Focus on a Security Officer Simon Cole
Here we profile security officer Simon Cole.
Simon Cole has been working in security for about 10 years following an initial recommendation by a relative.
Today he works with City Security Services looking after a sixteen-floor multi-tenanted building close to Marble Arch. He currently leaves home in East London at 4.45am to get to the building, so he is in plenty of time for the shift change with his colleague and to go through any relevant actions. He used to cycle in but the poor condition of the roads has put a stop to this.
Prior to joining City Security Services, Simon’s first job in security was one that may resonate with images of the past: a security guard sitting outside a building site with hands warming over a hot brazier! In this case, Simon was looking after an empty building with no heating, electric or running water – using a gas heater, thick coat, hat, and gloves to keep warm (and, of course, a thermos for his tea)!
After that assignment, he was posted as team leader to an MOD site just off the Hampshire Coast, where he was billeted for a year assisting the Armed Forces at a check point. Simon enjoyed his time and said it was very much an eye opener and learning experience, combined with fond memories of a ‘full English’ in the mess!
Simon enjoys his current role: “My position is front of house and it is a joy to help the tenants, visitors, couriers and contractors with their differing needs, whilst ensuring the people and premises are safe and secure and no day is the same.”
He has attended Project Griffin training and subsequently ACT and developed a good understanding about the skills that are important for a security role: “Expect to work hard, learn, be approachable but friendly and firm – it is important to communicate well with people.” He added: “It is an exciting industry to work in and your career can definitely develop. I started off working in an empty cold building and now I am front of house in a prestigious building working for a great company, and who knows where this will take me”.
Head of Operations at City Security Services, James Mortimer says: “Simon is extremely conscientious and his reputation within the business and with the client has grown exponentially since joining the organisation – he is a great ambassador for the business and a credit to us all.”
So, what’s next for Simon: “I would love to gain more knowledge and be better at what I do as a security officer – I’m looking forward to enhancing my skills through further training, which in turn would improve my output and service to the client.”
In the short time I spent with Simon his answer was to be expected – his service-focused attitude and mindset are exemplary. He is one of those ‘diamonds’ working on the frontline – plus a really nice, humble, person who is no doubt going to go places.
Graham Bassett
Editorial Committee, City Security magazine
Read profiles of other security officers in our Security Careers section.
