GNR Security Consultancy Ltd

19/12/2022

Something for the Industry in Trinidad and Tobago to emulate??????

A message from our Chair Heather Baily and our Chief Executive Michelle Russell.

14/11/2022

Remy Gerard
Status is online
Remy Gerard • You 18h • Edited •
18 hours ago
SECURITY RISK AND THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
The Christmas Season is upon us and for the many who celebrate the festivity; it's a time of great joy, happiness, and abundance.
It's a fantastic time for children, as there is still that fascination with Santa Claus and the gift-giving of toys.
For the faithful, it represents the gift of the birth of the Christ Child in a stable, but strange enough, there was the arrival of the Three(3) Wise Men, who traveled hundreds of miles to warn of a "clear and present danger", towards Baby Jesus, from an "envious" King.
Today, the festivity can also be characterized by clear and present dangers, as it is dominated by over-commercialization and frenzied consumption. Some retailers and consumers, use the period to sell and buy as much as they can as if there is no tomorrow.
It is a period of great anxiety that can affect people positively and negatively. On the positive side, there is a lot of giving and sharing, especially with the have-nots. However, there is a lot of envy, bitterness, and dissatisfaction, with those that are not able to achieve their yuletide seasonal desires, which can be for the simplest of things with many resorting to criminality around that time.
Perpetrated internally by employees; businesses during the season can be affected by increased attempts at the following:
1. Inventory Shrinkages
2. Cash Register Fraud
3. Financial Statement Fraud
The third one might seem unusual, as it is perpetrated more by bosses, who for intents and reasons are paid well.
Because the Christmas period is a time, many businesses depend on to meet financial goals; there is that pressure to tamper with financial statements, especially if the business did not perform as expected.
Externally, businesses and customers can suffer from increased;
1. Burglary
2. Robbery
3. Simple Larceny and Larceny Trick Schemes with regard to offenses like a.Shoplifting
b.Pickpocketing
c.Fictitious Christmas Season Promotions that can separate the "ignorant" from their money, are quite common.
d. Credit Card and Cheque Fraud
1. and 2. can also be frequent occurrences at personal residences as well, around Christmas time as occupants are known to take vacations and so on.
Unfortunately, it's also a period of "excessive alcohol consumption" followed by the improper use of "electrical devices" and "fireworks". These often have turned promising happy holidays into safety-based tragedies.
For all Security Operatives and the Clients that they serve; Security/Safety Awareness and Preparation are key for this demanding period. And please!!! frontline security operatives should refrain from donning Santa Claus hats while on duty.

What are your views?

28/10/2022

CLIQUES AND COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY IN SECURITY

I saw on the news recently, the continuance of legal troubles faced by the Officers involved in the murder of George Floyd.
It was probably one of the most heartbreaking stories, to hit the globe this century when the world was made to witness his gruesome murder, on May 25th, 2020, at the hands of Minnesota State Police operatives.
The main antagonizer, Derek Chauvin was said to have knelt on the victim's neck for nine((9) whole minutes occasioning his death.
Those words "I can't breathe", continue to haunt the world.
While the above was taking place, the other three(3) Police Officers who were in company and assisted Derek Chauvin, in restraining the victim, did nothing to stop his deadly actions until after the fact, when attempts were made, to revive the victim, which by then came too late.
Although they committed no physical harm toward the victim's demise, they were viewed by the Court as being "Collectively Responsible".
Officer Chauvin, while not being a Supervisor was described as an eighteen (18) year service veteran and more experienced than the others, came on the scene after the victim was subdued, and took the lead in handling the victim.
It is likely that in those years, he would have been placed in many "mentoring situations" and relied on by the Police Dept, in teaching new recruits the ropes while patrolling the streets, because of his experience. Many junior Officers might have even, looked up to him.
He appeared to be a hard-nosed street-wise cop, who over time lost the "humanitarian edge" required of his job, and may have passed this trait on to the less experienced personnel he mentored.
He also might have created Dangerous Cliques, influenced by his style of policing as the Internal Affairs Dept, was reported to have had several complaints of misconduct against him.
Workplace "cliques" are not inherently bad if what they represent, is positive and within the ambit of organizational policy and procedure. However, it is a known fact that cliques can go rogue, where the presence of negative influences, must be detected and diffused early. There must be avenues for concerned Security Personnel, especially very junior ones to be able to communicate "dangerous trends" in "confidence" to Management, or else the ethical fabric within can be stripped bare, with no recovery of any kind to be had.
In such cases, even the innocent in a clique can become "collectively responsible" for its negative actions.
Private Security companies are not immune.

