A Basic Security Thought

By Duncan Ashwell

This book sheds light on concerns and potential failings in the security industry, with the goal of improving standards for security officers and companies. Many security officers quickly forget the basics of their training as security companies forgo quality in favour of quick online certifications that lower industry standards.

The book prompts reflection on the core responsibilities of security officers and the training required to prepare them for the role. It explores whether current standards in the industry are high enough, challenging security officers to assess their own work ethic compared to others.

Ultimately, the book aims to spark important conversations and drive positive change in an industry where high standards and proper training are essential. Both security companies and officers have a shared duty to protect people and property, which begins with re-examining training protocols and performance expectations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Apr 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9781035842810

Duncan Ashwell

Duncan has been involved within the security industry for over 15 years. He has held many roles within this industry from gatehouse to research and development sites. He has qualifications in advanced security management and has a general passion for the security industry. Within this timeframe, Duncan has seen many changes, both good and bad.

Book preview

A Basic Security Thought

Duncan Ashwell

Austin Macauley Publishers

A Basic Security Thought

About the Author

Dedication

Copyright Information ©

Acknowledgement

Introduction to the World of UK Security

Purpose of Security Companies

Why Is Security Needed in the UK

Why the SIA Is Needed in the UK

What the SIA Shouldn’t Be Used for in the UK

SIA Licences Need Changes

Staff

Standards of Security Officers

Reports

Why Security Needs Non-Disclosure Agreements and Confidentiality Acts

Improvements to the Vetting Process

Basic Training Changes

Why Security Companies Should Check on Their Officer Skills

Basic Security Officer Training

What Skills a Security Officer Needs

Why It Important to Keep a Security Daily Occurrence Book

What Information Is Needed for a Report Form

Why Should Security Know the Fire and Alarm Procedures

Why Security Officers Need to Do Check Calls

How to Do a Security Handover

Why a Security Officer Should Read the Site Assignment Instruction Book

Why Is It Important to Keep a Training Record for Security Officers

Why Should Security Officers Be Trained on UK COSSH

Why a Security Officer Should Have a Basic Understanding of the UK GDPR

UK Law for Security Officers on Searching Motor Vehicles

UK Law on Searching Someone

How Security Officers Should Search Motor Vehicles in the UK

Searching of a Woman

Searching of a Man

How a Security Officer Should Do a Bag Search

Training in Bomb Threat Call in the UK Workplace

Confiscating Items

Security Officers Should Be Trained in First Aid at Work

Internal and External Site Patrols

Handheld Metal Detector

Metal Detector Arch

X-Ray Machine

Radio Training

Security Officer Needs to Know How to Check UK Banknotes

Security Officer Needs to Know How to Check UK Passport

Security Officer Needs to Know How to Check UK Driving Licence

Criminal Crime in the UK

Security Officer Should Know De-Escalation Techniques

Why a Security Officer Needs to Be Able to Describe Someone

Security Officer Should Have Knowledge of Physical Intervention

Why a Security Officer Should Know Body Language Basics

Security Officer Should Have Knowledge of Terrorism Awareness

Why a Security Officer Should Always Ask for Some ID

Security Officer Should Have Their Observational Skills Checked

Conclusion: Why Is the SIA Good and Bad for the UK Security Industry

About the Author

Duncan has been involved within the security industry for over 15 years. He has held many roles within this industry from gatehouse to research and development sites. He has qualifications in advanced security management and has a general passion for the security industry.

Within this timeframe, Duncan has seen many changes, both good and bad.

Dedication

I wish to dedicate this book to my wife, Mrs Nadyne Ashwell, as without her inspiration, encouragement and help, I wouldn’t have got this done.

So, thank you, my love.

Copyright Information ©

Duncan Ashwell 2024

The right of Duncan Ashwell to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

The story, experiences, and words are the author’s alone.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781035842803 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781035842810 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2024

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

I want to thank Austin Macauley Publishers for taking the chance on publishing my book.

Hello, can I start with a thank you, for taking the time to have a look at my book on my take on the needs for the UK security industry.

Now, a bit about me the person behind this basic look and changes for the UK security industry.

My name is Duncan Ashwell. I have been in the security industry for over 14 years now, and I worked on many different types of security sites, from HMCTS, R&D, MOD, gatehouse, transport, shops and others.

As a security officer in the UK, the SIA has done a lot to help the security industry, but it still lays at the feet of the security companies to make the security industry the best it should be, on the goal to make the security industry an industry that has a good career path and a work to life balance.

Security companies should have the goal to keep standards high overall, and to make sure at the security offices are at the highest standards.

I have put some of the things that I think need to be looked at by the SIA and security companies, not only to improve on but to make a standard in the security industry.

This book is for security companies and security officers to have as a starting point and to improve over their security career; for companies to set a minimum standard for the security industry.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope it gives you a topic to talk about with others.

Introduction to the World of UK Security

UK security refers to the measures, policies, and actions implemented by the United Kingdom to protect its citizens, borders, infrastructure, and interests from various threats and risks. It encompasses a wide range of areas, including national defence, intelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, border control, law enforcement, and emergency response.

The United Kingdom has a long history of prioritising security due to its geopolitical position, global influence, and its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its population. The country faces diverse security challenges, including terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks, geopolitical tensions, and potential threats to critical infrastructure.

National security is primarily the responsibility of the UK government, with various agencies and departments playing crucial roles in safeguarding the country. The Ministry of Defence oversees the nation’s armed forces and defence strategy, while the intelligence community, including agencies like MI5 (Security Service) and MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service), focuses on gathering intelligence and countering threats to national security.

Counterterrorism efforts in the UK are led by the police, intelligence agencies, and specialised units such as the Counter Terrorism Command. These entities work together to prevent, investigate, and respond to terrorist incidents, ensuring public safety and protecting national security.

Cybersecurity is another critical aspect of UK security, given the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure and the potential for cyberattacks. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is responsible for protecting the country’s digital systems, providing guidance, and responding to cyber threats.

Border security and immigration control are crucial for managing the flow of people and goods into the country. The UK Border Force, part of the Home Office, ensures the integrity of the UK’s borders, enforces immigration and customs laws, and prevents the entry of individuals who pose a risk to national security.

In summary, UK security encompasses a comprehensive range of measures aimed at protecting the United Kingdom from various threats, both domestically and internationally. It involves defence, intelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, border control, and law enforcement efforts,