Protective Surveillance - The alternative to Close Protection

Protective Surveillance

Protective surveillance is becoming an evermore popular method of protection preferred by prominent business people, families and visiting dignitaries. It’s a less obtrusive form of close protection, amalgamated with surveillance to provide a discreet personal protection service. Our guest blogger this month is Gavin Mooney of SIKA Security and Investigations in Stirling, Scotland. Gavin is a retired British Soldier with over 25 years experience in communications, protection and surveillance. He explains more about protective surveillance below.

The Advantages of Protective Surveillance

There are certain situations where protective surveillance might be beneficial in order to discreetly protect yourself or your client. Protective surveillance is ideal for anyone who might need covert close protection, there are a few advantages that can be gained though this surveillance technique.

Maintain Daily Routines

One of the drawbacks of hiring a close protection team is the fact that some clients feel as though their daily activities are hindered. It is important to have the team near in case their help is needed, but clients wonder where the line of obtrusive protection lies.

Protective surveillance allows the team to research the potential threat so that they can provide protection, without too much impact on your daily schedule. So, you can continue with your regular daily tasks, without worrying about the close proximity of your team.

What is Protective Surveillance?

This technique allows your protection team to gain on-going intelligence so that they can assess the risk at any moment. This intelligence can be gathered through electronic and physical research, and it allows the team to gather applicable information in order to put together an effective protection plan.

One of the benefits of this surveillance plan is that the team strives to maintain a semblance of normality in your life. The team works hard to observe the situation and control risk from a distance, to avoid tipping off a potentially dangerous person.

Who Can Benefit from Protective Surveillance?

Anyone might find benefit from protective surveillance depending on their situation. These services are especially suited for people who have a high net worth, who have a high profile in the media, or for someone who is being stalked.

Another reason that this surveillance might be used is if you need to be sure that you are not being followed. With physical surveillance, your protective team will watch your movements from a distance, in order to determine if anyone is following you. Once those individuals have been identified, it becomes much easier to “watch the watchers.”

Usually, protective surveillance is offered as part of a larger close protection plan, although there are certain situations where protective surveillance might be sufficient as a stand-alone service.

Digital Protective Surveillance

In our modern world, it is becoming easier to use digital techniques in order to gather information over the phone or through other listening devices. There are tools that can be used through cell phones, home phones, radios, televisions, or many other devices in a home or office.

Many people find that information gathering in this manner is much more effective than physical surveillance, because details can be gathered from a distance and throughout the day.

Talk with an Expert

Do you need protective surveillance? Contact SIKA to learn more about the ways these surveillance strategies can be implemented for your individual situation. When you hire an expert, you have complete peace of mind that everything is being taken care of.

SIKA Security and Investigations Agency (SIKA), offer private investigator services in the Edinburgh and Glasgow areas. These services include surveillance as well as many other aspects that might be needed for a private investigation. SIKA are a trusted partner of Westminster Security, together we are able to cover the whole of the United Kingdom, providing an unparalleled investigation and protection service for our customers.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/protective-surveillance/

Security Alert at Parliament as Westminster Brought to a Standstill

Security Alert at Westminster Palace as Suspect ‘device’ found

A mobile phone and drinks bottle sparks security alert at The houses of Parliament, Westminster brought to a temporary standstill as roads are cordoned off and people advised not to use mobile phones near suspected device. James Kirkup, Political Editor at The Telegraph reports:

• A section of the Palace of Westminster in the shadow of Big Ben was evacuated in a brief security alert after an X-ray detected a mobile phone and a drinks bottle.
• Police and security officers cordoned off a section of the Parliamentary estate around New Palace Yard, next to the base of the clock tower.
• One officer said the alert was triggered after an X-ray operator at the Parliament visitor centre detected what appeared to be a mobile phone connected to a liquid bottle in a bag.
• Specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police, wearing rubber gloves, were called and inspected the package.
• It transpired that the phone was not connected to the bottle.

The security alert comes just 2 months after it was announced that cutbacks had to be made to the security budget, and that some of the policing roles at The Palace of Westminster would be replaced by private security contractors. Although the Met Police would continue to have an armed presence at Parliament. Some MPs have expressed their concerns that security companies may employ agency staff, who have had little training and not yet completed vetting.

Police at the palace warned people not to use their mobile phones “for your own safety”, the roads around Parliament square were closed off to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from passing in front of the Houses of Parliament. A 30 meter cordon was in place across the square to keep tourists away from the suspected device. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “There is a security alert. We have no further details.”

A spokesman from local London security company, Westminster Security commented: “MPs have every right to be concerned for their personal safety, they should be able to go about their daily duties without the worry that their safety is being compromised due to budget cutbacks. You seen what happened at the London Olympics, who’s to say that won’t happen again, but with fatal consequences?.”

The area around Westminster Palace was declared safe within one hour of the security alert.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/security-alert-at-parliament-suspect-device-found-westminster-at-standstill/

London Security Company Recruiting SIA licensed Security Guards

Renowned London security group; Westminster Security, are currently recruiting close protection officers and security guards for positions within hotels, events, and door supervision for the summer season. The company is looking to employ highly motivated and reliable security professionals to enhance the groups professional image.

