Don't Be A 'Security Flunky'

As an advocate for security professionals, one thing I stress is for private protectors not to be 'security flunkies' or 'worked over' workers who allow clients and patrons to walk all over them.

My position is simple: if I'm good enough to protect your life and property then I'm d*mned well good enough to be treated respectfully.

This stance is in direct opposition to the sadly subservient sentiment numerous security professionals are psychologically beaten down into by their companies and sites where they're stationed.

I don't see security professionals as servants to some 'king' or 'queen.' If anything, I say private protectors are the real royalty in these scenarios. Nothing says nobleman or noblewoman like protecting others.

Somewhere along the line this basic level of respect has been diluted. Even, tragically, among leading industry voices in the uniformed security and plainclothes executive protection spaces.

I can't tell you the number of times I've watched otherwise proud private protectors online essentially promote groveling at the feet of disrespectful managers at 'posts' (assigned sites) or to principals-clients-whom they're providing close protection as bodyguards.

I don't endorse this type of self-abuse. Security professionals who allow themselves to be abused aren't doing themselves, nor our profession, any favors.

One role I enthusiastically practice is sharing behind-the-scenes insight into how security professionals feel. When greeting and directing patrons at the retail store I'm assigned to, it's not unusual for some shoppers to comment how well informed I am, as opposed to silent or sullen peers.

What these complement bearers don't know is how degraded many security professionals feel: often under-paid, under-authorized by employers and clients to take action and overly-criticized for everything they do or don't do.

The uniformed or visibly identifiable security professional isn't a 'security flunky’—but only if the first thing he or she secures is their dignity.

That's what I do, secure my dignity and that of this calling that protects society privately. Given how security professionals are the 'first' first responders at many incidents, it behooves everyone that they're highly motivated to render aid instead of looking the other way.

Nadra Enzi aka Cap Black addresses 'anti safety' theory and policies through advocacy and consulting. This post is dedicated to those who learned the hard way that I wasn't a 'security flunky.'