Immigration Challenges and the Role of Security: A Balanced Perspective

“Immigration is a problem – but not the cause“

Recent events in Stockton-on-Tees, near Middlesbrough, highlighted a troubling issue: the conflation of genuine immigration concerns with acts of vandalism and aggression. Videos of protests against rising immigration trended on social media, showing peaceful demonstrators but also capturing scenes of destructive behaviour. This brings to light an important distinction we must make in the private security industry: understanding the root causes of unrest and addressing them appropriately.

Understanding the True Cause

Many protesters are genuinely concerned about immigration policies, feeling that the UK may be prioritising migrants over its citizens. This sentiment was echoed in a recent Good Morning Britain poll where 95% of respondents expressed that multiculturalism isn’t working in the UK. Indeed, immigration poses significant challenges. The UK has limited resources, and an influx of people from war-torn countries can strain the economy further. However, the individuals smashing windows and vandalising property are not motivated by nuanced immigration debates. Their actions stem from deeper issues of disenfranchisement, boredom, and anger—a manifestation of a working-class delinquency that predates the current immigration wave. These individuals, unable to manage their emotions and think clearly, are often a liability rather than an asset to the country.

The Role of Security Professionals

As professionals in the private security industry, it’s crucial to differentiate between those with genuine grievances and those exploiting the situation for destructive purposes. Our job is not just to protect property but to uphold the values of integrity, empathy, and community support. Effective security training is essential in equipping professionals with the skills to handle such complex situations.

Do the Right Thing: Upholding British Values

At Get Licensed, our core mantra is to “Do the right thing”, which means acting with integrity and empathy in all situations. Security professionals, especially those holding an SIA Licence, are often the first line of defence in managing public order, and their actions can either escalate or de-escalate tensions.

Empathy and Understanding: 

Understand that behind every act of aggression, there is often a story of frustration and hopelessness. Engage with individuals respectfully, aiming to defuse situations through dialogue and empathy.

Non-Bias and Fairness: 

Avoid attributing acts of violence and vandalism solely to immigration dissatisfaction. Recognise that these actions often stem from deeper socio-economic issues. By doing so, you maintain fairness and objectivity, crucial traits for any security professional.

Community Engagement: 

Be proactive in community engagement. Foster relationships with local leaders and residents to build trust. This can help in identifying and addressing the root causes of discontent before they escalate into violence.

Education and Training: 

Regular training on cultural competence and conflict resolution can equip security professionals with the skills needed to handle complex social issues effectively. Understanding the diverse backgrounds and challenges faced by different community groups is vital.

Promoting Positive Role Models

One of the key factors contributing to the cycle of violence is the lack of positive role models. As security professionals, your behaviour can set a standard. Be the example of respect, restraint, and understanding. Engage with youth programmes and local initiatives to provide guidance and support, steering potential troublemakers towards constructive activities.

Rejecting Prejudice and Bias

It’s essential for SIA Licence holders to recognise that prejudice has no place in the private security industry. Immoral people exist in all countries, cultures, and religions. Acts of a few individuals from a particular faith or race do not represent the entire group. This is a juvenile way of thinking. Rational people understand that such generalisations are unfounded and unfair. Our duty is to treat everyone with fairness and respect, ensuring that our actions are not influenced by bias or stereotypes. Upholding these values is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the security profession and fostering a safer, more inclusive society.

Understanding Bias and Availability Bias

A bias is a tendency to think in a certain way, often leading to systematic deviations from rationality or good judgement. One common bias is availability bias, which occurs when people overestimate the importance of information that is readily available to them. For instance, if we frequently see news reports of violent protests, we might overestimate how common or representative such events are. This can skew our perception and lead to unfair generalisations.

Avoiding the Influence of Fake News

Fake news can provoke strong emotional reactions and drive people to act on misinformation. To avoid being misled:

• Verify Sources: Always check the credibility of the news source. Reputable sources are more likely to provide accurate information.
• Cross-Check Information: Look for the same news from multiple reputable sources to ensure its accuracy.
• Be Sceptical of Sensationalism: News that seems overly sensational or emotionally charged should be approached with caution.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common signs of fake news and learn how to critically evaluate the information you encounter. 

The private security industry has a pivotal role in maintaining peace and upholding the values that define British society. By distinguishing between genuine political grievances and acts of delinquency, and by acting with empathy and integrity, we can help create a safer, more cohesive community. Let us remember that in times of unrest, doing the right thing often means looking beyond the immediate cause and addressing the underlying issues with compassion and fairness.

Be an Asset, Not a Liability