Security Jobs Finder - Insights
17th Edition
1. Newsletter Update:
We currently have 575 subscribers to our newsletter; The 16th edition of our newsletter was viewed 328 times.
This week our article of the week looks at SAPS closing cases. We also look at how to answer the interview question, what are your strengths and the role of the week is that of an Area Supervisor. Our bonus article gives some advice on how to get off of telemarketers contact lists or some of them.
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2. DA calls for SAPS to be held to account for closing millions of cases without result
Published on 12 August 2024 By ProtectionWeb
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for South African Police Service (SAPS) leadership to be called before the Portfolio Committee on Police to account for millions of cases being closed without result.
In May 2024, former Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, revealed in a parliamentary reply to a question posed by the Democratic Alliance that over 5.4 million case dockets were closed, without result, due to insufficient evidence or leads since the 2018/2019 financial year.
Former DA Shadow Minister of Police Andrew Whitfield referred to the results of the reply as “another explosive admission of failure by Minister of Police, Bheki Cele. Whitfield further stated the “shocking figure highlights the utter failure of the SAPS under the leadership of Bheki Cele.”
At approximately one million cases per year, Whitfield noted that “almost 3 000 cases are closed daily by the SAPS without victims of crime ever receiving justice.” The approximate 3 000 cases closed daily include cases of murders, rape, assault and kidnappings.
Democratic Alliance Deputy Spokesperson on Police, Lisa Schickerling, noted in a statement that the current Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu had handed over a detailed breakdown of the dockets to the DA.
“The information furnished to the DA by the Minister paints a disturbing picture, particularly in light of our country’s Women’s Month celebrations, and highlights key areas of concern in both docket management and the capacity and staffing shortages in the SAPS’ detective services,” stated Schickerling.
Between the 2018/2019 period and 31 December 2023, the following total number of dockets were closed, without result, according to the Minister:
Murder: 76 655
Attempted murder: 40 089
Assault GBH: 141 026
Aggravated robbery: 256 162
Rape: 61 740
Sexual Assault: 5 523
Kidnapping: 9 114Regarding the loss of case dockets from SAPS offices, the number is highest for dockets in cases of murder, assault GBH (grievous bodily harm), and aggravated robbery. Minister Mchunu noted 68.75% of dockets stolen from SAPS stations were open cases pertaining to rape and sexual assault. Alarmingly, all occurred in Limpopo, with Schickerling noting it “[raises] serious questions about the effectiveness of docket management within the SAPS and the maintenance of docket safety.”
The DA called upon the Minister and National Commissioner to “launch a full-scale investigation into these missing and stolen dockets.”
Schickerling further stated that “approximately 974 cases of rape and sexual assault are closed without result every month. This means that an average of about 32 victims of rape and sexual assault lose a chance at obtaining justice each and every day.”
“This is a deplorable state of affairs that requires urgent intervention from both the Minister and senior SAPS management to ensure that cases of gender-based violence and violence against women are treated with the seriousness and care that they deserve,” noted Schickerling.
The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, requesting the Minister, the National Commissioner, and the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner be brought before the Committee, to discuss the matter.
Source: https://www.protectionweb.co.za/police/da-calls-for-saps-to-be-held-to-account-for-closing-millions-of-cases-without-result/
3.Weekly Poll
Last week’s poll results
Last week we asked: Are you going to withdraw your 2Pot pension allocation?
Responses: We had 3 responses on last week’s poll:
33% of respondents voted No, i am saving it for retirement
67% of respondents voted I spent it already
4. Interview Q & A
How to Answer the Interview Question: "What Are Your Strengths?"
In any job interview, the question "What are your strengths?" is almost certain to come up. While it may seem straightforward, this question is a critical opportunity to showcase what makes you a strong fit for the role. The way you answer can significantly influence the interviewer’s perception of your capabilities and how well you align with the company’s needs.
Why This Question Is Asked
When a recruiter asks, "What are your strengths?" they are trying to gain several key insights:
Understanding Your Self-Awareness:
The recruiter wants to see if you have a clear understanding of your abilities. Are you aware of what you bring to the table? Self-awareness is a critical trait, as it indicates that you know where you excel and can effectively apply those strengths to your work.
