Many of Bristol’s port areas were established by the Romans, and have been constant use since. Sea Mills, or the Latin Portus Abonae, was built around a military town in 1st Century AD.
There are many useful maps of the modern port, some of which can be found at the following link: https://www.bristolport.co.uk/about-us/map-listing/bristol-port-map
But how is port security different to general private security in Bristol, and what skills do port security guards need?
One of the specific requirements is that you be vigilant at all times for terror attacks and drug smuggling.
The British Government have described the threat thus: “attacks in the UK and abroad remind us all of the terrorist threat we face, which in the UK is considered as ‘SEVERE’, meaning an attack is highly likely.”
“Police and security agencies are working tirelessly to protect the public but it is also important that communities remain vigilant and aware of how to protect themselves if the need arises.”
They have released the following film with advice on how to respond to a terrorist attack: https://youtu.be/4jxOXbpTmnk
Bristol is also sadly awash with drugs, which every year pass through the ports. Whether it’s cocaine concealed in nappies, or the gang which dealt £350K worth of drugs from Bristol takeaway, the problem is severe and hits the papers regularly.
So how do we protect the ports from these threats?
Well, private security security companies in Bristol is one answer. A security guard can offer the following services.
Routine patrols of businesses and premises, 24/7, offering a visual deterrent and peace of mind for owners.
General observation and operation of closed circuit television cameras.
Signing visitors in and out of premises. This is especially important at ports so as to keep a record for the police if they require it.
Monitoring post and keeping an eye out for suspicious packages. A trained guard will know how to spot a suspicious package, and will know how to deal with it professionally.
Performing checks on site vehicles and watching the flow of traffic into and out of the premises.
Taking notes and making records so that if something does go wrong, the police have information to work from.
Looking after the guard dogs. Trained dog handlers are the best way to find drugs at the port.
And finally, it is not all about being a guard – some of the work involves welcoming visitors to the port and offering them directions. Security guards can give your business an amiable feel too!
Image Credit: The Royal Edward Dock at Avonmouth, 13 March 2014. Author N. Johannes. CC BY-SA 3.0