An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 9 By SGt WAynE FItzGERAlD E very member of the Defence Forces learns the basics of security in their initial training through sentry duties in a variety of settings. unsurpris- ingly then, on leaving the military many personnel would consider starting a new career in the private security industry. In 1969, after an exciting career in the Defence Forces, Capt Karl Dunleavy left and started Provincial Security in New- bridge. In 2009 the business moved to new, modern premises in Market Square House in Kilcullen, where it now employs security officers, receptionists and front- of-house personnel to service the Greater Dublin area and Co Kildare. Following the untimely passing of Karl Dunleavy, his son Robert took over the mantle as Provincial's MD. It was with his vision and expertise that the company grew to be one of the industries leading faces of security within Ireland in the 21st Century. I recently visited Provincial's HQ as the company approaches its 50th an- niversary, and met with their Opera- tions Manager, another former member of the DF, Comdt Carmel Moran (retd) to see how the company has evolved and developed to keep up with tech- nology in the security industry. Carmel told me that Provincial has many military traits and employs over 200 staff, many of whom have military experience. "We value our employees and recognise their worth through succession planning and awards. We hold the Excellence through People Award, making us highly regarded in the Security Industry. This is a similar ethos to the Defence Forces, which is not surpris- ing given the history we have with them." Describing the company, Carmel said: "We provide discretionary secu- rity services for many large, high-profile, international blue-chip companies. We are one of only three manned guarding companies in Ireland to hold the high- est quality standards attainable within the industry, including ISO 9001, Qual- sec Platinum Standard & PSA 28:2013. We are looking for new personnel with a military background, of differ- ent ages and ranks, who are team play- ers with good communications skills, and who remain fit and healthy." Stephen MacDermott, Provincial's Direc- tor of Personnel, added, "A military back- ground, either full time or reserve, is very beneficial in this industry and will help with career advancement, currently we have a number of former Defence Forces NCOs in supervisory positions on our key sites." Carmel says that potential security of- ficers would be required to hold a Private Security Authority (PSA) licence for static guarding; complete Garda vetting; and have a minimum of five years verifiable work history. (A PSA course costs approx €350 and a list of QQI approved train- ers can be found on www.psa.gov.ie.) Applicants go through a series of interviews starting with initial screen- ing, then a face-to-face interview with their HR manager, and finally another interview with the Site Security Man- ager at the location of the position. All applicants who are successful in the interview process will then be required to complete a computer proficiency test, as all site documentation and reports are produced electronically, with secu- rity officers using tablet computers in their daily duties. Successful applicants receive site specific training, as well as first aid and are provided with all uniforms. Some employees may go on to complete further courses such as supervisory management courses, H&S course along with other QQI certified training. Provincial's working week is based on a 12-hour shift rotation with up to four shifts per week. A typical secu- rity officer's shift includes: patrolling; logging movements of contractors and visitors; control room operations; including CCTV; and report writing. Provincial's rates are above-average within the Security Industry and they also offer additional allowances and benefits. If you would like to be considered for future vacancies, please email your Cv to Anthea lalor: Provincial, 3rd & 4th Floor, Market Square house, Main Street, Kilcullen, Co Kildare. Email: anthea@ provincialsecurity.com; call 045 431 015; or visit www.provincialsecurity.com. Former sGt eDDie poLLarD: "I have been with Provincial for less than a year and I'm already a supervisor on one of their biggest client sites. They have encouraged me to upskill and use my military leadership to develop the team I am working with. Management in the company believe in an open door policy and I feel valued by them." Former CpL Gerry Crampton: "When I started with Provincial, I was scared of technology, through their encouragement and training, I'm now working as part of the security team in one of the most modern datacenters in Europe."

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