When it's time for the CEO of a company to make an appearance at a facility, or for a celebrity guest to arrive for a speech or photo opportunity, there is a spike in security needs. The vast majority of times, nothing bad will happen to such an individual, but it's absolutely vital to be ready with extra protection, just in case something goes wrong.
Instead of putting the burden on existing security personnel to defend the VIP in addition to their everyday tasks, it is more effective to increase the staffing level for the day in question. This is one arena in which off-duty police services can prove especially important, because the company can add a team of individuals whose on-the-job duties may include the protection of important people.
Police duties include VIP safety
One of the major reasons to consider off-duty police officers to protect VIP visitors is the fact that, in the course of their duties, these individuals have already been called on to provide similar services. An article published by PoliceOne pointed out that when dignitaries, CEOs or other important persons arrive in a public setting, local police are often the ones who get the call to protect them. This provides a reservoir of experience that few other professions have.
The article added that sometimes officers are called into action to protect people, such as suspects in important trials, whose safety has been explicitly threatened. These are high-pressure situations that demand situational awareness, quick thinking and strong nerves. The concept of having police officers act as security professionals has been part of their duties for decades, so it's an obvious choice to assign these personnel to similar roles through off-duty hiring.
Every situation is unique
Preferences for security, and even the nature of protection needed, will likely differ. This means that whoever gets the call to keep a dignitary, celebrity or other VIP safe should be adaptable and ready for anything. Bloomberg Pursuits pointed out that in the world of CEOs, for instance, safety and privacy are important – but tend to take the form of being private and secluded, rather than heavily guarded, like other VIPs from the political sector may be. Finding the right amount of protection and providing adequate services are active concerns.
This also raises the issue of whether a celebrity, leader or politician visiting a company already has people assigned to protect him or her. If so, any security teams retained by the company will have to coordinate with these individuals. Having expert communicators from a police force on hand to provide security can help with this type of collaboration.
Many different roles
Companies that use police officers as security personnel for VIP events or executive public appearances may find that they have many other uses for these services. The same individuals who can guard against danger to public figures are also well-equipped to keep well-attended events safe, or to control access to secure areas, even at times when there is no special visitor. Any situation that has a chance of becoming dangerous is a great time to call on law enforcement personnel.
The kinds of business facilities that may hire an off-duty officer vary widely. From office buildings and banks to health care facilities, factories and other plants, the scenarios are endless. Officers brought in to protect VIPs in these situations will be sourced from area police forces, with the knowledge and expertise that comes along. The practices these peace officers have mastered while on duty can become security pluses.
Making a hiring decision
The advantages of working with off-duty police for security purposes hinge on how these professionals are hired and managed. Working through an agency that is covered by a workers' compensation package and gives a steady administrative framework allows companies to gain the benefits of these new security personnel without having to deal with complex new administrative processes, with people coming on and off the books based on the demand for their services.
Such an organization can also take care of the recruitment process, ensuring that every off-duty officer who enters a company's service is commissioned and approved for such off-duty work. With this behind-the-scenes work accomplished and insurance in place to ensure that potential injuries to off-duty officers don't incur undue liability for the company, the advantages of such an arrangement come into focus.
You can find out more about hiring off-duty police personnel in a security capacity at Frizell Group's contact page.
