Event Security: Tips for Organisers

Security guards from London private security firms have been lured to war zones, primarily Iraq and Afghanistan.

For a number of years now, security guards across London have flooded overseas to meet the on-going need for private security guards in Iraq and Afghanistan. The wars in both countries have generated huge profits for the private security sector as officials, Western contractors and high profile individuals demand private security guards. Even high profile Western detectives and police don't travel without dedicated private security guards. By the end of 2007, it was estimated that around 25,000 private security guards and contractors were working in Iraq.

Security Guards, London Expertise

The safety issues that private security guards operating in war zones raised triggered the formation of the British Association of Private Security Companies to “raise the standards of operation of its members and this emergent industry.” The use of security guards, London security experts and private contractors has led to some criticisms that mercenaries are exploiting dangerous situations. But there's no doubt that the private security guards, London trained, are some of the best in the world – many with previous training with police and defence organisations. Most private security guards have a certain military bearing about them.

Security Concerns High

But there's no doubt that the mercenaries tag lingers, despite the fact the British government increasingly relied on them for protection in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most security guards in London have enough to contend with, without seeking out highly dangerous work in war zones. Security issues have never been so high in the UK since the terrorism attacks that continue to pose a major threat to the capital. On top of the general, day-to-day security issues London security guards deal with, they need to be equipped and trained to spot and deal with the potential terrorism risks.

Private Security Increase

It seems, whether home or abroad, private security guards – London to Iraq – are playing an increasingly crucial part in protecting UK security interests. In 2008, Iraq contractors were estimated to cost America $100bn, a significant proportion of which went to private security guards.  The number of private security guards in London and across the West who have turned to security work in Iraq is estimated to be higher than in any other conflict, with an estimated ratio of one contractor per member of the US armed forces – contractor services range from security to construction, but the use of security contractors has drawn the most attention.