Security Industry Authority calls for a crackdown on training malpractice, to weed out substandard providers…

The unprecedented security operation in Paris highlights the importance of setting a training gold standard when it comes to public safety…

Wow! What an incredible opening to the Olympic Games!  Although nothing quite tops Daniel Craig and Queen Elizabeth II parachuting into the London Olympic stadium! Nevertheless, the French put on a fantastic show.  In case you missed it, the open-air parade featured a fleet of barges, which carried nearly 7,000 athletes along the River Seine. Meanwhile, more than 300,000 rain soaked spectators watched on from the banks.  As great as it was to see iconic landmarks, like the Louvre and Notre Dame, for me the monumental security operation was equally impressive! After all, this was the first-ever opening ceremony that was not held in a stadium…

Safeguarding a 6Km stretch of the Seine? No easy feat! Roads and metro stations were closed. Some 44,000 barriers were erected. An elaborate system of QR codes has been set up for residents wanting to access the area. And anti-drone systems, radars and divers patrol the river. A total of 45,000 police officers, 18,000 military personnel and around 20,000 private security staff have been deployed to ensure safety throughout the games. Almost 2,000 officers from 44 foreign police forces, including 250 from the UK, are also present in Paris. The scale of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic security operation is like nothing we’ve seen before.

Sadly, it’s a sign of the times, with the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East heightening fears of a potential attack. Just last week, French police detained a Russian national in connection with a suspected plot to cause “destabilisation” during the Games. Meanwhile, Israeli competitors are being escorted by elite tactical units to and from events and given 24-hour protection throughout. But even when you have an extraordinary amount of security personnel, the success of the operation ultimately hinges on the quality of the training these officers have received. And this brings me to my next point…

Not all training schemes are created equal, particularly in the realm of private security. Whilst anyone undertaking private security in the UK must have an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence, there’s a huge disparity in the quality of the training provided. Even the SIA itself has called for a crackdown on training malpractice, in a bid to weed out substandard providers… The public safety role of SIA licence holders means that the quality and integrity of their training is critical. Simply completing a few online tests and sporting a high-vis jacket doesn’t automatically mean officers are capable of doing the job – at least not to a high standard!

Yet that’s the unfortunate reality in many cases. Which is precisely why Advantage One go above and beyond when training new recruits. Even officers who have already completed their SIA accreditation must undergo our own rigorous training program. It’s the only way to ensure they meet the gold standard we set for our guards. As you might expect, our superior service means we’re not necessarily the cheapest provider out there.

But when it comes to security, training must come before profit. The better the training, the better the performance. The stakes are simply too high to cut corners. The good news is that the better the performance, the better return you get on your investment. So, as we enjoy the dazzling spectacle of the Olympics, spare a thought for the unseen security teams keeping everyone safe. Their training, vigilance and dedication are what allow us to celebrate these extraordinary moments in peace.

Come on Team GB!

James Haigh
Managing Director
Advantage One Security