Security Jobs Finder - Insights
8th Edition
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2. THE COMPLEXITIES OF DRONES DISCUSSED AT SECUREX 2024
INDUSTRYSECUREX 2024 PUBLISHED ON 13 JUNE 2024 BYSAM J BASCH
While there is nothing new in the fact that various types of drones are used in applications from mining, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, the energy sector, transport, to the military and security, there is a lot more to the unmanned aircraft.
Speaking at a seminar on the Who, Where, and How of Drones in Today’s Security at Securex 2024, director of operations at Aerial Works Kim James said seeing that drones are mostly acquired to address a particular need, be it surveillance, monitoring or security, a range of complexities have to be considered.
It is a given that, as in all countries, regulation is in place in South Africa to determine who can operate drones, and drones are also subject to regulation, i.e. where and how they are operated.
“Too often, the procurement department undertakes a web search for ‘drones’ without keeping in mind the very first complexity, namely people,” James advised.
“A drone pilot cannot be compared to personnel doing ground patrols.”
She noted that where ground patrols can drive on 12-hour shifts, a drone pilot is often exposed to a more intense task and subject to a greater measure of fatigue. If a drone operation lasting 24 hours is contemplated, it would be advisable to prepare for three shifts involving three drone pilots.
A further complexity involves the drone itself.
James stated that operational requirements determine the type of drone to be acquired.
“The drone has to be fit for purpose, therefore, specify for the reality on the ground,” she affirmed.
Drones have a limited endurance, often at variance with the stated specifications.
“It is only 25 minutes instead of 60 as the manufacturer claims. Therefore, if a drone operation is expected to last long, provision should be made for a spare drone or drones,” James advised.
“Consider where the drone is to be deployed: in remote areas you might need spare batteries.”
An additional complexity is price. The cheapest option is often not the best.
James stressed that an RFQ should follow the RFI. It would be in the interests of all for Procurement and Business to be in partnership.
For James, the most important consideration is operational safety.
“Bear in mind, drones are flown in the same airspace as other aircraft,” she said.
Source: https://www.protectionweb.co.za/securex-2024/the-complexities-of-drones-discussed-at-securex-2024/
3.Weekly Poll
Last week’s poll results
Last week we asked: Is the Company you are working for Psira registered?
Responses: We had 3 responses on last week’s poll:
100% of respondents voted yes
4. Interview Q & A
This week’s topic will address the question of:
Understanding the Occurrence Book (OB) in the Security Industry
IntroductionIn the world of security, maintaining accurate and detailed records is essential for effective operations and incident management. One of the most critical tools for this purpose is the Occurrence Book (OB).
What is an Occurrence Book (OB)?An Occurrence Book, often abbreviated as OB, is a logbook used by security personnel to record daily events, incidents, and observations during their shifts on a property or within a security company. It serves as a chronological record of all activities and occurrences that security staff encounter, providing a comprehensive account of the day's events. This includes everything from minor incidents, such as suspicious activity, to major incidents, such as theft or violence.
The Occurrence Book is an important tool for security professionals because it provides a record of all security-related incidents. This information can be used to identify trends, improve security procedures, and prosecute offenders.
The Role of an Occurrence BookThe OB plays several pivotal roles in security operations:
1. Incident Documentation: The primary function of an OB is to document incidents as they happen. This includes noting down details of security breaches, suspicious activities, accidents, and any other significant occurrences.
2. Shift Handover: The OB facilitates effective communication between different shifts. Incoming security personnel can review the OB to understand what happened during the previous shift, ensuring continuity and awareness of ongoing issues.
3. Accountability and Transparency: By maintaining detailed records, the OB ensures accountability among security staff. It provides a transparent account of actions taken and decisions made, which can be reviewed by supervisors and management.
4. Legal Evidence: In the event of legal disputes or investigations, the OB can serve as crucial evidence. Detailed entries in the OB can help establish timelines, verify events, and support claims or defenses.
