Security Jobs Finder - Insights
15th Edition
1. Newsletter Update:
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This week we conclude our situational awareness series, we tackle the interview question, why should we hire you and look at the role of a dog handler. Our article of the week looks at SAPS and its war on extortionists in the Eastern Cape.
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2. How to Develop the Situational Awareness of Jason Bourne part 3
Brett & Kate McKay • February 5, 2015 • Last updated: August 25, 2021
Behavioral Clusters to Look For
Our inability to pay attention to everything all at once makes it impossible to obtain complete situational awareness. The human mind can only handle so much information at a given time. Thus in the domain of personal safety, where things unfold quickly and seconds are often the difference between life and death, how we direct our attention is paramount.
So we need to focus on a few things at a time that provide the most bang for our attentional buck. And we do that, Van Horne argues, by relying on heuristics. Heuristics are quick and dirty problem-solving and decision-making mental shortcuts our minds use to figure things out when minimal information is available and time is limited. Decisions made from heuristics aren’t always perfect, but in the context of your personal safety, they’re usually good enough.
In Left of Bang, Van Horne lays out six domains of human behavior that Marine Combat Profilers use on the battlefield in order to quickly determine whether someone is a friend or foe. To get an idea of what civilians should look for in everyday situations, I interviewed Van Horne for this article. He told me the most important category of clues is what he calls kinesics, an area of behavior that involves people’s conscious and subconscious body language.
Within the domain of kinesics, three clusters of body language are of particular interest for situational awareness. They are: dominance/submissive behavior, comfortable/uncomfortable behavior, and interested/uninterested behavior.
Dominance/submissive behavior. Generally, most people try to get along with others, so for the most part people act in accommodating and submissive ways. Van Horne writes that dominant behavior “is an expression of the limbic system’s fight response” and often manifests itself in “gestures and postures that make a person look larger to intimidate ‘smaller’ individuals into submission.” Smaller vs. bigger here doesn’t just apply to physical size, however, but also relates to relative positions of power.
Because most people get along to get along, dominant behavior often constitutes an anomaly, and the person displaying it deserves more attention. If someone acts in a pushy, authoritative, or overbearing way, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a threat; context matters. You’d expect a boss to act dominant in relation to their employees and the employees to act submissive to their boss, but seeing extreme dominant behavior exhibited by a customer towards an employee isn’t as common. That’s something to keep an eye on.
Comfortable/uncomfortable behavior. Most people are going to look relatively comfortable in most situations. Think about a bus or a subway ride — passengers generally appear pretty relaxed while they stare out the window or read a book. If someone looks uncomfortable, that’s an anomaly that warrants extra attention, but it doesn’t mean they’re necessarily a threat. They could be distressed because they’re late for work or maybe they just heard some bad news about a relative. Again, it’s just something to keep your eye on.
Van Horne says that a common display of uncomfortable behavior you’ll see from individuals up to no good is that they’re “checking their six.” This is when a person looks over their shoulder to see what’s behind them or generally scans their surroundings. People who are comfortable generally don’t do this because they don’t feel any threat. So if you see a guy looking over his shoulder a lot when he should be standing there aloof, that’s an anomaly that should get your attention.
Now obviously, “checking your six” is something that situationally aware good guys do too. If you’re doing it right, it shouldn’t be noticeable to others, but it takes practice, and some guy with his head on a swivel might still be green. But until you verify that through further observation, be suspicious.
On the flipside, someone acting comfortable when everyone else is uncomfortable would be an anomaly. One of the ways law enforcement was able to identify the Boston Marathon bombers was that they noticed in surveillance footage that the men looked relatively calm while everyone else was running around in a panic. The reason they looked calm was because they knew the explosion was going to happen and thus weren’t surprised by it, while everyone else was caught off guard.
Interested/uninterested behavior. Most people aren’t paying attention to their environment. They’re too caught up in their own thoughts or whatever it is they’re doing. So individuals who are showing interest in a particular person or object that most people wouldn’t be interested in is an anomaly that warrants further observation.
These three body language clusters establish baselines for every situation in which we find ourselves and allow us to direct our limited attention towards things that are potentially more important and/or dangerous. If a person’s behavior across these clusters fits the baseline for that particular circumstance, you can pretty much ignore them. If their behavior doesn’t fit the baseline, they’re an anomaly and you should observe them more closely.
