Prop Tech & Security
Why security should be seen as an investment
place, who are confident in dealing with such incidents and are aware of how to protect their own safety as well as others. By enhancing residents understanding that the training of staff should cover not just the basics of security, but more in-depth details on what to look out for when patrolling as well as what to do in evacuations this could aid to preserve lives. There have been a number of devastating fires within blocks of flats, requiring the need to respond in a calm and effective manner. Staff who hold a Security Industry Authority licence receive training in evacuation procedures, crowd management and first aid allowing order to be brought to what could otherwise be a chaotic situation. In order to provide a safe living and working environment it is becoming more important that a security risk assessment for the site is undertaken as well as the surrounding areas. As part of the exercise, it is beneficial to engage with residents to understand their concerns whilst also taking advantage of local intelligence to gain a comprehensive overview of the issues affecting the area. By identifying what the risks are and how these can be minimised, the security put in place is able to be tailored to specifically tackle the issues affecting the development. Furthermore, through collaboration with the local authorities, measures can be implemented in order to discourage anti- social or criminal behaviour. It is understood that security and training costs money and there is always the awareness that service charges are increasing, so to add to these costs will be put a further burden on the residents. This is why it is vital for the companies who are responsible for these personnel to be the ones who invest in this rather than passing on the cost to the residents. This would not only provide a higher calibre of staff for the company; it will also put them in good stead with the residents themselves. Whilst this thinking may take a while to come to fruition, it needs to be understood that there is a requirement to be rethink and restructure how security is managed on large mixed-use developments, where more frequently there are public realms incorporated into the design.
Azeem Rashid urges property management companies to swallow the cost of training security staff
I n the modern era of mixed used residential developments, the role of the concierge officer is forever being enhanced to cope with the higher demand for improved service offerings to residents. As well as being the daily point of contact for general enquires, the concierge also works closely with the property manager to ensure that the property is clean, tidy and safe for all visitors, residents, staff and contractors. With staffing costs being one of the largest items of expenditure within the service charge budget, it is increasingly common for concierge officers to undertake the dual role of security personnel, with tasks such as routine patrols, the monitoring of CCTV and deterring anti-social behaviour being
encompassed within the role. Whilst there are many organisations who are equipped to provide concierge staff, security officers have to be licensed under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. This is to ensure that a professional service is delivered at all times and that officers are adequately equipped to deal with matters, such as guarding premises, defusing confrontational situations or dealing with unauthorised access scenarios. With anti-social behaviour, drugs and thefts unfortunately more prevalent, these incidents can escalate to become violent and harmful to the person dealing with them. It is therefore important that those managing the development educate residents on the importance of having specially trained security personnel in
Azeem Rashid is director of ProSentry
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