The Importance of ‘See It. Say It. Sorted
1. Understanding the campaign and its role in public safety
Security campaigns play a vital role in protecting the public and preventing threats before they escalate. As a security officer, understanding public safety initiatives and campaigns is essential to improving security awareness, response times, and cooperation with authorities.
Purpose of Public Safety Campaigns
🔍 Raising Awareness
- Security campaigns educate the public and security personnel about potential threats, such as terrorism, crime, and emergency preparedness.
- They encourage vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activity.
🔍 Preventing and Reducing Crime
- Public safety campaigns help prevent threats by encouraging proactive security measures.
- They support early intervention through community awareness and engagement.
🔍 Enhancing Emergency Response
- Security campaigns provide clear guidance on how to react in an emergency.
- They ensure better coordination between security personnel, law enforcement, and emergency services.
Key Security Awareness Campaigns
ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) Campaign
- Encourages the public and security officers to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.
- Promotes the “See, Check, Notify” (SCaN) strategy to identify threats early.
- Provides free e-learning for security staff: ACT Awareness Training.
“Run, Hide, Tell” Campaign
- Offers clear steps on what to do in an active threat situation.
- Run to a safe place if possible.
- Hide if you cannot escape.
- Tell the police (dial 999) with as much information as possible.
Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Campaign
- Encourages people to report unusual activity that may indicate criminal or terrorist intent.
- Suspicious activities include abandoned items, individuals taking surveillance photos, or unauthorized site access.
- Reports can be made to:
📞 Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800 789321
🔗 Online: Report Suspicious Activity
Role of Security Officers in Public Safety Campaigns
✔ Be a Visible Presence – A security officer’s visible presence deters potential threats.
✔ Identify Suspicious Behaviour – Monitor CCTV footage, patrol areas, and interact with the public to detect risks early.
✔ Engage with the Public – Educate employees and visitors about security protocols.
✔ Report Incidents Immediately – Timely reporting ensures quick action and prevents escalation.
✔ Follow Official Protocols – Stay updated on government security campaigns and train accordingly.
2. Encouraging vigilance and reporting
Security officers play a critical role in detecting, preventing, and responding to security threats. One of the most effective ways to maintain public safety is through constant vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicious activities or security concerns.
Importance of Vigilance in Security Operations
Early Threat Detection
- Vigilance helps identify suspicious activities before they escalate into serious security incidents.
- Observing unusual behaviour, unauthorized access attempts, or abandoned items can prevent potential threats.
Deterrence of Criminal Activities
- A visible and alert security presence discourages criminal activities, including theft, vandalism, and terrorism.
- Security officers can deter potential threats simply by patrolling strategically and monitoring entry points.
Enhancing Public Safety
- Encouraging vigilance among employees, visitors, and the public strengthens security awareness.
- Security campaigns such as “See Something, Say Something” help increase reporting rates and prevent incidents.
What to Look for: Identifying Suspicious Activity
Suspicious Behaviour
- Loitering near restricted areas or exits.
- Avoiding eye contact or attempting to conceal identity.
- Taking unauthorized photos or notes about security systems, entrances, or exits.
- Repeated visits to the same location without a clear purpose.
Unattended Items
- Bags, boxes, or containers left unattended in crowded areas.
- Packages with wires, batteries, or odd smells.
- Items that appear hidden or deliberately placed in unusual locations.
Suspicious Vehicles
- Parked vehicles with occupants monitoring the site.
- Vehicles left unattended in restricted zones.
- Vehicles displaying false or missing license plates.
Effective Reporting: When and How to Report
When to Report
- Immediately upon noticing anything unusual or out of place.
- If an individual refuses to provide identification in restricted areas.
- If there is an abandoned package, vehicle, or unusual object.
How to Report
- Report non-urgent concerns to supervisors or site managers.
- Contact the Anti-Terrorism Hotline (0800 789321) for suspicious terrorism-related activity.
- Dial 999 for immediate threats or emergencies.
Information to Provide When Reporting
- Location of the suspicious activity.
- Description of the individual(s) involved (appearance, clothing, behaviour).
- Details of any objects, vehicles, or unusual activities.
- Time and date of the incident.
