Winners of the UK OSPAs 2022 will be announced on Thursday, February 24 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The Outstanding Security Officer category is sponsored by Corps Security. The shortlisted are:
Hasan Afzal – Atlas Security
Shona DePledge – Mitie
Dion Henry – Mitie
Gregory Ihionvien – Bidvest Noonan
Majid Khan – Westgrove Group
John Mckinnie – Mitie
Denise Phillips – Westgrove Group
Youcef Saadi – FGH Security
Paul Sanchez – Croma PROception
Carl Thomas – Mitie
Atlas Security’s Hasan Afzal is a security officer at a west London retail park, which like all sites of its kind can suffer from issues around anti-social behaviour and elements of criminality. It is a single person site, where Hasan has created a culture and environment that acts as an excellent example for all retail security operations.
With an attitude of continuous improvement, coupled with exceptional levels of drive and self-motivation, Hasan has built up a library of information during his eight years at the site. He has established a list of known criminals and his work has led to numerous arrests and convictions. His employers describes him as having a highly diligent approach to monitoring people entering the park, reporting any unusual or suspicious activity.
Local store managers call Hasan a ‘superstar’ and asset to the park and area, by providing support and guidance to any retailer affected by crime. Over the last four years, he has recovered more than £130,000 across 565 separate incidents, an average of 12 a month.
Gary Stanton, Managing Director of Atlas, says Hasan sets the benchmark for retail park security and all security officers: “He is a shining example of what can be achieved with focus, drive and a desire to consistently operate at the top of one’s abilities. He embodies Atlas Security’s ambition to make a genuine difference to our customers and redefine the way people see and experience security services,” he says.
“His enthusiasm for the job is contagious and his commitment to the safety and security of those who visit the Retail Park is second to none, making all of us at Atlas Security feel incredibly proud and lucky to work with him.”
About the OSPAs
The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) recognise and reward companies and people; sponsored by TEAM Software, and supported by security associations and special interest groups who are among providers of the judges. A black-tie dinner will be hosted by quiz master, presenter and stand-up comedian Paul Sinha (also known as the ‘Sinnerman’ from ITV’s quiz show The Chase). Places can be booked via the OSPAs website.
A Thought Leadership Summit, organised with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), will precede the awards, as in 2020, the last, pre-covid, such event (pictured). Visit https://uk.theospas.com/.