Relevance of the Occurrence Book in Modern SecurityIn the digital age, the OB remains relevant for several reasons:
1. Reliability: While digital systems are widely used, a physical OB is not susceptible to technical failures, cyber-attacks, or data corruption. It provides a reliable backup record.
2. Ease of Use: The OB is straightforward to use, requiring minimal training. This makes it accessible to all security personnel, regardless of their technological proficiency.
3. Immediacy: Entries in an OB can be made immediately, without the need for electronic devices or internet connectivity. This ensures that important details are recorded in real-time.
Importance of Maintaining an Accurate OBThe importance of an OB in the security industry cannot be overstated. Here are a few key reasons why maintaining an accurate OB is crucial:
1. Operational Efficiency: A well-maintained OB helps streamline security operations. It allows for quick reference to past incidents and actions taken, aiding in decision-making and strategy formulation.
2. Risk Management: By keeping detailed records of incidents and patterns, security teams can identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. This enables proactive measures to mitigate threats and improve safety.
3. Training and Development: The OB serves as a valuable training tool. New security personnel can review past entries to learn from previous incidents and understand the standard operating procedures.
4. Client Confidence: For security companies, demonstrating the use of an OB can enhance client confidence. It shows a commitment to thoroughness, accountability, and professionalism in managing security operations.
To concludeThe Occurrence Book (OB) is an indispensable tool in the security industry, providing a reliable, immediate, and straightforward method for recording daily events and incidents. Its role in ensuring operational efficiency, risk management, accountability, and legal compliance underscores its enduring relevance and importance. By maintaining an accurate and detailed OB, security personnel can enhance the overall effectiveness and reliability of their operations, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all.
5. The different career options available in the security field
The Role of an Anti-Poaching Unit Officer: Duties and Responsibilities
Introduction
In the fight against illegal wildlife trade and poaching, the role of an Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) Officer is critical. These officers are at the forefront of protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity. This article explores the roles, duties, and responsibilities of an Anti-Poaching Unit Officer, highlighting the significance of their work in conservation efforts.
Key Roles of an Anti-Poaching Unit Officer
1. Wildlife Protection: The primary role of an APU Officer is to safeguard wildlife from illegal hunting and poaching activities. This involves patrolling protected areas, monitoring wildlife, and taking action against poachers.
2. Law Enforcement: APU Officers enforce national and international wildlife protection laws. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in poaching and illegal trade of wildlife.
3. Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with local communities is essential. APU Officers educate and engage with communities to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and to garner support in protecting local ecosystems.
4. Intelligence Gathering: Gathering and analysing intelligence on poaching activities and illegal wildlife trade networks is a crucial role. This helps in planning strategic operations and interventions to combat poaching effectively.
Duties and Responsibilities
Patrol and Surveillance
- Regular Patrolling: Conducting regular patrols in protected areas, wildlife reserves, and national parks to deter poaching activities and ensure the safety of wildlife.
- Surveillance: Utilising surveillance equipment such as cameras, drones, and tracking devices to monitor wildlife movements and detect illegal activities.
- Checkpoint Operations: Setting up and managing checkpoints to inspect vehicles and individuals for illegal wildlife products.
Anti-Poaching Operations
- Intervention: Responding to reports of poaching incidents and intervening to prevent harm to wildlife. This includes apprehending poachers and confiscating illegal hunting gear.
- Coordination: Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, wildlife authorities, and conservation organizations to conduct joint operations against poaching syndicates.
- Rescue and Rehabilitation: In cases where animals are injured or captured, APU Officers are involved in their rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Law Enforcement and Prosecution
- Evidence Collection: Collecting and preserving evidence from poaching sites, such as snares, traps, firearms, and animal carcasses, to support legal cases against poachers.
- Legal Proceedings: Assisting in the preparation of cases for prosecution by providing testimony and collaborating with legal authorities to ensure poachers are brought to justice.
- Policy Implementation: Ensuring that wildlife protection policies and regulations are effectively implemented and adhered to within their jurisdiction.
