We invited Darren Read , MD at Amulet Security to discuss the key learnings for the security sector from COVID-19.
The pandemic has changed the way we view public health for good, making it a case of security both at local and national levels.
Security officers have been at the forefront of social distancing measure enforcement. The importance of the security officer role has been more broadly recognised than ever.
If there is one thing that the pandemic has highlighted, it is the importance of resilience and agility in the face of the unknown. With many buildings having to empty with little warning, the importance of remote monitoring, security officers, and visible deterrents was clear. While we may not have an overnight lockdown again, ensuring that security systems have the capacity to respond to sudden changes is important.
Officers have truly demonstrated their value over the previous months in ensuring this resilience. While technology plays a key role, this adaptability is a human quality. Investment in training officers and experts in the industry is undoubtedly the way forward. As an industry, we must make sure that officers are recognised as key workers long after the pandemic is over.
A second key learning, particularly among clients, has been the benefits of technology and remote monitoring. Some businesses can be resistant to relying on tech and prefer to have an officer on the ground. While this is still an important approach in many solutions, the lockdown in particular proved that tech and remote monitoring can be just as effective.
Many of the best security solutions are a blend of security officers and technology. The pandemic has likely spurred innovation within the sector, while at the same time giving clients the confidence to trust the experts.
Darren Read
Managing Director
For further views on this topic, see related articles from our Police & Partnerships, Risk Management and Security Management categories, including:
Kevin Ward on challenges facing the security sector
Andy Kynoch on the security response to COVID-19
