Security Becoming The Must Have Service For Corporate Offices in Kolkata

The need for security related services has grown over the years given the increasing threat perception and rising crime graph. Although, the role of the state in providing security to its citizens cannot be underestimated, it is practically not possible due to the limited manpower of police. This mismatch to some extent has been possible to be plugged by hiring private security services. Such security service providers in Kolkata, though not legally empowered to replicate the role of police, do a wonderful job in managing security related challenges in different places – hotels, offices, hospitals, multiplexes, entertainment hubs like discs, etc.

Many of these agencies are manned by retired members from the uniformed forces, which make them a stickler for discipline and dedication. The city of Kolkata, like many other places in the country, has become the hub of IT and ITES based companies. The presence of a large number of offices in places like Sector 5 in Saltlake, Rajarhat New Town and Bantala, has given rise to an increased demand for corporate security services. Given that these offices employ a large number of people in various capacities and departments, the need for manning their premises by members of the security service providers in Kolkata has only increased.

Importantly, the nature of work carried out by companies in the IT and ITES sectors demands the premises of such companies to be under surveillance from the standpoint of gaining client’s confidence. As these companies often deal with the confidential data of end customers especially from the European and US based companies, the need to provide high tech security such as access card entry, CCTV etc., besides normal frisking, has become mandatory in many cases.

Based on the requirements mentioned above, corporate security services need to upgrade themselves by becoming tech savvy and versed in the concept of data protection. Does this mean these service providers in Kolkata are battle ready to meet the new challenges? The answer is mostly no though with some notable exceptions.

What needs to be done?

There are dime a dozen security agencies in Kolkata that have come into existence to meet the growing demand for private security. However, many of these agencies do not have the necessary training or wherewithal to cater to the high tech security requirements of big companies. Hence, first and foremost, to separate grain from the chaff, corporates should select security agencies that boast of ISO standardisation. This is to be followed by getting information about the staff such as their antecedents, educational qualification, level of expertise and attributes like showing maturity and patience while dealing with an emergency. The security personnel should be able to provide first aid during emergencies not to mention the ability to handle fire fighting equipments.

A reputed security agency is the need of the hour and corporates would do well to engage those who have the requisite experience, manpower, training and wherewithal.

Mr. Shyamal Karmakar, author of this article is the founder of S&IB Services Private Limited which is one of the most reputed companies in the field of security services.