What are your views?

22/10/2022

THE CHALLENGES OF RESIDENTIAL SECURITY DUTIES
Early in my career, I was assigned many residential duties in high-end areas. I greatly disliked those assignments. Why? I had a particular problem that I mainly kept to myself and that was, I became prone to personal feelings of self-pity and extreme servitude caused sometimes by the lack of hygiene factors and attitudes of some of the clients.
There were times when the only source of drinking water was from the garden pipe or hose while being based in a security booth or garage on a scorching day.
While undergoing these conditions; glimpses of the household can be had, enjoying their backyard pool, lounging off, sipping something cold, or taking a delightful swim; but to be fair to them, they would have worked very hard and made many sacrifices, thus enabling them to enjoy these pleasures.
Many clients though, were respectful of the Officer's presence, and then some again left a lot to be desired. I remembered this particular couple was on their way for a jog and decided to use a little walk-through gate, in front of the residence which was never locked, but just latched from the top.
They actually waited for me, to come open the gate for them to leave the premises when it would not have taken them a second, to do so. I might have been wrong in this case, but I felt at the time, it was important for them that I did this not for security reasons, but to enhance their status.
Then there were the night duties when you are all alone, outside the residents while the client sleeps, wondering why you too could not have been at home, getting a comfortable night's rest.
I was also not lost on the fact that some Security Officers would have abused their positions, by making unauthorized use of the client's property. For example, a common one was to use the client's pool, when on duty in cases of the client's absence from home, or taking advantage of the client's kindness, to indulge in all sorts of unprofessional conduct that can impair the contract.
When I became a Supervisor, I took care to rotate residential duties carefully, so no one Officer would have to undergo prolonged boredom and its mental effects by being continuously posted to a residence.
I felt that motivation can be had if an Officer knows that they are only required to do those duties once within so many days because it was being shared among the shift. However, sometimes the client might want a particular Officer that they prefer which can make the situation a bit dicey.
I recall an Officer cursing away a Senior who had assigned them permanently to a residence after I had advised that it was not a good idea but some Security Officers were able to thrive on these duties. I was simply not one of them.

What is your take?

19/10/2022

WORKPLACE ROMANCE AND THE SECURITY OFFICER.
Yes!!! I am going there because I believe, this is a very important issue.
I had spent a good part of my career, as an Internal Security Officer at an Organization that "allowed" workplace romances.
Young couples I discovered, were actually chaperoned by older members of staff and encouraged to get married. Previous to my time, I was made to understand, that desirous couples once had to get permission from the Organization and when granted, it required usually female counterparts to resign. Their offspring were seen now as potential future employees for the Organization.
It was a family-type environment that existed, however when the Internal Security Unit was formed, there were attempts to segregate Security Officers from integrating romantically with non-security personnel, but this did not last very long.
These romances as expected had their downsides. There were publicized breakups, competing romantic interests, and secret intimate liaisons within the confines of the Organization that made good office fodder for gossip.
I recall as a Front-line Supervisor, one of my charges on the shift had attracted the affection of a Senior Supervisor. I had the responsibility for recommending personal leave, as subordinates would request public holidays off to spend time with their family as well as go on planned outings and so on. I would ensure also that Officers were properly rotated so everyone eventually got a weekend off.
However, the individual's relationship with the other party saw frequently, Officer's requested leave being overturned in favor of the individual's request for whatever days they wanted. This caused disharmony on the shift and created strong urges by angry subordinates to have something done about it, which placed me in direct conflict with the Senior Supervisor. Correction only happened when Management got involved.
As a Security Manager in another dispensation, two(2) Officers got into a bitter rivalry, over their affection for an individual. When the information reached me, the situation was already embroiled in "gossip" but I took it very seriously because one (1) of the individuals was an armed Security Officer. It took me several counseling sessions with the parties to sort out the matter, with the recommendation to have the individuals transferred to other areas of the Organization as a matter of "urgency". On-the-job romantic conflicts have in the past, caused the "deaths" of participants.
Security Companies might or might not know, what policies are best suited to regulate workplace romance. However, supervisors should avoid any relationship that can compromise their position, and be on the lookout for dangerous trends that can impair the Organization's reputation.
It is worth remembering though that love is indeed a splendid thing, and can conquer all, if not controlled. Yup!!!

