British Security Industry Association: Annual Security Officer Awards 2008. A glittering awards ceremony at the London Hilton, Park Lane and attended by many leading figures from within the security industry was the occasion to recognise those people in the UK security industry who have excelled in their work. Going beyond the call of duty, providing outstanding customer service and offering exceptional security through cutting-edge technology are just some of the traits displayed by the winners of the British Security Industry Association’s Annual Security Officer Awards 2008.

“The achievements of the officers and teams we are recognising today demonstrate the diverse and challenging environments of the modern security officer and the very real difference their continued efforts make to the day-to-day lives of ordinary people” said BSIA Chief Executive, David Dickinson.

Sponsored for the tenth successive year by Camberford Law, specialised insurance brokers to the security industry, three awards were presented in each of the following categories: Service to the Customer, Outstanding Act, Best Newcomer, Best Use of Technology and Best Team.

While all winners have justifiably earned their awards, the Outstanding Act category in particular demonstrates full commitment to the job and acceptance of the risks and potentially dangerous situations that can arise while carrying this out. For example, Michael Benham was nominated for his award after his life-saving actions whilst working for Cineworld Cinema at the Aspects Leisure Park, Bedford.

Michael demonstrated quick thinking and aptitude, going beyond the call of duty to protect cinema staff and the public, when a man set fire to the cinema. Michael and the duty manager were not only able to tackle the former employee, rolling him on the ground to prevent further harm, but also put the fire out in the foyer preventing the former employee from harm and the cinema from further damage.

Combating Shoplifting

In the Service to the Customer category, Ray Batley working at the Trinity and Burton Arcades in Leeds for over seven years has made significant strides in combating shoplifting in the arcades’ shops, with £40,000 of goods being recovered from shoplifters over a two year period.

The main Best Use of Technology award went to the Gunwharf Quays team of CCTV controllers employed by OCS Security and based within the control room at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. The team was nominated for its high degree of training and knowledge of state of the art systems, ensuring a controlled and safe centre to its 25,000 visitors a day.

Over the last 12 months the team has had to deal with 225 fire activations. Its relationship with the local police to reduce crime on the site also ensured that 61 arrests were made. The latest customer exit poll research has returned a commendable 97 % satisfaction rating.

Contact:

British Security Industry Association,
Worcester, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44 845 3893889
info@bsia.co.uk
www.bsia.co.uk