Assessing Fit for the Role:
The interviewer is looking to determine how well your strengths align with the requirements of the job. They want to know if your abilities will enable you to perform the tasks associated with the role successfully.
Evaluating Confidence and Communication:
This question also allows the recruiter to assess your confidence and communication skills. How well do you articulate your strengths? Are you able to confidently speak about your capabilities without sounding arrogant?
Checking for Alignment with Company Culture:
Your strengths should also align with the company’s values and culture. The recruiter wants to see if you possess qualities that will make you a good fit within the team and organisation.
What the Recruiter Is Looking For
When answering this question, the recruiter is looking for specific information:
Relevant Strengths:
The recruiter is interested in strengths that are directly relevant to the job. Your answer should focus on abilities that will help you succeed in the role and contribute to the company’s goals.
Evidence of Strengths:
It’s not enough to simply state your strengths; the recruiter wants to see evidence. Providing examples of how you’ve demonstrated these strengths in previous roles will make your answer more credible and convincing.
Balance Between Hard and Soft Skills:
A strong answer typically includes a balance between hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal traits). This shows that you’re not only capable of performing the job’s technical aspects but also effective in working with others and managing your responsibilities.
Cultural and Team Fit:
The recruiter is also assessing how your strengths align with the company’s culture and the dynamics of the team you’ll be joining. This helps them determine if you’ll thrive in their work environment.
How to Craft Your Answer
To effectively answer the question, "What are your strengths?" follow these steps:
Identify Your Key Strengths:
Reflect on your past experiences and identify the strengths that have consistently helped you succeed. Focus on qualities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Provide Specific Examples:
Support your strengths with specific examples from your previous roles. This could be a project you led, a problem you solved, or a skill you developed that contributed to your success.
Align with the Job Requirements:
Make sure your strengths align with the key requirements of the role. Tailor your answer to highlight the qualities that the job description emphasises.
Be Honest and Confident:
While it’s important to present yourself positively, be honest about your strengths. Confidence is key, but over-exaggeration or dishonesty can be easily detected and can hurt your credibility.
Include a Mix of Skills:
Incorporate both hard and soft skills in your answer. This demonstrates that you’re not only technically proficient but also capable of contributing to the team and company culture.
Model Answer
Here’s an example of how you might structure your response:
Interviewer: "What are your strengths?"
Candidate: "One of my key strengths is my problem-solving ability. In my previous role as a Security Coordinator, I was responsible for overseeing the implementation of new security protocols across multiple sites. During this time, we encountered a significant issue with integrating a new surveillance system. I took the initiative to analyse the problem, collaborate with the IT team, and develop a workaround that allowed us to successfully integrate the system without any downtime. This experience not only honed my problem-solving skills but also reinforced my ability to stay calm under pressure and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Another strength I bring is my communication skills. I’ve found that clear and effective communication is essential in ensuring that everyone is on the same page, especially in high-stakes environments like security. For instance, I regularly conducted briefings with my team to ensure that security measures were understood and correctly implemented. This practice significantly reduced the number of incidents and improved overall team performance.
Lastly, I would say my adaptability is a major strength. The security industry is constantly evolving, and I’ve always embraced change, whether it’s learning new technologies or adapting to new regulations. I’m confident that these strengths will enable me to contribute effectively to your team and help achieve your company’s security goals."
Answering the question "What are your strengths?" effectively requires a combination of self-awareness, relevant examples, and alignment with the job requirements. By thoughtfully identifying your key strengths, providing evidence of your abilities, and confidently articulating how they make you a strong fit for the role, you can deliver an answer that not only impresses the interviewer but also sets you apart from other candidates. Remember, this question is your opportunity to showcase what makes you uniquely qualified for the job and how you can add value to the company.
5. The different career options available in the security field
The Role of an Area Supervisor in Guarding: Duties, Responsibilities, and Opportunities for Advancement
In the security industry, the role of an Area Supervisor in Guarding is both vital and multifaceted. This position requires a combination of leadership skills, extensive knowledge of security practices, and the ability to manage teams effectively across multiple locations. For anyone looking to advance in the security sector, understanding the duties and responsibilities of an Area Supervisor can provide insight into the demands of the role and the potential for career growth.
What Does an Area Supervisor Guarding Do?