What are your views?

16/10/2022

WHAT IS THE SECURITY GUARD SERVICE SALES TEAM REALLY SELLING??
Imagine that you find yourself all alone in a park, street, building, or a deserted beach, being pursued by an unknown grim,tough-looking assailant, armed with a weapon. As you create distance for yourself by running, you stumble and fall. While scrambling to get back up, you realize that the assailant has gained ground significantly, and is almost upon you. Your heart pounds loudly and you sweat profusely, perhaps contemplating your end or willing to accept anything short of that dreaded fate, as you hope to live through this ordeal. It might have even been a while since you have prayed.
Suddenly, as you were about to give up after frantically begging your attacker to not harm you, and shielding yourself with your arms, you see a Security Officer, coming "urgently" to your rescue. Hope and relief, return quickly to your mind, as the Officer bravely subdues the assailant. After doing so, the Officer takes you to a place of safety, where you cannot now stop expressing your heartfelt gratitude.
Now!!! What if that same depicted Security Officer, turned their back or did nothing at the time you needed them the most? It's the stuff nightmares are made of, isn't it?
A Security Sales team is simply selling the feeling of "good over evil" to the client. The Officer's uniform and other tools of the trade are there to enhance the "safety and comfort" the customer feels in their presence. In many ways, it can be described as a kind of "invisible product" that is being sold that cannot be seen but felt.
Most important, whenever the Security Officer is on duty, they must generate via their demeanor, traits of alertness, honesty, integrity, passion, bravery, and above all "discipline" which the customer must feel and believe for a sense of Security Presence to exist. Also in times of trouble, to bring hope, relief, and gratitude.
A Security Company can have the nicest uniforms worn by Officers with loaded duty belts and so on, but if the Customer is not feeling positive about the Officer's presence, it can mean that the Security Service at best, is faulty. There is the need to infuse those properties into Security Personnel and they in turn must transmit or continue to sell these to the Customer
The type of personnel that is recruited, will determine the Company's ability to meet the Customer's need to feel "Confident" in the security service being offered.
Security Companies simply should not fall short in making this happen but unfortunately, many do.

What are your views?

04/10/2022

NEGLIGENT DISCHARGES OF FI****MS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY AND WAYS TO AVOID THEM!!!! PART 1
Of course, I remember my earliest exposure to fi****ms during training. It was nerve-wracking, to say the least. The guns of choice were the .38 and .357 Magnum Smith@ Wesson six (6) shooter revolvers. The 9mm pistol of a similar name and the Re*****on 12gd law enforcement shotgun. The firearm instructor was ex Army Warrant Officer Class one (1) Holder.
He cursed the living hell out of the recruits and no member of one's family was spared as we went through the drills of learning to field strip and clean every weapon along with other dry drills over and over along with other "Basic Marksmanship Principles" which lasted over a week, with the final day set aside for live range fire, based on what was learned. The cursing was the most intense on that day because the Security Chief visited the range to observe the action.
We were then graded, and it so happened that I was one of the weakest, despite using up to a hundred rounds, as I had trouble hitting the target at close range. So, often when the Unit organized other range exercises, I was requested to attend, until I improved, as I became comfortable with fi****ms. In spite of the above, I had one "negligent discharge" with a revolver.
For those who are familiar with them; it takes considerable finger pressure to discharge one, so when it happens unintentionally; it was not seen as an accident but "pure neglect" subject to "discipline" on my part. Luckily for me, no one was injured but I was still booked for the infraction. I had emptied the gun whilst on duty in the armory to put it away. I did not realize for whatever reason that one (1) round remained in the chamber and having closed it to take it to the vault, I began dry snapping the trigger until the round went off and hit the floor as I had it pointing in that direction.
Here are a few rules in this regard, with reference to revolvers:
1. Always check to make sure that all rounds issued with the firearm, are properly removed from the chamber or magazine before lodging that firearm.
2. Open the cylinder, spin it, and press extractor rod to retrieve the rounds. Hold the gun up to the light, making sure the six (6) ports are empty.
3. Dry snapping of the trigger is done to ensure that the gun functions properly. Other than for that purpose; avoid playing with the gun in that manner.
4. Handing over the gun, in a vertical position with the cylinder opened is the better option.
5. Unless going into a serious emergency situation with prerequisite proficiency. Do not set the hammer spur or lever of the revolver, to shorten the time of discharge from the trigger, as the slightest "mistake" in setting back the hammer and trigger to its original position, will cause a negligent discharge of a round.
6. Absolutely, do not remove your holstered firearm when on duty unless your intention is to use it in a dangerous situation.
7. Always keep fingers outside the trigger guard and away from the trigger unless prepared for firearm discharge

