” If you want total security, go to prison. There you’re fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking… is freedom.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower.
I was once asked to define what Security is about. I thought to share some of it to add to the many perspectives out there. Sometimes all someone needs is a different point of view.
Security has always been intriguing. From a time long ago when Night Watchmen patrolled walled cities, to the now paramilitary close protection specialists, security as an entity has evolved. However the underlying premise remains the same – People paying people for protection, safety and advanced warning of issues.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of trying to define security is not about the word itself but the expectations from those paying for it. Like in any business, customers have a predetermined idea about a particular service or product based on their knowledge, assumptions and experience. It is fair to say that Security Officers are now expected to perform a far more complex set of tasks than ever before. As world events start getting closer to home, as the economy shakes and technology advances, more and more people are able to access some form of security. This undoubtedly changes the service level of the industry – the more demand for services, especially niche, the more the Security Officer is expected to perform. This also means businesses need to find new ways to deliver and stay competitive. Unfortunately the charge out and pay rates don’t always match the expectation, and this is where reality creeps in. Within the scope of day to day security, what can people really expect?
What Security Isn’t…?
Before trying to define what Security is, it needs to be said that security is not a catch all preventative measure. No matter what level of security you deploy, from a picket fence through to automated alarms or a full time security detail, humans always have a way of piercing the armour. What this means for consumers is that they need to be realistic with their approach.
For example, it is not uncommon in the Events Industry to see the expectation put onto Crowd Controllers to also be first aiders, fire fighters, maintenance staff, customer attendants, ticket collectors, rubbish collectors and geographers.
With the current trend of businesses maximising profits and consumers withdrawing spending in certain areas, the need for multi-talented personnel has skyrocketed. Where you use to have experts for each of the above tasks it is now expected that your hired help can do all of the above, and for half the cost of the expert too. It should dawn on everyone who has an interest in personal safety and property protection that putting all your eggs in one basket isn’t always going to yield the best results.
You go to the Supermarket for your general needs. But for that extra special treat, even for a decent coffee, you know you need to see a specialist for that. That $1 machine coffee just doesn’t have that special taste a Barista has…
Well what is it then?
Security is about layering. It is about assembling a pool of expert people, good products and raising self awareness. Security can be split into many different categories. And in this day in age suppliers are expected to be in the know about the varying topics and products. In simple terms, you could say that security is split into:
· Physical. Fences, lights, barriers, construction, surveillance, alarms.
· Manpower. Mobile patrols, Crowd Controllers, Personal Protection.
· Cyber. Networking, software, accesses, clearances, etc.
Of course this is a very simple breakdown and each can be drawn further, however to an everyday consumer this is how it can be thought about. For example, if you want more privacy from people walking past your home you can install a fence. If you want to know someone is checking your business when you aren’t there, you may install an alarm system or hire a mobile patrol. If your business relies on IT, you’d ensure someone is monitoring your anti-virus and firewall software.
You can see that each area has clear specialities and characteristics and yet it is expected of providers that they can overlap into several.
Security now
Security now more than ever is important as the world events clearly show. Value for money is paramount for everyone in every aspect of life. If you can have someone or something that knows a bit of many things, rather than one thing, they provide value. It is important to remember however that no one can be an expert in everything.
Many critics of the industry often forget this. While you can argue that paying for a service means you should be assured of certain things, are the people providing the service not concerned about those same things?
It is vital that individuals take note of their personal situation and set of circumstances and evaluate if there is room for improvement. For example, does your daily routine expose you to risks (such as the way you withdraw money from the ATM or lack of closed garage to park your car in) or are you over compensating (paying fees for services you do not use, such as mobile patrol call outs)?
Spare a thought for those working in the ever changing industry. The person you speak with who is checking your ID or responding to an alarm is taking on a lot of responsibility and not always for the reward you would expect.
How do all these things relate back to the purpose of this piece? Well, it shows that there is not a simple explanation for Security. It shows that like all things in life it requires people to take responsibility, but that there is value in taking on services for areas you are unsure of or unable to do yourself.
So perhaps the best way to define security is the constant chase to find a way to live your life the way you want, within the law, with minimal risk. What you can call freedom. Being secure can certainly mean less to worry about.