An Area Supervisor in Guarding is responsible for overseeing the security operations within a designated geographical area. This role typically involves managing multiple security teams across different sites, ensuring that all security protocols are followed, and that the safety and security of people, property, and assets are maintained. The Area Supervisor acts as the key liaison between the security personnel and the higher management, ensuring that communication flows smoothly and that any issues are addressed promptly.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of an Area Supervisor in Guarding are extensive and require a proactive approach. Some of the key duties include:
Supervision and Leadership:
Overseeing the day-to-day activities of security guards within the assigned area.
Providing guidance, support, and training to security personnel to ensure they perform their duties effectively.
Conducting regular briefings and debriefings with the team to discuss any incidents, updates, or changes in security protocols.
Site Inspections and Compliance:
Conducting regular inspections of all sites to ensure that security measures are being properly implemented.
Ensuring compliance with both company policies and industry regulations.
Addressing any non-compliance issues and implementing corrective actions.
Incident Management:
Responding to security incidents and emergencies within the area of responsibility.
Investigating incidents, compiling reports, and making recommendations for preventive measures.
Coordinating with local law enforcement and emergency services when necessary.
Client Relations:
Maintaining strong relationships with clients by regularly communicating with them and addressing their concerns.
Ensuring that the security services provided meet or exceed client expectations.
Handling client complaints and resolving any issues related to security services.
Administrative Duties:
Preparing and submitting reports on security operations, incidents, and personnel performance.
Managing the scheduling and deployment of security personnel to ensure adequate coverage across all sites.
Overseeing the recruitment and training of new security guards.
Continuous Improvement:
Identifying areas for improvement in security practices and implementing new strategies to enhance the overall effectiveness of security operations.
Staying updated on the latest security technologies and industry trends.
Requirements for the Role
To be successful as an Area Supervisor in Guarding, candidates typically need:
Experience: Several years of experience in the security industry, often with a background in supervisory or managerial roles.
Qualifications: Relevant security certifications, such as PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) registration in South Africa, and other industry-recognised qualifications.
Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The ability to manage multiple sites and teams effectively is crucial.
Physical Fitness: The role may require a fair amount of physical activity, including site inspections and responding to incidents.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to different environments and handle the pressures of overseeing multiple sites.
Scope for Advancement
The role of an Area Supervisor in Guarding offers significant opportunities for career advancement. With experience and proven performance, Area Supervisors can progress to higher management roles, such as:
Operations Manager: Overseeing security operations across larger regions or multiple areas.
Security Manager: Managing all aspects of security for an organisation or client, including strategic planning and budget management.
Regional Manager: Responsible for security operations across an entire region or country, coordinating with multiple Area Supervisors and Operations Managers.
Additionally, the skills and experience gained in this role can open doors to specialised security positions in sectors like corporate security, risk management, or even international security roles.
The position of an Area Supervisor in Guarding is essential to the effective functioning of a security team. It requires a blend of leadership, expertise, and adaptability, making it a challenging yet rewarding career path. For those in the security industry, this role offers not only a chance to take on greater responsibility but also the opportunity to advance to higher-level positions within the industry. With the right experience and dedication, an Area Supervisor can make a significant impact on the safety and security of the sites they oversee while paving the way for further career growth.
6. You can register not to receive calls from marketing companies
About 500,000 customers have chosen to opt out
19 August 2024 - 06:00 Herman MoloiReporter
Image: 123RF
Did you know that you can opt not to receive calls from marketing companies?
This is how: You can register your personal details with Direct Marketing Association of SA (DMASA) – this helps you not receive calls from marketing companies.
The system prevents the member organisations (marketing companies) from obtaining access to the details or names of consumers listed on the Do Not Call (DNC) list. The marketer passes its database through the system and if there are any matches these are flagged and blocked for marketing purposes. Billions of records are passed through the system.
DMASA's Khulie Mdhluli said: “Once you register on the DMASA opt-out, our system allows the consumer to be on it for three years and the consumer will receive a reminder a month before the registration expires to allow them to renew their registration on the opt-out system.
“This registry allows consumers to opt out of direct marketing in general or in respect of a particular supplier of the DMASA,” she said.
Source: https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-08-19-you-can-register-not-to-receive-calls-from-marketing-companies/
Thats it for this week’s edition. I hope that you found it informative. Make sure to like and subscribe and share with your colleagues.
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