Security Officers Day - Jamie Young 

How did you become a security officer?

I began my career in Security following formal training and licensing about 16 years ago, following a full trade completion. Public safety had always interested me, and I liked the idea of a job where helping people was part of the everyday, so working as a static officer felt like a natural fit.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

What I find most rewarding is being able to help people when they need it most, especially in challenging or stressful situations. Through my experience and professional training, I’m able to provide support in a variety of ways – whether that’s through physical intervention, first aid, or simply helping to calm and de-escalate a situation. No two days are the same, and the variety of people and experiences I encounter makes the role both meaningful and fulfilling. I’ve also had the opportunity to lead a team, ensuring high standards are maintained across audit compliance and in line with PSA requirements, which is something I take great pride in.

How is technology changing the way you work?

Technology is constantly evolving, and it’s making a real difference to the way we work day to day. In recent years, I’ve seen significant improvements in patrol management systems such as E-CAT and E360, which have made it much easier to record incidents, complete reports, and flag issues quickly and accurately. The introduction of the Oysta lone worker device has also been a positive step forward. It helps us stay connected to a monitoring station in real time, providing an extra layer of support and reassurance when working alone. Features like fall detection and non-movement alerts enhance safety and allow us to focus on our role with greater confidence.

Why are security officers vital to the way Sodexo works?

Security officers play a vital role in creating safe, secure, and welcoming environments for everyone on site. We are responsible for protecting people, property, and assets, while also being approachable and professional in every interaction. A key part of the role is preventing incidents where possible, responding effectively when issues arise, and reporting near misses in line with Sodexo’s commitment to safety. As security officers are often the first people that clients, visitors, and colleagues meet, we also help represent the Sodexo brand and values. Whether it’s supporting day-to-day operations, responding to emergencies, or helping people feel safe and supported, security teams are an important part of delivering a positive experience.

Any memorable experiences you can tell us about helping others as a security officer?

Over the years, I’ve been involved in many situations as a store detective, retail security officer, and static security officer, but one experience stands out in particular. During an exam period at the Grangegorman campus, our Security team received a call from a lecturer about a student who needed urgent assistance. When we arrived, it became clear that the student was experiencing a seizure.

Working alongside trained first aiders, we quickly secured the area, followed the appropriate procedures, and ensured the student was cared for until emergency services arrived. Thankfully, the situation was managed safely, and the student received the treatment they needed without injury. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of staying calm under pressure and working together as a team. Knowing that we were able to provide support when it mattered most made the experience particularly rewarding and reinforced why I value the role so much.