts of Craft Services avoiding disruption to their employees and customers.”

INTERCONNECTIVE IN THE NEWS – INFO4SECURITY -SECTORGUARD BUYS CRAFT SERVICES GROUP CONTRACTS

Bobby Logue, the Managing Director of Interconnective Limited said; “Once again our in depth industry knowledge played a key role in this latest acquisition.”

Logue Corporate is the services arm of Interconnective Limited offer a range of specialist services to clients in addition to Mergers and Acquisitions which focus on the strategic development of their clients business. Logue Corporate also produce the well known industry electronic newsletter Infologue.com