Now in its third year, Thank Your Security Officer Day is Corps Security’s annual celebration of front-line security professionals.
As part of a day of celebration, we spent five minutes talking to Oral Cameron, security officer at Motability in Bristol about what being a security professional means to him.
When did you join Corps and what does your current role involve? I joined Corps in December 2019 and work as a security officer at Motability, the company that brings the Motability Scheme to over 630,000 people with disabilities and their families. I work to serve, protect and reassure people in the building and that entails reception duties, working in the post room, patrolling, access and egress and checking and issuing passes. The role changed in Covid as there were fewer people in the building but greater restrictions for how they could move about.
Can you tell us a little about your career background / what was your first job? After I left college, I was a police officer for five years working for the Jamaican Constabulary Force. I was inspired to get into the force because my Dad was a police inspector. I then emigrated to the UK in 2001 and started work in the security sector. Working in the police service has given me a wealth of experience which I can bring to my security officer role.
What’s been your most memorable moment in security? I’ve worked with the Jamaican Prime Minister providing protective services and supporting him to safely welcome other world leaders and dignitaries. It was a fascinating experience.
If you weren’t in security, what would you be doing as a career? I could see myself in a real estate related business. I’m fascinated with the real estate world.
What’s your favourite thing about your job? The fact that no two days are the same. At the moment I’m sitting in for my supervisor, but at other times I can be in the post room, outside the building on patrol, working reception or helping people access the building. The variety is fantastic.
What are the main challenges you face in your daily role? Sometimes people can be a little grumpy, especially about the new ways of working. But overall I love my job and it’s a great place to work.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Australia. My dad used to take me to watch the West Indies play Australia at cricket. I’d love to go to Australia and watch the cricket in the sunshine.
