The role of a Security Controller, monitoring CCTV, access control, and alarm systems from a control centre or front desk, may sound like a very static one, but here we talk to our Controller Bakar Shah about a day in his life at work and quickly realise that this is definitely not the case for him…

Bakar tells us: “I’ve worked in the security industry as an officer for a few years and around a year ago I moved into the Security Controller job for 4 Site Security Services. I work a 12-
hour shift on a four-day rota.

“My day starts with a handover from the Controller on the shift before me and I get to find out if there are any issues that have to be dealt with and whether any officer cover is needed. I never quite know what I’m going to be faced with when I arrive at work. Sometimes it can be extremely busy, or at other times it can be calm and quiet."

“As a Controller, I liaise with clients and officers arranging cover, answering email queries and responses, managing alarm responses, dealing with systems call outs, and one of  my key skills is thinking on my feet! On less challenging days, I help out with reporting, administration, and key auditing. On a busy day, I can be dealing with, say, three alarm calls in the space of just a couple of minutes."

"Stay calm under pressure is my mantra. More can definitely be achieved by staying grounded and calm. But, as well as this, the confidence that I know my job, my sites and my clients very well gives me the confidence to handle whatever is thrown my way."

“Building great relationships and good communications with clients and officers is an essential part of my role, as well as building trust… I get to know people and build goodwill, so that they know that they can rely on me to help them and, in turn, they are happy to help me out where I might need it."

“The things I most enjoy about my job are learning new systems and the variety of a busy day."

“My experience in the security industry has enabled me to learn how to manage my own emotions and how to help others manage theirs, so this stops me being stressed and supports my mental health.”

Another thing that keeps Bakar busy and helps him enjoy life outside of work is “watching his little girl running around all day”.