Officers and teams from across the private security sector in London were yesterday recognised for their significant contributions to the work of the police and protection of the public, during the inaugural Metropolitan Police and Security (PaS) awards.
The awards – sponsored by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) – are all the result of nominations made by local police officers of various ranks and serve to highlight and promote ways that the police and private security industry work together, on the ground.
Awarded in five categories, personnel were recognised for achievements across five categories: Partnership and engagement, intelligence sharing, innovation, volunteering and outstanding act.
Chief Executive of the BSIA, James Kelly, who was there from the trade body with Trevor Elliott, said: “Recognising the considerable contributions of security personnel in the protection of the public is a vital part of enhancing what is already a very successful relationship between industry and the police. As the voice of the private security industry, the BSIA is proud to be involved in the PaS initiative and looks forward to helping develop this very important initiative over the coming years.”
The Police and Security (PaS) initiative aims to improve collaboration and trust between the private sector and the police to enhance public safety and security. It focuses on better understanding and clarity of standards and training; enhanced information-sharing and communication; and promotes the development and sharing of new ideas on how to collaborate effectively.
The initiative is led by the BSIA and championed by the Met Police Business Crime Hub to encourage a consistent approach to tackling business crime the MPS. Through liaison with the business community, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and local police, the hub works to improve crime prevention and reduce crime affecting businesses throughout London.
Detective Inspector Georgie Barnard, who heads the Met’s Business Hub, said: “The Metropolitan Police Service is committed to partnership working to help ensure a safer London. The PaS initiative is a fantastic example of this, and thanks to the hard work of both the police and the private security industry, we are already seeing fantastic results on the ground. The Metropolitan Police and Security Awards demonstrated some of the fantastic results achieved through effective partnership working and I look forward to seeing these partnerships continue to thrive in the future.”
For more about the PaS initiative, visit: http://www.bsia.co.uk/about-us/partnerships/police-security-initiative.aspx.
Pictured is past BSIA chairman, and PaS chairman, Geoff Zeidler, giving the closing address at the event at New Scotland Yard.