Other Behavioral Threat Indicators
Besides the above three kinesic clusters, Marine Combat Profilers are taught to look out for a couple other behaviors that could apply to civilian situations as well:
Shifty hands. Military and law enforcement officers typically check the hands first on any person with which they’re engaging. This is for two reasons. First, “checking the hands of a person ensures that the person is not holding a weapon and is not preparing to strike,” writes Van Horne. Second, hands often telegraph hidden nefarious intentions. People who are concealing something they don’t want discovered, like a gun, knife, or stolen object, “will often touch or pat that area on the body where that object is concealed, as if to ensure the object has not been lost or is still hidden from view.”
“Acting Natural.” It’s difficult to “act natural” when you’re not completely focused on whatever it is you’re really supposed to be doing. People “acting natural” will appear distracted and over- or under-exaggerate their movements. Insurgents in Afghanistan will often try to act like farmers, when they’re in fact attempting to collect information on U.S. military patrols. Marine Combat Profilers are trained to look for these “farmers” who appear to be trying too hard.
Have a Plan of Action Based on What You Observe
You visit your favorite coffee shop and a bad guy with a gun decides to drop in as well. But because you’ve followed the principles above, you’re the first to see him as a threat. Great. But what are you going to do about it? Seconds matter here. You don’t have time to formulate a well-thought-out plan. What’s more, the stress of the event will muddle your thinking and decision-making.
In addition to asking yourself the baseline and anomaly questions every time you enter an environment, Van Horne suggests you ask yourself a third question: “What would I do if I saw an anomaly?” In other words, come up with an action plan.
So let’s go back to the coffee shop example. Let’s say the anomaly for which you want to create an action plan is “guy comes in with a gun.” The best course of action in this scenario depends on a few things. And knowing what those few things are requires you to be situationally aware. If the robber came in from the front door and you’re near the rear exit, your best action would be to book it out the back door right away. On the other hand, if he entered through the back exit near you, according to the Department of Homeland Security, your best action would be to immediately close the gap between him and you and incapacitate him.
Establish baselines. Look for anomalies. Have a plan.
That’s what situational awareness comes down to.
Situational Awareness as a Preventive Tactic
Animals are creatures of opportunity. They’ll typically only attack another creature if they look vulnerable. Lions will go after younger, sicker, or older gazelles because they’re easier to catch. The same goes with humans. Criminals are typically going to go after a person who looks vulnerable, whether the victim is physically weaker or will simply be easy to catch off guard.
Practicing situational awareness goes a long way in keeping you from appearing like an easy target. When you’re out and about, look alert. Get your nose out of your smartphone. When you’re walking back to your car at night, have your keys at the ready and constantly scan your surroundings. The less vulnerable you look, the less likely someone is going to mess with you.
Here’s another tip on not looking like a victim, from the guys at Sage Dynamics: Always keep a tactical flashlight on you and bust it out at nighttime. Having a light allows you to better observe in the darkness, but it can also act as a deterrent to would-be bad guys. Because law enforcement officers are usually the only ones shining flashlights down alleys and under cars, if you’re shining your light as you walk to your destination or back to your car, the bad guys are probably going to think you’re a cop and will likely just leave you alone. If worst comes to worst and you do end up getting jumped, you can use the tactical flashlight as a defensive tool by blinding your would-be attacker with the bright beam or even hitting him with the beveled edge that’s often built into the handle.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Situational awareness is a mindset that you have to purposefully cultivate. You want to get to the point that it’s just something you do without having to think about it. To get to that point, you have to practice it regularly. Starting today, consciously remind yourself to look for entry/exit points whenever you enter a new building. Start observing people and establishing baselines and generating possible anomalies while you’re at work, at the gym, or on a date. And then start coming up with action plans on what you would do in that specific situation if you see a possible threat. Don’t be paranoid, just mindful. Do that day in and day out, and situational awareness won’t be something you have to intentionally think about, just something you do naturally. And not fake farmer natural, but Jason Bourne natural.
Until next time, keep your head on a swivel, check your six, and keep your back to the wall.
Source: https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/how-to-develop-the-situational-awareness-of-jason-bourne/
3.Weekly Poll
Last week’s poll results
Last week we asked: Should we continue with these polls or stop them?
Responses: We had 3 responses on last week’s poll:
100% of respondents voted to continue
4. Interview Q & A
This week’s topic will address the question of:
"Why Do You Think You Are the Best Candidate for the Job?"
