G4S Technology Ltd. - Experts & Thought Leaders

G4S is the globally renowned integrated security company with operations in approximately 85 countries. At the core of the business is G4S Integrated Security, which combines expertise, security professionals, technology and data analytics. G4S Integrated security G4S delivers integrated security around the world with the last six months having brought significant change for the company. The sale of the conventional cash business has enhanced strategic, commercial and operational focus and strengthened the company’s financial position. G4S is transforming, with an intensified focus on integrated security solutions strategy. They are winning business faster and growing stronger than ever before. Through the launch of the global G4S Academy, the organisation is offering an opportunity to share knowledge and work more collaboratively with customers. Sector specific solutions and a global approach to risk and investment in technology are delivering clear benefits to customers and differentiating G4S’s offering in the security market. Below are some examples of G4S Integrated Security delivered to customers around the world. G4S Americas In the United States, one of G4S Americas’ Security and Risk Operations Centre helps prepare for, monitor and respond to threats from one central location. The Security and Risk Operations Centre, based in Florida, provides integrated security solutions by seamlessly combining monitoring capabilities, data analytics, enterprise risk intelligence and global response services. Through actionable data and valuable insights, G4S experts are able to identify threats early and respond quickly. Their technology enabled intelligence-gathering and data analytics enable customers to know immediately when incidents occur. They also allow the organisation to support customers by optimising spend, mitigating risk and enhancing their security programmes. G4S Europe & Middle East The diverse team of highly-trained security professionals has adapted to the changing security climate At a Critical National Infrastructure site in southwest England, G4S’s connected security professionals use technology and data to assess threats, manage incidents, and keep a large workforce safe. The diverse team of highly-trained security professionals has adapted to the changing security climate and conduct automated fever screening, as people enter their site. Specially trained security professionals use the best technology, including G4S’s proprietary software RISK360, on this complex, long-term project. G4S RISK360 proprietary software G4S RISK360 proprietary software allows the team to manage incidents, instantly share information, and detect patterns and trends. The training of connected security professionals is tailored to the site. They are setting the gold standard on securing critical infrastructure. In 2019, the Singapore Government asked the industry to prioritise technology over manpower through ‘Outcome Based Contracting’. G4S won an important contract to secure 62 schools using the Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment (TVRA) Solution. Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment Solution TVRA risk-based solution combines access control, biometric time and attendance with patrol and response The TVRA (Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment) risk-based solution combines access control, visitor management systems, biometric time and attendance with patrol and response, incident reporting, and remote CCTV monitoring. G4S security professionals and Security Risk Operations Centre are in control of the situation, at all times, using cutting edge technology and data analytics. These are just some of the ways by which G4S is securing the world. G4S Africa In South Africa, G4S security integration of risk consulting, security professionals and technology, for a global FMCG brand, is underpinned by the organisation’s data analytics. G4S security professionals protect valuable goods that are delivered all over the country. From the G4S Security and Risk Operations Centre near Johannesburg, experts use G4S RISK360 proprietary software to enable secure and reliable deliveries. The security software provides critical data and analysis that is then used to monitor and deploy resources to the highest risk areas. This data is continually shared with the customer, laying the foundation for a partnership that is building a more secure future.

Complex terrain, water proximity and wildlife are just some of the considerations that G4S Uganda had to account for when it recently took on a contract to secure a fish farm on the shores of Lake Victoria. The site in Buikwe is owned by Yalelo, one of the largest aquaculture companies in Sub-Saharan Africa, and produces 8,400 tonnes of tilapia fish annually. Plans are underway to scale this up to 30,000 tonnes. Logistical support structures G4S secures the entire production life cycle, covering assets both on land and in water. This includes fish hatchery systems, storage facilities, shops and logistical support structures, pond management areas, animal conservation zones and water access points. “The dual nature of the contract requires operational flexibility and demands a higher level of training, discipline and situational awareness,” says Fred Mugenyi, chief operating officer at G4S Uganda. “Our security officers must adapt to shoreline conditions, open water patrol coordination and more.” Safeguard biological production cycles “Critically, we are supporting a high value aquaculture investment. Our role is not just to prevent unauthorised access but to safeguard biological production cycles, protect specialised infrastructure and maintain environmental compliance standards.” The production cycle begins on land where fingerlings are bred and raised in hatches under controlled conditions. G4S monitors the hatchery facilities, cage preparation areas, feed storage and equipment zones, among other areas. Given the biological sensitivity of this environment, strict monitoring is required to prevent contamination. Structured access control Once matured, the fish are transferred into cages for further growth which are later positioned into the lake in designated zones for larger scale cultivation. “The farm is surrounded by marine life and submerged areas, making aquatic security both essential and technically demanding,” adds Fred. These cages require continuous monitoring to ensure protection against theft, unauthorised boat access and, again, environmental observation. Once harvesting from the cages is complete, the fish are transported to the processing facility where they are cleaned and prepared for distribution. Here, G4S is responsible for protection of the finished products, and monitoring load and dispatch procedures to prevent theft or tampering. With approximately 150 operational staff working within the farm daily, G4S also manages structured access control and crowd flow. Marine patrol orientation To address the risks of water-based operations, every security officer undergoes a swimming proficiency test, water safety training, marine patrol orientation and wildlife handling procedures.  At night, when the risk is heightened, security officers will patrol the site via a boat. Fred says: “This synchronised land-water security model demonstrates G4S’s ability to manage multi-dimensional, high-risk environments. It’s a partnership grounded in trust and operational excellence.”

