Door staff have had ministerial praise for their contribution to protecting the public.
Speaking at The Safer Doors Conference in Peterborough, Vernon Coaker, Under Secretary of State for Policing, Security and Community Safety, recognised that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) door supervisor licensing scheme gives the public confidence in those who are responsible for their safety at pubs, clubs and bars.
Vernon Coaker said: “I see the door supervisor sector as not only helping to prevent crime and disorder but also helping ordinary members of the public to be able to enjoy each others’ company in a safe and secure environment. As well as security, which has never been higher on the public and Government agenda, your work is also about something very positive – the quality of life for the public.
“One area where I believe door supervisors can make a significant contribution is in keeping the community safe from the threat from terrorism. This is a very real threat to us all, although of course we all hope it will continue to be a rare occurrence. But it is a real threat and one we need to address in a proportionate and appropriate fashion.
“The threat we face is seamless: it does not acknowledge boundaries. It is not easily divided into foreign affairs, defence or domestic affairs. It is one where the capabilities of those who seek to attack us are significant and potentially increasing. To counter this threat our response must also be seamless. It must be integrated and driven from the very top of our organisations to ensure that it is embedded throughout them.
“Security, and countering terrorism in particular, has for too long been seen as the preserve of Government, of law enforcement agencies and of a small number of professionals. We need to recognise that this can no longer be the case if we are to achieve success.
“The whole community has a part to play in devising and implementing measures that are dynamic, flexible, agile and adaptive. Door supervisors are in the front line of achieving this aim by stopping potential terrorists gaining access to potential targets and alerting the police about this and other forms of suspicious activity.”
The Safer Doors Conference 2007 was the third national conference specifically for the door supervisor industry. Other speakers included: Andy Walker, conference host; Andrew Shepherd of the Security Industry Authority; Andrew Nichols of pub chain Mitchells and Butlers; and Stefan Hay of Skills for Security.