Westminster Security, which provides personalised security services for its clients, has a strict recruitment process that only employs the finest security personnel, exemplifying an outstanding, proven background in the private security industry. The company is interested in hearing from individuals with at least 2 years experience in a similar security role in London, and particularly keen to recruit former British military and police officers.

Applicants need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority, with a proven record of employment and continual personal development. Successful applicants will undergo meticulous reference, criminal and financial background checks for the safety and security of their clients. Most security officers are specially chosen for their skill-set in their chosen field through careers in the Police, Army, Navy and Royal Air Force. This rigorous selection process ensures the highest quality security operatives for the customer, for their complete peace of mind and overall quality of service.

If you feel you have the right qualities, experience and training to offer, visit their employment page to check your eligibility and to apply.

Complimenting their close protection services, Westminster Security also offers security chauffeurs, residential security, surveillance, private investigations, security concierge, and retail security in London. To learn more about the company and its list of premier security services, visit www.WestminsterSecurity.co.uk today.

About Westminster Security

Based in Central London, Westminster Security is an independent private security company that provides a wide array of security and investigation services. The company only employs highly trained, and trusted former police and military security professionals, to protect clients and their businesses from risks and threats posed to their wealth, security and safety. These security professionals discreetly offer protection and safety for an extensive range of clients from different cultures and countries around the world.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/london-security-group-seeks-dependable-security-professionals/

Westminster Security London - New Website!

Welcome to our new website!

Westminster Security have a new website, it’s been 12 months in the making, and we hope you like it!. Apart from a complete redesign and rewrite, we've added an Arabic section for those travelling from the Middle East who are looking for a security company in London. We’ve added a blog section to enable us to communicate company updates, Industry news, press releases and employment opportunities. We’ve linked our social media accounts, don't forget to ‘Like Us’ on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter, and we're now on Google+. We look forward to connecting with you!.

About Westminster Security

We are a private security company based in Central London, established to provide high end premier security services to customers who require more than just security. Our service has been tailored to provide complete security and bespoke lifestyle management, including transportation, concierge, investigation and manned security. We pride ourselves on providing a premier service without the premium cost. We believe in quality over quantity so recruit only the most trained and experienced security operatives with backgrounds in the Police and British Armed Forces. All of whom undergo a strict vetting and recruitment process. Enabling us to provide our customers with a security management service that is second-to-none.

Our Area of operation

Westminster security mainly operate in London and the surrounding areas. However, we have to capabilities and experience to operate anywhere in the UK, Europe and around the world. We regularly operate in France for our clients which is becoming an evermore popular destination, therefore we have established a strong team based in Paris, ready to deploy at a moments notice. Over the years we have provided close protection bodyguards and security chauffeurs in Iraq, Kurdistan, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi, the United States of America and South America. We are due to deploy security teams to some of these destinations shortly.

Services we provide

• Chauffeurs – All of our chauffeurs are trained to the highest standards in driving. They have undergone advanced driver training in either the military or police, they have then completed advanced driver training with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) or RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), in some cases both qualifications. Our Security Chauffeurs have the same advanced driving qualifications, plus SIA close protection training, and further close protection driver training which includes but not limited to: route selection and planning, protocol & etiquette, embus/debus drills, intensive advanced defensive driving, surveillance awareness & detection, reaction to attack, vehicle control limits and escort/convoy driving drills. This training ensures that we provide the best security chauffeurs in London. For more information on our chauffeur and security chauffeur in London services, please contact us or visit our chauffeur in London page.

• Close Protection / Bodyguards – Our male & female close protection bodyguards in London are amongst the best, most sought after in the security industry. The vast majority of them are from specialist VIP protection units in the military and police. We can supply bodyguards in London of any shape or size to fit your individual requirements. Some clients prefer the discreet ‘executive’ bodyguard who wouldn't look out of place at The Ritz, others like the large physical presence of a ‘man mountain’ to escort them in clubs etc. Whatever your reference, we can provide all your close protection needs in London. For more information on our close protection in London, please contact us or visit our close protection page for more information.

•  Concierge – We provide an unparalleled concierge service in London to our clients, this is not a stand-alone service and is usually provided as part of a close protection service. Our close protection teams are well experienced in providing for all of our customers last minute requirements, anything from popular restaurant/club reservations, VIP cinema/concert/sporting tickets to flights and chartered jets. The only limits are time and your budget, we will do our utmost to source almost anything you want with our vast connections throughout the globe. Security Concierge – Our security concierge service in London combines the front of house receptionist role with that of a security guard, this is an effective way of providing a discreet security presence at your business or residential development. Our security guards are all trained and experienced in providing first class customer service whilst maintaining security. For information on either of our concierge services in London, please contact us.

