Why is Mental Health becoming more apparent in the Security Industry? 

Security Guards, SIA Officers, Stewards and Close Protection officers play a key role in the day to day running of businesses, whether that is through patrols, crowd management, working frontline on the doors, working in retail security or asset protection, security officers allow for the safe and effective running of your business. They are also often the first person of contact with a business if there is an issue, such as first aid, theft or dealing with an altercation among the public.

The security industry has changed drastically in the past 20 years with the introduction of the SIA in 2003, the SIA was created to regulate the UK's private security industry to reduce and prevent crime whilst making sure that all of the SIA operatives follow and adhere to set guidelines. The badge that you see on a security officers arm shows that they are an officer regulated by the SIA, they will adhere to certain policies and procedures that prior to 2003, wasn't seen as a specific requirement within the security industry. Because of this regulating body the historical 'Bouncer' is no longer the term used and the term 'Door Supervisor' is widely used.

Verbal and Physical Abuse

Door Supervisors who are working on behalf of the venue guidelines are regularly at the first point of contact for abuse from the public, either physical or verbal. A study from Plymouth University showed that:

• ‍64.6% of security officers reported verbal abuse at least once per month (50% of reported verbal abuse once per week!).‍
• 43.0% reported threats of physical abuse at least once per month (10% reported physical threats once per day!) 
• 31.0% reported actual physical assault at least once per month

These levels of abuse sustained from going to work have a very negative effect on a person's mental health, this is also coupled with the fact that most security officers work very unsociable hours, long hours, night shifts, evenings and weekends. This reduces the amount of time someone will have to socialise with friends and family which not only can weaken relationships the have, but it may of allowed them to let off some steam from the previous weeks work, so instead of talking about issues they have had, they instead just continue to work into the next week and bottle up any frustrations they may of had, social exclusion is linked very highly to poor mental health and anxiety.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

• Many security guards will live off meal deals from the local supermarket, takeaways or snacks due to the fact that they do not often have access to things such as a microwave or kettle.
• They often will not have time in the week to complete the recommended amount of exercise per day, or are tired from working 8-12 hours on their feet.
• Sleep patterns are often sporadic and can change week to week, even day to day.

Low Income

Another issue with the security industry is the charge rates are very low for a security guard, which means that companies can not pay much more than minimum wage to deploy guards in this sector. Guards often work 40-60 hours per week to obtain a normal living wage.

What can be done to help improve the poor mental within the security industry?

The Employer

Many security companies are aware of the mental health crisis within their companies, and are beginning to open up support networks both internally and externally

Security guards should feel that they have a strong support network within their own workplace, be that from their colleagues or managers. Each company should have designated mental health first aiders and DSO's (designated safeguarding officers) who are there to support and give advice on poor mental health, and also be able to recognise the situations that may require external support to keep the security guard in work. There is a duty of care from employers to ensure the protection of an employees health and safety. It is also important for employers to allow the freedom of their employees speech, anything that an employee says must be dealt with in confidence and without prejudice. If all employees fully understood the support that is available to them, then there may be a chance of reducing the prevalance of mental health within the security sector.

The Employee

It is important that the employee also controls their work / life balance and maintain good mental health practices:

• Maintaining good hygiene
• Maintaining a social life outside of work
• Exercising where possible
• Preparing food that can be eaten on shift and keeping hydrated throughout
• Not work 7 days a week and allowing time off to rest and recharge
• Speaking to someone when they feel that things are getting on top of them
• Reporting all incidents to management so they are aware of any regular issues

Support

If you feel that you are currently struggling with some of the issues raised here, we recommend contacting your employers immediately, they should be able to offer support on how to improve your current wellbeing.

If you are struggling to find support please feel free to contact our teams and we will be happy to assist you where we can