When preparing for a job interview, one of the most critical questions you may encounter is: "Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job?" This question is designed to assess your self-awareness, understanding of the role, and how well you can articulate your unique qualifications. In this blog post, we'll explore why this question is asked, what the recruiter is looking for in your response, and how to craft a compelling answer.
Why This Question Is Asked
The question "Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job?" serves several purposes for the recruiter:
1. Assessing Your Self-Awareness:
- Recruiters want to see if you have a clear understanding of your own strengths and how they align with the job requirements. They’re looking for someone who is not only confident in their abilities but also realistic about what they bring to the table.
2. Evaluating Your Fit for the Role:
- The interviewer is interested in how well you understand the position and whether your skills, experience, and personality match the role and the company culture. This question allows you to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand what the job entails.
3. Gauging Your Communication Skills:
- Your ability to articulate why you are the best candidate is a test of your communication skills. The recruiter wants to see how effectively you can present your case, which is especially important in roles that require clear and persuasive communication.
What the Recruiter Wants to Know
When asking this question, the recruiter is looking for several key pieces of information:
1. Your Unique Value Proposition:
- What makes you stand out from other candidates? The recruiter wants to hear about the specific skills, experiences, and qualities that differentiate you from the competition.
2. Understanding of the Role:
- Do you understand what the job requires? The recruiter is assessing whether you have a solid grasp of the role’s demands and how your background equips you to meet those demands.
3. Cultural Fit:
- How well will you fit into the company’s culture? The recruiter is interested in whether your values, work style, and personality align with the company’s ethos and team dynamics.
4. Motivation and Enthusiasm:
- Are you genuinely interested in the role? The recruiter is looking for candidates who are not only qualified but also enthusiastic about the opportunity and motivated to succeed.
How to Craft Your Answer
To create a compelling answer, consider the following steps:
1. Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experience:
- Identify the key skills and experiences listed in the job description and match them with your own background. Focus on those that are most relevant to the role.
2. Provide Specific Examples:
- Use specific examples from your past experience to illustrate how you have successfully applied your skills in similar roles. This adds credibility to your claims and shows that you have a proven track record.
3. Show Enthusiasm for the Role:
- Express your genuine interest in the job and the company. Explain why you are excited about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals.
4. Align with the Company’s Values and Culture:
- Mention how your values and work style align with the company’s culture. This demonstrates that you will be a good fit for the team and can thrive in the company’s environment.
5. Keep It Concise and Focused:
- While it’s important to cover all the key points, make sure your answer is concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic.
Model Answer
Here’s an example of how you might structure your response to this question:
Interviewer: "Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job?"
Candidate: "I believe I am the best candidate for this role because of my strong background in project management and my ability to lead teams to success. In my previous role as a Project Manager at XYZ Company, I successfully led a cross-functional team in completing a high-stakes project three months ahead of schedule, which resulted in a 15% increase in client satisfaction and a 10% boost in revenue. My experience has equipped me with the skills to handle complex projects, manage tight deadlines, and motivate teams to achieve their best work.
Moreover, I am particularly excited about this opportunity because your company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in client service resonates with my own values. I am a proactive problem solver and a dedicated professional who thrives in dynamic environments, and I am confident that my passion for delivering high-quality results will make a valuable contribution to your team. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your organisation and help drive your projects to new heights of success."
Answering the question "Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job?" effectively requires a combination of self-awareness, understanding of the role, and clear communication. By highlighting your relevant skills and experience, providing specific examples, showing enthusiasm for the role, and aligning yourself with the company’s values, you can craft a compelling answer that demonstrates why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Remember, this is your opportunity to showcase your unique value and convince the recruiter that you are the perfect fit for the job.
Maximise Your Chances with Security Jobs Finder
After crafting the perfect interview response, the next step is ensuring your CV captures the attention of recruiters. With the Security Jobs Finder online CV builder, you can effortlessly organise your thoughts and present your qualifications in a way that speaks directly to what recruiters are looking for. Our step-by-step process guides you through each section, ensuring that all the crucial questions a recruiter might have are thoroughly answered. By investing the time and effort to complete your online CV with us, you put yourself ahead of the competition and increase your chances of landing the job you deserve. Start today and let your CV work as hard as you do. Sign Up Here or Log In Here: to complete your online CV.
