Reliance Security has hailed its three team national awards in the British Security Industry Association’s annual Security Officer of the Year awards 2008.
The teams were presented with their awards by Home Office Minister, Vernon Coaker MP, at the Associationโs annual luncheon today at the London Hilton, Park Lane.
Best Use of Technology – Northampton CCTV
The team is based at Northampton Borough Council CCTV control room and has been described as a blessing, providing essential, top quality monitoring services to the residents of the town.
In 2006/07 the team assisted in 4174 arrests and these included matters such as robberies, violent brawls, drug related matters and a suicide attempt. On all occasions, the team acted with professionalism and proficiency to ensure that the quality of monitoring and intelligence recorded in relation to the incidents could successfully be used to aid prosecution. The team regularly receives letters of thanks, praise and commendations from the police.โ
Debbie Ferguson, Community Safety Manager at Northampton Borough Council, said: โThe team displays excellent skills in the use of the CCTV system and coupled with its local knowledge, produces outstanding results. Individually each officerโs expertise is exemplary, but as a team they are exceptional.โ
Bristol centre
The Reliance team was part of โOperation Outlookโ – put together under โGloucestershire Water Emergency 2007โ in immediate response to the flooding which occurred in July 2007. โOperation Outlookโ co-ordinated the strategic and tactical responses of all agencies involved and the teamโs effective planning and commitment as part of this team, ensured that things ran smoothly at this difficult time.
Chief Inspector Derek Jones of Gloucestershire Police, said: โThe Reliance team played a significant role in overcoming the challenges of the emergency and the Policeโs decision to utilise additional resources ensured we were able to operate in the most effective manner necessary. This incident saw the Police embracing the wider police family and the Reliance team now features as part of the Constabularyโs contingency planning for future events or emergencies.โ
Best Newcomer
Thomas Higgins, 27, is based at Patrol Net in Laganside, Belfast and was nominated for the award for his rapid progress during the last seven months.
Robert Green, Contract Manager for Reliance Security Services Ltd, comments: โThomas has already become an officer of very high calibre. He has a pro-active approach to not only improving his own knowledge of the security industry, but also initiating ideas for continuous improvement both on site and for Reliance Belfast. All this confirms his commitment to professionalism and customer service. Thomasโ knowledge of alarms is commendable, and most of this knowledge he has taught himself through study, site visits and seeking information from engineers.โ
โThomas goes beyond the call of duty and often attends site issues or alarms during his time off to witness and learn first hand what problems and procedures are involved in case he may need to attend to a similar incident in the future. Thomas genuinely strives for continuous improvement in his duties. He thoroughly deserves this award.โ
