From Patrol to People Skills: Why Communication Matters in Security
Whether it's ensuring a swift response to incidents, maintaining safety, or fostering positive relationships with the public or team members, good communication skills are a fundamental skill that supports not just operational efficiency but also the overall safety of the environment.
Security Officer, Jon Miller, is a highly respected and appreciated member of our team and is frequently praised and requested by clients because of his exceptional communication skills and the ability to ensure a safe environment.
According to Brian Switalla, GM Strategic Accounts, FIRST Security:
“Jon provides our clients with confidence and installs a sense of security and safety with those he engages with. Vital to FIRST Security’s service provision is our reporting for our clients and in this regard, Jon excels. His reporting is accurate and timely and evidences the professional service we deliver. This reporting significantly reduces any risk of service failures whilst also ensuring our staff are fully informed, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.”
Good communication is also necessary to be able to clearly report incidents. Whether it’s a potential security threat, an accident, or a routine observation, being able to communicate the facts concisely and without confusion is crucial.
It is also important to be able to share relevant information with team members to ensure all SOPs are adhered to and any security breaches are dealt with immediately.
Su Kaur, FIRST Security’s, Contract Manager – Rail & Events:
“John’s excellent communication and teamwork are invaluable. He works collaboratively with various stakeholders ensuring everyone is aligned and informed. His responsiveness to last minute changes or incidents, and willingness to go the extra mile represents his outstanding work ethic.”
Liaising with the Public in a clear, polite, and professional communication also helps in addressing their needs, answering questions, and ensuring safety.
Nicole Gilmour, Marketing Lead Auckland, Fletcher Living praised Jon for his handling of a community event to open the new Three Kings’ sports field in April:
“With over 2,500 attendees registered for the event, the health, safety and wellbeing of our team and the community was our top priority. It was important to us that we had security in place to support our event and community members. On the day, Jon was our main contact from FIRST Security, helping to clearly communicate to his team where they were needed and the priorities for the day. Throughout the event, his communication with us was clear and the event wouldn’t have been as successful without the support of Jon and his team.”
Mady Sharp, Deputy Manager – Martins Bay Holiday Park, Auckland Council
“Jon Miller was deployed to our park on several occasions during our peak period. We found Jon to be highly effective in his role – an excellent communicator who consistently followed up with me after each deployment. He also provided a thorough written report following each assignment, which was greatly appreciated. Jon consistently demonstrates exceptional customer service skills and goes above and beyond to provide a professional and high-quality experience”.
In summary, strong communication ensures that Security Officers can protect people and property while maintaining a professional presence.
According to Gina Lindsay-Crawford, Manager Client Services, FIRST Security:
“Jon has been a pivotal link between our Client Management team, our officers, and our clients. His ability to be able to communicate well, at all levels of the business has received positive feedback from the clients. Jon’s second to none ability of being able to relay messages and deliver SOPs to our officers in the field, and detailed reporting back on his finding, gives our team the reassurance that, after hours they can rely on him to be the eyes and ears in the field.
His confident, positive and clear communication when involved directly with clients has given them the confidence that their event, or specific deployment is in safe hands.
Jon is a crucial link for our team and his unwavering commitment to providing the best service possible, is highly respected and appreciated.”