“Our walls are reinforced with steel plating and we have our own dedicated ventilation system. If there’s a total blackout or a long-term grid failure, we’ll continue to operate without a single second of downtime thanks to a multi-layered backup system.” “Even emergency food and water supplies are on-site so we can stay operational, no matter what happens in the outside world.” Pavel Franko, Managing Director for G4S Czech Republic, could be describing an end-of-the world bunker but it is in fact G4S Czech Republic’s Monitoring and Alarm Receiving Centre in Prague – one of only three such facilities in the country which has ČSN EN 50518:2020 certification. Security monitoring industry “It’s a seal of the highest quality in the security monitoring industry. Customers know that they aren't just relying on a group of people in a room with monitors, but on a technological fortress that functions even in extreme situations,” Pavel explains. Here, G4S carries out remote monitoring and analysis for over 5000 sites on a 24/7 basis. Remote access and alarm system management are other key capabilities. “Active risk management is the centre’s purpose: we minimise response times, consolidate oversight for clients with multiple sites and augment their security officers on the ground.” Verifying access authorisation “We can remotely open supply gates or verify access authorisation via an intercom. If we receive a fire or security alarm alert, we can dispatch a response team or contact the emergency services,” Pavel continues. “And with AI analytics embedded into our video monitoring, operators are immediately alerted to movement in a restricted zone or when a suspicious object is suspected. They will assess the situation and decide if an intervention is necessary or if it’s a false alarm.” Rigorous technical requirements The certification confirms that the building's construction, alarm systems, power supply, and management processes are professionally secured – and staff meet strict professional criteria. Audits are undertaken to ensure these rigorous technical requirements are maintained. Specifically, the walls and doors must withstand forced entry attempts, gunshots, or explosions. There is a two-stage entry verification to ensure no unauthorised person can enter and advanced fire suppression systems that won't damage any electronics. Minimise hacking risks Continuity of technology services is fundamental and a standard outage must not take the centre offline. As well as having backup power, there is also a backup server and two independent data paths to ensure an alarm doesn't disappear into a "black hole" if a cable is accidentally cut on the street, for example. Cybersecurity and data protection are key considerations too. All communications between client sites and the monitoring centre is encrypted, and strict controls are in place to limit access to camera footage and sensitive data. Monitoring systems are separated from the standard internet to minimise hacking risks. Client-specific requirements Staff have to meet strict professional criteria and a minimum number are on shift at all times. They undergo a rigorous onboarding process and comprehensive initial training which covers internal systems, emergency protocols and client-specific requirements. Standardised procedures are embedded into operations; there is no improvisation, just a fast and precise response. Regular refresher courses and specialised drills ensure continuous development and prepares staff for any situation, no matter how complex. “A lot of our clients are banks which have some of the most rigorous security requirements in the world. The monitoring centre is specifically designed to meet and exceed their demands – we are the only reliable partner for those who can’t compromise in security.”

Statistically speaking, incidents of terrorism are unlikely to impact most businesses and institutions. However, the mere possibility of worst-case-scenario attacks is enough to keep security professionals awake at night. Compounding the collective anxiety is the minute-by-minute media coverage when an attack does occur. The immediacy of the shared experience of global tragedy impacts us all – including security system decision-makers. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the rise in terrorism impacting the physical security market?