To be continued.
Share your views

04/10/2022

WHAT SECURITY OFFICERS MUST UNDERSTAND ABOUT ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
There is a general perception or expectation that in working life, those who labor the hardest, are the ones assured of success, while those that are continuously lazy, are the ones who are certain to get left behind or become destined for failure.
Ideally, I am in full agreement with the above notion, but in reality, it does not always happen that way to the great disappointment of many who are desirous of success in the Organization that they serve.
Organizations do comprise of the following:
1. The Formal Culture
2. The Informal Culture
3. The Stated or Written Policies that govern the conduct of all employees
4. Changes in Cultural Patterns over time.
The Formal Culture represents the general behavioral patterns observed throughout the Organization. For example, members of staff must dress a certain way or speak a language associated with a particular industry. They are usually aligned most of the time to stated policies and procedures. However, this may not always be the case, as these sometimes cannot cater to everything and at times amendments are necessary.
The Informal Culture represents behavior that is not stated or formal and is usually acquired over time as a subculture to the formal one. For example, it becomes customary for staff to remain at work and have drinks on a Friday or to leave an hour before closing time and so on.
Stated or Written Policies can sometimes require strict adherence to them, which is reflected in the general culture with little or no room for informal behaviors whilst on the job. For example, the military.
Because organizational changes are constant. Based on the circumstances facing the institution; any one of the above four (4) can become dominant, which could be a positive or negative experience for employees.
The trick for the Employee is to be able to identify which one of the cultures is dominant for their alignment, in order to get ahead or to be able to fit in the group with the most influential people.
If one is hard working but is aligned to the wrong culture, then one can see their efforts underappreciated or stymied. So often, as is the case in such situations, the less skilled or slack employee, is observed to be getting ahead, because they are aligned in some way, with the dominant culture. They are either family or linked closely to someone of influence who is prepared to carry or sponsor them.
It is also crucial to know when the culture is changing and be able to adapt. I had the misfortune of being "constructively fired" because I chose to culture my behavior to the written policies of the Organization believing I would be safe doing so and ignored the cultural shift. I was promoted last in a position and retrenched under LIFO i.e last in first out. Oh Well!!!!

Share your views

27/09/2022

DO AI PATROL SECURITY SUPERVISION HANDHELD DEVICES REALLY WORK??
I once worked as a Security Officer for G4S at a car assembly plant many years ago. In those days the company had instituted a technological electronic system, to ensure that officers patrolled certain places at certain times when on duty.
The technology I recall consisted of a device, which was called a data torch or gun. These were carried by Officers when on patrol and used to rub against some plastic strips which were strategically placed in areas that required patrols.
The strips contained electronic information which the torch will read electronically and when the transfer of information was successful; the Officer will observe a flashing red light at the back of the torch. The torch was then taken to Head Quarters, where the information was downloaded on a PC and printed for the customer to view the details.
Well over time, the torches, and strips, were sabotaged as Officers found them to be intrusive. Very soon enough, the system was abandoned by the company.
Today there are devices similar to that of cell phones which vocally remind Security Officers to patrol with the additional requirement of taking pictures of proof of patrol completion. I understand that it's like "pulling teeth" to get them to walk with the devices, when on patrol.
That approach did not work then and I do not believe it will work now unless it is something that Security Officers do not have to interact with on their own. Cameras recording the patrols in the desired area stand a better chance of success.
What are your views?
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25/09/2022