• Door Supervisors – Westminster Security provide male & female door supervisors in London to many licensed venues, including hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and private members clubs. Our door supervisors have built an enviable reputation in providing a premier door security service in London. Gone are the days were ‘brutes in suits’ “run the doors”, todays door supervisors – or at least the one’s we employ, have not only a strong physical presence, but also able to converse with a broad spectrum of people from all different backgrounds and nationalities. The vast majority of our Door Supervisors have a British military background, we believe they are a real asset and have consistently proved this through their dedication and helpfulness to our clients and their customers. For more information on door supervisors in London, please contact us or visit our door supervisors in London page.

• Event Security – Our Door Supervisors are also utilised for event security in London, whether big or small, public or private. Westminster Security are able to consult and manage the security for you event in London. For more information on our event security in London and for some examples of the events we have provided security for, please visit our Event Security In London page. 

• Private Investigation - Our Private investigators in London are mainly retired police officers who are experts, and have vast experience in investigations. We provide Private Investigators in London for a wide variety of tasks. Our private investigators in London begin by gathering information from our client, they investigate further or act on these instructions by compiling photographs and/or statements and report the facts to the client before surveillance is instructed if required. It may surprise you what Private investigators actually do, their roles include but not limited too: Process Serving, Locus Reports, Witness Statements, Missing Persons, Listening Devices, Matrimonial Enquiries, Covert CCTV, Court Attendance, Tracking Vehicles, Trace Enquiries, Background Checks and Test Purchasing. For Private Investigation Services in London, contact us. Or visit our Private Investigators in London page.

• Residential Security – Westminster Security provide Residential Security in London for private individuals who require the extra presence of a security guard at their home or hotel suite. Residential security in London varies from a full-time static security guard to 24hr mobile patrols, visiting your property at random or set times throughout the day and night to confirm the security of your property and the absence of undesirables. Hotel residential security in London is usually provided 24hrs a day by a close protection bodyguard to royalty, celebrities and security conscious individuals. The bodyguard is in control of access to the room/suite and reports all activity to the close protection team leader via a written log. For more information on our residential security in London, please contact us or visit our residential security in London page.

• Retail Security – We provide retail security guards in London to many prestigious brands and designer labels, our retail security guards in London have built a great reputation in providing an exemplary service for many high street stores and designer boutiques. Westminster Security understand that customer service is as important as shop security, therefore only employ security guards whom speak perfect English with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Our retail security guards in London are all trained in first-aid, theft awareness and conflict management. If you are looking for a security company in London to provide you with retail security guards that will reflect a positive image of your business to your customers, contact us or visit our retail security guard page for more information.

• Surveillance – London is the surveillance capital of the world, with more CCTV cameras per head than anywhere else. Believe it or not, that makes it even harder for surveillance to be conducted on an individual, as the surveillance operative is also under constant surveillance whilst travelling discreetly around London, undetected by the target, but potentially drawing the attention of the police or CCTV operators. That’s why when it comes to surveillance in London, we are the experts. Our surveillance operatives have backgrounds in the security services, police and military special forces. They are trained to go undetected whilst gathering irrefutable evidence for our clients and submission to the courts. For more information on our surveillance service in London, please contact us or visit our surveillance in London Page.

Thank you for visiting our new Website and blog, if you feel any part of our site could be improved our you would like to comment in anyway about our site or services, please complete the comment box below.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/welcome-new-website/

Private Security in London may replace some Police roles at Parliament

Security is paramount for highly-important locations, especially in a country’s seats of power. Rebecca Keating of BBC News reports:

“Police officers could be replaced by private guards to cover some aspects of security at the Houses of Parliament. The Metropolitan Police force currently provides all security services for the Commons and the Lords. In a cost-saving move, airport-style security checks at the entrances will be put to tender – although the Met will still provide armed officers. But parliamentary officials said there would be no downgrading of security as a result of any changes.”

The development may be met with mixed reactions amongst private and public officials, especially in an internationally-important place such as London, England. The city is already smarting from a recent scare near the Bank of England, and memories are still fresh of unnecessary military mobilisations to compensate for gaps in the 2012 London Olympics’ security. Labour MP Barry Sheerman said he was concerned that private security companies in London would rely on agency staff. Westminster Security recruit, train and supply former British Armed Forces veterans and former Police officers for private security in London and throughout the UK, they would be high on the list of preferred contractors to bid for the tender.

A panel of security experts, MPs, and peers recommended the change in personnel as part of efforts to save more from the Parliament’s annual security budget, which stands at £24 million this year. Scotland Yard currently handles the screening work, but its contract is slated to expire in April, 2015. The tender is scheduled to be opened within a short period after. Guarding the entry points goes a long way to stopping potential threats, even when roving personnel are on the premises. In the case of Parliament, officers manning the public entrances have reported confiscating imitation weapons, knuckle dusters, and illegal substances such as cannabis. The same is true of security operatives finding unauthorised materials among retail patrons or event guests. It is unclear how the change will affect security for the lawmakers, even those who may be provided close protection by London security companies like Westminster Security. Sheerman said some MPs and their staff lamented a failure of Commons authorities to consult them about the development. Commons Speaker John Bercow would not even consider discussing the issue on the chamber floor.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/private-security-in-london-may-replace-some-police-roles-at-parliament/