Community Engagement and Education
- Awareness Campaigns: Organizing and conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the negative impacts of poaching and the importance of wildlife conservation.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts, encouraging them to participate in protecting wildlife and reporting poaching activities.
- Alternative Livelihood Programs: Promoting and supporting programs that provide alternative livelihoods to communities that might otherwise rely on poaching for income.
Reporting and Documentation
- Incident Reporting: Documenting all incidents of poaching, patrol activities, and interactions with wildlife. This information is crucial for tracking trends and planning future operations.
- Data Management: Maintaining accurate records of wildlife populations, poaching incidents, and enforcement actions to support research and policy development.
- Communication: Regularly reporting to supervisors, wildlife authorities, and conservation partners on the status of anti-poaching efforts and any emerging threats.
Essential Skills and Qualities
To effectively carry out their duties, an Anti-Poaching Unit Officer must possess a range of skills and qualities:
- Physical Fitness: The job often involves rigorous physical activity, including long patrols and handling difficult terrain.
- Observation Skills: Keen observation skills are essential for detecting signs of poaching and monitoring wildlife.
- Courage and Resilience: The ability to face potentially dangerous situations with courage and remain resilient under pressure.
- Communication Skills: Strong communication skills to engage with communities, collaborate with colleagues, and report accurately.
- Dedication to Conservation: A deep commitment to wildlife conservation and a passion for protecting endangered species.
The role of an Anti-Poaching Unit Officer is vital in the ongoing battle against wildlife poaching and illegal trade. Through their diligent patrolling, law enforcement, community engagement, and intelligence gathering, these officers play a crucial part in preserving our planet's biodiversity. Their dedication and bravery ensure that endangered species have a fighting chance for survival, contributing to the broader efforts of global wildlife conservation.
6. Bonus Article:
Faking sick notes in South Africa – you’re committing fraud
South Africa has seen a boom in medical certificate abuse both in public and private sectors – with numerous labour court cases highlighting that forging a sick note and handing that to an employer constitutes serious misconduct.
It amounts to dishonesty and fraud and serves as a fair reason for dismissal.
This was outlined by legal experts at Baker McKenzie, Johan Botes and JJ van der Walt, who said that a recent case of sick leave abuse in South Africa that found its way to the Labor Appeal Court again confirmed that an employer’s zero-tolerance approach to dishonesty and fraud was correct.
Additionally, “employees who are dishonest in their timekeeping practices [lie about being sick, and forge medical certificates] will likely have a bitter pill to swallow when their actions are revealed,” said Botes and van der Walt.
The case
Botes and van der Walt said that a recent Labor Appeal Court (LAC) judgment, Sibanye Rustenburg Platinum Mine v. Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union obo Sono and Others “confirmed what most, if not everyone, accept as common sense.”
That was that forging a sick note and providing it to your employer constitutes serious misconduct as it amounts to dishonesty and fraud and serves as a fair reason for dismissal.
The judgment, handed down earlier in May, considered evidence of employees who submitted fraudulent medical certificates and received pay for days on which they did not work.
An investigation uncovered that the employees did not actually visit a specific medical facility as indicated in their medical certificates. The certificates were signed by an unidentified individual without their initials or surname, and did not include a practice number.
“The Appeal Court concluded that the employees submitted the medical certificates with the single intention of deceiving their employer,” said Botes and van der Walt.
The court upheld the employer’s zero-tolerance policy on dishonesty and fraud, emphasizing that such actions severely damaged the trust between the employer and employees.
Legal commentary
“There can be little if any, doubt as to the negative impact of dishonesty in the workplace. This holds true for dishonest timekeeping practices as well,” said the legal experts.
Botes and van der Walt note that employees risk losing their jobs if they deceitfully claim attendance, seek unjustified overtime, lie about being sick, or submit false medical certificates.
“Employees who are dismissed for dishonesty related to purported sickness should expect no sympathy from the employment tribunal or Labor Court,” said Botes and van der Walt.
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Do i need to check for accreditation on my basic anti poaching course certificate? If so where and how?