Intelligence analysts rely on multiple data feeds to monitor and respond to risks and threats through open-source intelligence gathering. – (c) Mitie
The security industry continues to evolve, having advanced considerably since the days of limited options: traditional manned guarding, basic access control systems and a camera. Next-generation digital technology, combined with data analytics, now provides an intelligence-led security service – and it’s the gold standard many customers are adopting.
Underpinning these developments and elevating security to the next level is data and the creation of intelligence. This powerful level of insight and information, which hasn’t necessarily been available to security teams previously, provides access to the right information at the right time to enable better decision-making, and enables immediate interventions.
As such, security providers need to be operating with much greater agility when it comes to protecting customers’ property and ensuring public and community safety.
But how exactly are organisations combining intelligence with the expertise of the people behind their operations?
Real-time intelligence for public protection
Data plays a key role in public safety and protection.
Mitie’s intelligence analysts rely on multiple data feeds to monitor and respond to risks and threats through open-source intelligence gathering.
Quickly developing a picture of a specific threat, they work directly with tactical frontline law enforcement and security personnel, customers and industry intelligence units to collaboratively prepare for major incidents, ranging from protests to terrorist threats. This enables more robust and appropriate responses.
Here’s an example: During recent Extinction Rebellion protests, our analysts delivered relevant, timely and actionable intelligence to our customers to help them protect their operations, assets, and customers.
By sharing real-time updates detailing the locations of known planned and ongoing activity, our customers had a ‘live’ view of events and were able to respond appropriately, putting in place mitigation measures. By communicating with local law enforcement, transport hubs, and businesses in the area, our security operations serve as the central coordination point for all of these groups, and keep the public safe.
Greater detail, safer retail
Intelligence prevents retail crime – whether at smaller stores or larger supermarkets. Our analysts at the Intelligence Security Operations Centre (iSOC) conduct around-the-clock remote monitoring of retail operations.
Whilst gathering real-time data on security and crime related incidents, they:
- Build offender profiles;
- Develop location risk profiles;
- Determine wider trends to share with frontline security teams and clients.
Once equipped with this information, our intelligence teams compare individual location crime rates with regional crime rates, identifying which locations require greater resources and which ones can scale back. This enables us to implement measures to solve unique issues affecting specific locations.
This intelligence can contribute to creating safer communities as we work with local police forces to develop their understanding of crime in the area and provide support with identifying and securing convictions for the most persistent and prolific offenders.
Intelligence-led emergency services training
When a serious incident occurs, it’s vital that blue light services are working collaboratively and efficiently in their response.
A key driver of this success is down to scenario-based training and exercises to ensure they’re able to execute the right plans and processes as efficiently as possible.
Security providers play an essential role in supporting these live exercises. Armed with intelligence, security analysts can design and coordinate training exercises for emergency services.
Here’s an example: We’re able to identify potential routes to avoid protest groups, or large-scale public events in the event of emergencies to support emergency services to prepare for serious incidents.
Truly effective security requires intelligent tech and the expertise of analysts or subject matter experts – whether they’re connecting the dots or providing the right information for customers.
Intelligence is a big part of all our security operations as it provides insight into patterns, changes and overall trends to develop new security strategies, deliver better services for customers, futureproof operations, and support communities.
Jason Towse is managing director, business services at Mitie