5. The different career options available in the security field
The Role of Dog Handlers:
In the realm of security, the use of trained dogs has long been recognised as an effective and powerful tool. Dog Handlers, professionals trained to work alongside security dogs, play a vital role in enhancing the security measures within a company. Their expertise not only adds an additional layer of protection but also brings unique capabilities that human security personnel alone cannot provide.
The Role of Dog Handlers
Dog Handlers are responsible for managing and working with trained security dogs to carry out a variety of tasks. These tasks range from routine patrols to detecting illegal substances or explosives, searching for missing persons, and apprehending suspects. The handler’s primary duty is to ensure that the dog is properly trained, well-maintained, and effective in its role. This requires a deep understanding of canine behaviour, specialised training techniques, and a close working relationship between the handler and the dog.
Why Dog Handlers Are Needed
1. Enhanced Detection Capabilities
- Security dogs have an acute sense of smell and hearing, far superior to that of humans. This makes them invaluable in detecting hidden contraband, explosives, and other prohibited items that might otherwise go unnoticed during standard security checks.
2. Deterrence
- The mere presence of a security dog can act as a strong deterrent to criminal activity. Potential intruders or criminals are less likely to attempt illegal activities when they know a trained dog is on patrol, as dogs are both physically intimidating and highly responsive to threats.
3. Rapid Response and Tracking
- In the event of an incident, security dogs can respond quickly and effectively. Whether it’s tracking a suspect who has fled the scene or locating missing persons in large or difficult terrains, dogs can accomplish tasks that would take human personnel much longer.
Benefits of Employing Dog Handlers
1. Increased Security Efficiency
- With their exceptional abilities, security dogs can cover more ground and detect threats faster than human guards alone. This efficiency allows for quicker responses to potential security breaches and increases the overall effectiveness of the security operation.
2. Cost-Effective Security Solution
- While there are initial costs associated with training and maintaining a security dog, the long-term benefits often outweigh these expenses. A single dog-handler team can perform the work of several security guards, reducing the need for additional personnel.
3. Specialised Expertise
- Dog Handlers bring a specialised skill set to the security team. Their knowledge of canine behaviour and handling techniques ensures that the dogs are not only effective in their duties but also well cared for, maintaining the dogs’ health and readiness for their tasks.
4. Versatility in Security Roles
- Security dogs are versatile and can be trained for various roles, including narcotics detection, explosive detection, patrol, and search and rescue. This versatility means that a security company can deploy dog-handler teams in different scenarios, depending on the specific security needs.
The role of Dog Handlers in a security company is indispensable. Their partnership with trained security dogs significantly enhances the company’s ability to detect, deter, and respond to threats. As security challenges continue to evolve, the presence of Dog Handlers and their canine partners provides a powerful and adaptable tool in maintaining safety and security. For companies looking to strengthen their security measures, investing in skilled Dog Handlers is a strategic decision that can deliver substantial benefits.
6. SAPS to crack down on extortionists targeting homes, schools, businesses in EC
The addition of boots on the ground follows a recent visit by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in the province.
Thabiso Goba20 August 2024 | 15:17
JOHANNEBSUEG - Police reinforcements have been deployed to the Eastern Cape to fight extortion gangs terrorising several parts of the province.
The addition of boots on the ground follows a recent visit by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in the province.
Mchunu visited areas including Gqeberha and Mthatha - where extortion gangs target homes, schools and businesses.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says a multi-disciplinary team of detectives has been deployed to the province to clamp down on the practice.
“We cannot allow a situation where communities are held at ransom, and we are urging our communities to name and shame these extortionists. The challenge that we are having is that community members are reluctant to report incidents of extortion. We urge our communities when called upon to come forward.”
The Eastern Cape Department of Education (DBE) has enlisted the help of AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to assist with extortion gangs targeting schools.
At least four schools that fall under tribal in Mthatha have been forced to close after being visited by extortion gangs demanding a protection fee.
On Tuesday, Dalindyebo hosted a community meeting to discuss the issue that has been plaguing many parts of the province.
According to the provincial DBE the extortionists are locals.
Provincial education spokesperson Mali Mtima says they are hoping for positive feedback from the king’s meeting.
“It was also agreed by the district let’s take this thing up to the tribal authority because allegedly one of those guys doing this is serving in the tribal authority as a herdsman.”
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service has sent additional reinforcements to the province, to clamp down on extortion gangs.
Source: https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/08/20/saps-to-crack-down-on-extortionists-targeting-homes-schools-businesses-in-ec
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