SEVERAL REASONS WHY SECURITY OFFICERS CALL IT A DAY

One of my contemporaries here on LinkedIn asked a very thought-provoking question. Why do Security Officers quit? I jumped right into it and this is what I had to say and I quote
"Security Officers Ms. Didieu leave the profession for these main reasons.
The under-appreciation of the following values:
financial
intellectual
status
risk
Sometimes the four reasons can happen simultaneously but the first one which is "financial" is probably the most common. However, the other three reasons can happen despite the security operative's compensation package being very lucrative at the time Yup!!!!!"
Having quoted the above, I would briefly explain all four(4)
Financial:
I consider this to be the most common, as daily battles are fought between Securtiy Officers and Security Company owners, over financial compensation where staff turnovers in the industry, are probably among the highest globally, as personnel often leave companies, for better pay and conditions elsewhere.
Intellectual:
There are Officers who have made the sacrifice to educate themselves, thus increasing their intellectual capacity, but are not promoted because of a long-entrenched seniority system that is in place, despite the present diminished abilities of the personnel who is due for promotion, as compared to those who have put in the extra work. So these personnel moves on to the detriment of the Organization.
Status:
I have known individuals who have left the Security Industry where they were in receipt of good compensation to join, for example, the Army, where the compensation while not as good, was seen by them as more "prestigious" than being in the Security Field.
Risk:
Some individuals have also left the Security Field, because of the dangers that are present, as many individuals are in fact injured or killed in the line of duty, opting instead to join an industry with much less negative risk exposures. Unsafe or unsecured environmental conditions can exacerbate the situation.
What are your views?

22/09/2022

NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN SO THERE IS NO NEED TO SPEND THAT MONEY!!!!!!
Following up on my previous post, in reference to the brutal deaths of two(2) Security Operatives, I found myself thinking about the very likely circumstances, of what led to that disaster.
I am almost certain that officials of both the Security Company and Client, sometime in the past, sat down, negotiated, and signed a contract for the safe transportation of the client's daily earnings from their large chain of retail stores, to the storage of a night deposit safe at their preferred bank.
The daily take and pick-up time was likely to be considered, as both parties agreed on a fee for armored services. However, they appear, particularly the "client", to have failed to consider the type of vehicle to be used to properly safeguard the asset, and perhaps left it up to the Company to decide because after all, not only was the price favorable, but they are the experts.
The Security Company now must have known that a properly outfitted armored plated vehicle, used by highly trained security operatives was key to lowering the risk of that service.
It could be too, that both the Client and Company felt simultaneously that hiring and providing a "genuine armored car service" was a cost avoidance issue for both of them because severe negative incidents are infrequent.
Now!!! it all would have ended very well for both parties for many years without incident, until Monday 06/09/22 when it all came crashing down. The savings generated at this time have been imperiled, because of their neglect, which is likely to invite a class action for the injury and deaths of the Officers. The Security Company can go out of business as a result.
Was the shortcut security measure ever worth it in the first place ?????????? The Authorities must also come in for some sticks because no owner of a Security Company by regulation must be able to acquire a license for the provision of such services without being able to demonstrate that they have the resources to perform such duties in conformity to the adequate security and safety standards.
Also, no Client or Customer must be allowed to hire such armored car services that are not in conformity with those standards.
These rules ought to be implemented immediately as a matter of urgency in the interest of Public Security and Safety.
What are your views?

21/09/2022

THE KILLING OF TWO (2) SECURITY OFFICERS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
On Monday,06/09/22 at around 5 pm, in the town of La Romaine, south Trinidad; three (3) or four (4) Estate Constables (Security Officers who have conferred unto them the powers of arrest, followed by the rights to bear arms)were in the process of transporting cash parcels as part of their Armored Car duties.
They had just collected a cash parcel, at one of the islands leading retail outlets, when on leaving the location to make their way unto the adjacent street, in an unmarked pickup vehicle, they were suddenly blocked by a white sedan. Armed individuals alighted the vehicle and began firing at the Officers, fatally wounding two(2) and critically injuring a third Officer. The armed individuals subsequently, approached the vehicle containing the incapacitated Officers; opened the door, and made off with the loot, in their waiting white sedan.
The police were alerted and cornered the suspects some distance away from the scene. The suspects apparently abandoned their vehicle and made their way to the empty downstairs of a one-story dwelling, where four of the individuals, met their end in a deadly firefight with the Police. Other arrests were said to be imminent.
My utter disgust and horror with this situation was the fact that the vehicle the Officers were using, was not armored so, this was a colossal disaster waiting to happen. The Officers never had a chance and the employer had to be aware of this potential risk but sadly did nothing to ensure these Officer's safety. RIP E/C Peters and E/C Baptiste.
What are your views??
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