Women in Security

Whilst men still do represent the majority of employees within the security division, it seemed that a need to prove themselves on a physical level was deemed part of the job description. Security Guarding and Door Supervisor duties have always been perceived as a male occupation, however, this is soon to be an image of the past with more security businesses expressing the need for female officers.

Women have a unique contribution to make in the ever changing security field. Laws and regulations are making this occupation, like many, impossible to run without feminine input. Due to regulations and human rights it seems like a security officer performing a physical search on a member of the public that has been detained on a suspicion of crime, could soon be deemed inappropriate if undertaken on a member of the opposite sex.

More than ever, emphasis is being placed upon conflict  resolution and women are regarded as having greater "soft skills" approach - more in line with the current culture being promoted by the SIA and relevant training bodies. Women are also seen by those Clients who require reception.concierge duties as providing a warmer welcome and a more natural fit in an office environment. this might not always be the case, there is certainly a perception of this.

The number of women working today is far greater than previously and as the Security Industry becomes ever more regulated, and agree paths can be seen more clearly, the Security Industry has opened its arms to a female presence.

The role of women within security is likely to expand over the next 10 years which will bring about beneficial changes and have a positive impact on the security sector as our voices become louder.

Emma Kirk - Camberford Law plc