How Can the Security Industry Give Back to Former Military and Law Enforcement Professionals?
Watch the full video by Security Today below.
Please find the video transcript below.
Claire Meyer, Editor in Chief at Security Management: One thing we write a lot about at Security Management is professional development and career growth. I’m here to talk with Glen Sider, Vice President of Vendor Management at Protos Security. Protos is sponsoring this year’s Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, including our annual breakfast at GSX on the 16th of September.
We wanted to take a moment to talk about the value of former public sector professionals in the security industry and how the industry can give back to them.
Glen Sider, Vice President of Vendor Management at Protos Security: Veterans and law enforcement professionals bring skills that were gained through environments where preparation, judgment, accountability had real life consequences. It’s trial by fire. Because of that, they’re accustomed to things like observing carefully, assessing risks, working in teams, leading others, communicating clearly, resolving conflict, following procedures and protocols, and most importantly, remaining calm under pressure.
Essentially everything we look for in private security. It’s that unique skill set that makes them extremely valuable contributors and leaders within our industry. And in my opinion, I don’t think the security industry would have the positive reputation that we do without them.
Claire: Let’s look at giving back. Beyond recognition events and breakfasts, how can the security industry show meaningful appreciation for veterans and retired law enforcement professionals who continue to serve through careers in business ownership and security?
Glen: Recognition. Honestly, it is important. It absolutely matters because it raises awareness. People need to see and understand who these folks are. That’s one of the reasons Protos is sponsoring Military & Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
But beyond that, we believe the best way to honor these folks is to actually value them in practice. That means seeking them out for positions, creating real opportunities for them to grow and compete. Treating them as valued partners. Specifically at Protos, about half of the security companies in our national network are owned by former military and law enforcement professionals.
So as the person in charge of growing our network, when I look for new companies to add build our capacity, I intentionally seek out companies with that ownership background because their experience and their work ethic, it speaks for itself. At the end, at Protos, you know, appreciation has to be more than just words. So that’s exactly why we put it into action.
